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From lunching in a Benedictine abbey to sampling rose at scenic wineries – Charlotte Cullinan hears what tickled the taste buds of Hilary Honess, winner of Secret Vineyards’ competition with TTG.
When searching for the perfect sparkling rose, agent Hilary Honess recommends a bottle of refreshing Lollipop rose pearl wine. “It’s an absolutely gorgeous drink, and really refreshing.”
Honess first tried the bubbly tipple on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking Hungary’s Konyari vineyard, which grows the Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah grapes that make the wine.
Her visit in June was part of a three-night trip with specialist Secret Vineyards. The part-owner of the Independent Holiday Shop in Winchester won a competition in TTG to join the small-group tour Exploring the Hidden Gems of Hungary.
The trip was the first offered by Secret Vineyards when it was founded nearly two years ago, and the company has since expanded its portfolio to include gourmet tours to Italy and Spain. Its next destinations will be Australia, the US and Croatia.
Alongside her husband Andrew and eight couples, Honess enjoyed some of the best examples of Hungarian food and drink. The group was based in Gyor in north-west Hungary, and on their first morning they visited the Benedictine Pannonhalma Archabbey, where monks have been making wine for more than 1,000 years. After a tour the group tasted seven wines and enjoyed a four-course lunch at the restaurant. Honess says: “We had an incredible slow-cooked beef goulash then sat on the patio enjoying the wine. I’d not had much Hungarian wine before, but it was far superior to what I’ve had at home.”
That evening, after working up an appetite strolling around Gyor, the group tucked into prawn risotto, buffalo burgers and steaks at a local restaurant recommended by Secret Vineyards. “We had a lovely meal and a drink each. The restaurant was good value at £11 for two of us.”
The next day saw the group travel to Lake Balaton, central Europe’s largest freshwater lake, where Honess discovered one of Hungary’s sweetest culinary offerings – “spaghetti ice”. “It’s a delicate ice cream made in long strands, and it’s delicious.”
Honess’s tastebuds were then treated to Lollipop’s raspberry and strawberry notes at the family-run Konyari Winery. During a tour she learnt about the processes involved in making its award-winning wines, before sampling several alongside a five-course meal in the restaurant. Since returning Honess has promoted Secret Vineyards to clients and hopes to make her first booking soon. For all Secret Vineyards bookings agents receive a case of wine. “The trips would suit discerning clients who have travelled extensively and are looking to discover somewhere different,” Honess says.
Secret Vineyards also sells bottles via its website. Honess adds: “It’s great if customers don’t want to carry bottles back. I’d like to buy some, and I think I’ll start with the Lollipop.”
Book it: The fully-escorted three-night tour starts at £499pp. The price includes transfers, accommodation with breakfast, wine tastings and some meals, but excludes flights.
Gastronomic selling tips, by Hilary Honess
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