Next stop: the 'Provence of Central Europe'! Jump aboard Hungary's first hop-on, hop-off wine bus through its gorgeous vineyards that you've probably never even heard of

Published: 11:59 EDT, 3 November 2026 | Updated: 11:59 EDT, 3 November 2026 As we cruise down bucolic lanes – Katrina And The Waves blasting on the stereo – golden light bathes the vineyards all around us, with Lake Balaton glistening in the distance.I am on the brilliant new hop-on, hop-off bus service operating around Lake Balaton's Balatonfured-Csopak wine region, the 'Little Provence' of Hungary – and I'm having a ball.The bus, a 1984 DAF model with open-air seats at the back, launched earlier this year.It's the brainchild of Virag Szabo, a former energy firm communications director, who often spent her summer holidays in the small lakeside town of Balatonfured but, without a car, was frustrated at not being able to visit the many local vineyards (taxis were too expensive). 'Then, when I went travelling in South Africa on the vintage wine tram that runs between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, I got the idea to do something similar here in Hungary,' she says.The wine bus runs every two hours, starting at 11am just around the corner from the comfortable Anna Grand Hotel, where I'm staying in Balatonfured. Our writer beside the new hop-on, hop-off wine bus service operating around Lake Balaton's Balatonfured-Csopak region in Hungary The tour stopped at four wineries, including Kecze & Hady (producing award-winning sparkling wine), Kern, Koczor Cantina and Jasdi WineryThe route covers 20 wineries, many of which are perched on hills down quiet lanes. Guests can choose up to four wineries on each day's trip.It's proved a hit, attracting more than 1,000 passengers since launching. The service, which has a capacity of 44 passengers, runs from mid-May to mid-October.Its full name – 46° Balaton Wine Bus – is a reference to the region occupying roughly the same latitude as Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhone. I honestly think the wine here is just as good.During our tour we stop off at four wineries, including Kecze & Hady (producing award-winning sparkling wine), Kern, Koczor Cantina and Jasdi Winery.Dora Koczor of Koczor Cantina is the only female winemaker but, over a bowl of 'hen' soup at the lovely Koczor Inn, says: 'If you work hard and do your job properly, I don't think it matters if you're a man or a woman.'All the winemakers are charming. Zoltan Kecze of Kecze & Hady proudly shows us his wine cellar and explains how the Hobbit-like door is perfectly aligned with feng shui energy to bring fortune and sunshine to the wine barrels.It seems to be paying off as Kecze's wines, made without additives or preservatives, are sulphite and hangover free, he says.I leave with happy memories. This is the perfect way to explore Balaton – no driving required.