Wales & Hungary: Special wine unveiled to celebrate Welsh-Hungarian Friendship Day

• Limited edition Bull’s Blood wine unveiled to honour Welsh-Hungarian cultural ties

• ‘Celtic Friendship’ to be showcased at Best of Hungary’s wine tasting events in Mid Wales

• Welsh-Hungarian Friendship Day will see events and activities across both countries on 14th May

4th May 2023 – Hungarians are preparing to mark Welsh-Hungarian Friendship Day with the unveiling of a special edition red wine that celebrates the diverse cultural links between Wales and Hungary.

Sebestyén Winery’s authentic Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), named ‘Celtic Friendship’ in reference to its native Szekszárd’s Celtic heritage, has been selected for the occasion by awarding-winning Aberystwyth business Best of Hungary – the UK’s leading purveyor of Hungarian fine food and wine.

The second annual Welsh-Hungarian Friendship Day, organised by cultural initiative Magyar Cymru, will see many across both countries join the celebrations on Sunday 14th May, by hosting events or marking the occasion on social media.

Wine enthusiasts in Mid Wales will be able to enjoy a glass of Celtic Friendship at a series of wine, cheese, and charcuterie tasting events, with venues including Gwyn Dylanwad in Dolgellau, Gwesty Cymru in Aberystwyth, and the newly opened Gwen Restaurant in Machynlleth.

Monika Gyenes, Director of Best of Hungary, said: “Bull’s Blood is an iconic Hungarian red wine and so we felt this stylish cuvée was perfect for celebrating the long-standing cultural friendship between our two countries. We chose this special vintage from Szekszárd due to the area’s heritage, as Celtic tribes lived in the region from as early as the 5th century B.C.”

Sommelier Csilla Sebestyén, Export Manager of Sebestyén Winery, added: “We’re incredibly proud that our wine has been selected as an ‘ambassador’ to Welsh-Hungarian Friendship Day this year and look forward to bringing an authentic taste of Szekszárd to Wales and beyond. Made from a selection of our finest vineyards, Celtic Friendship is an exceptional example of a contemporary take on this legendary blend.”

This is the second time Hungary and Wales will mark the unique occasion, after Magyar Cymru launched the initiative at a historic Welsh-Hungarian festival in Montgomery, Powys, last year. 

Balint Brunner, Founder of Magyar Cymru and organiser of this year’s Welsh-Hungarian Friendship Day initiative, commented:“On 14th May 2022, hundreds gathered in Montgomery to celebrate Welsh-Hungarian friendship – a story that has transcended generations, formed communities, and brought us closer together. This year, we’re inviting everyone to be part of that story.

“From Aberystwyth to Budapest, a series of events will take place in honour of Welsh-Hungarian Friendship Day, with more and more activities being added to the website weekly as people across both countries prepare to celebrate our shared cultural heritage.”

The initiative’s website, magyar.cymru/14may, hosts a calendar of Welsh-Hungarian Friendship Day activities, as well as a trilingual ‘Get Involved’ guide with tips and ideas for families, businesses, schools, libraries, and artists wanting to join the festivities on Sunday 14th May.