Fifty wineries from twenty-two Hungarian wine regions will be presenting their wines under the trees of the Great Forest between July 31 and August 2, 2025 while we can listen to the best of Hungarian jazz.
The jazz festival, which has been bringing together the best of wine and jazz since 2015 under the name Debrecen Wine and Jazz Days, looks back on more than five decades of history, offering a special encounter for lovers of quality experiences. On the shores of Lake Békás, in the natural embrace of the Nagyerdő forest, visitors are welcomed by cool foliage during the day and a forest of lights and jazz melodies in the evening. One of the country’s largest wine festivals and jazz events, this year it once again brings together two worlds: a three-day journey of wine and music where all the senses come into play.
At Wednesday evening’s press conference, Mayor László Papp said that the Wine and Jazz Days are a traditional summer event in Debrecen, having been held since 1972. According to the city leader, Lake Békás is a venue with a unique atmosphere. “The Great Forest is in the heart of every Debrecen resident, and if it is spiced up with a little wine and a little jazz, then that’s all you need, so every Debrecen resident has a place here,” he added.
All Hungarian wine regions (Balaton, Danube, Upper Pannonia, Upper Hungary, Pannonia, Tokaj) and the major historical wine regions of the Carpathian Basin – Transylvania, Upper Hungary, as well as Marlborough (New Zealand), Champagne (France), Trento (Italy), and Comtats de Barcelona (Spain). Guests can sample wines from a total of 17 Hungarian wine regions, 4 regions beyond the border and 4 foreign countries – a wine journey of this scale, spanning time and space, is unprecedented in Debrecen.
Fifty wineries await visitors in 35 wooden houses, transforming the Great Forest into a veritable “wine map”: with a glass in hand and immersed in conversation, guests can get to know the winemakers, wineries, and hidden treasures of the wine regions—and delve into the world of Hungarian and international wine culture according to their own tastes. Guests can learn about the special character of volcanic wine regions, the philosophy of organic wineries, and this year’s featured grape variety, Italian Riesling.
This year, for the first time, a Hungarian grape variety will be given a thematic focus: Italian Riesling, which has surprises and discoveries in store for everyone. Italian Riesling is one of the most significant white grape varieties in the Carpathian Basin, and in recent years it has also entered the forefront of international wine competitions: at the 2024 GROW du Monde competition (co-organized by wine writer Zoltán Győrffy, a member of the Wine and Jazz Days professional team), numerous Hungarian wines achieved outstanding success among 349 wines from 7 countries.
The VisitDebrecen wooden house will showcase the winning wines of the Debrecen City Wine 2025 competition, including Törley François President Brut, Koch Cserszegi Fűszeres, Thummerer Cabernet Sauvignon Superior, Bujdosó Italian Riesling Selection and Naár 6 puttonyos Aszúja. In addition to all this, Debrecen will become the jazz capital of Hungary, as forty bands and 190 musicians will perform in the Nagyerdő over three days.
The musical program features the cream of the Hungarian jazz scene: experienced masters and up-and-coming talents alike. One of the most exciting formations on the Hungarian Latin jazz scene, the Révész Richárd Latin Sextet will bring the passion of the tropics to the Hungarian stage for one night with guest performances by Cuban artists, while the Peet Project will prove its worth with its Billboard chart successes. The Kálmán Oláh Trio will perform with American saxophonist Tim Ries, who accompanied the Rolling Stones on two world tours as a member of the band and has also worked with such outstanding artists as John Patitucci, Stevie Wonder, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and David Lee Roth.
The Péter Sárik Trio and Nikoletta Szőke will perform a joint concert reinterpreting the world’s most famous pop hits in the language of jazz. The show takes the audience on a musical journey through time, with iconic songs by ABBA, the Beatles, Depeche Mode, Phil Collins, Kylie Minogue, Adele, Queen, and Alphaville in a completely new yet familiar sound. Other special performers at the festival include Enyedi Sugárka Jazz Tett, who will perform Latin-influenced jazz music, Honky Crew feat. Dani Milano, who will conjure up a Gatsby atmosphere in the Nagyerdő with their electro swing, and Malek Andi Soulistic, where Hungarian folk music, jazz and Latin rhythms come together in a sensitive and powerful concert experience. Tamás Tettamanti will premiere his latest album, presenting it for the first time in Debrecen with his progressive jazz ensemble.
Zita Dobos, managing director of Főnix Rendezvényszervező Kft., also announced that a series of masterclasses will be held for the first time in 2025 for those with a serious interest in wine. Iconic figures from the world of wine will reveal the most exciting secrets of winemaking in their own unique style during guided tastings. These programs offer not only learning opportunities, but also a truly communal and inspiring experience. In addition, wine yoga, a champagne show, and wine tasting programs will add variety to the offerings. Families are welcome at the Galiba Children’s Corner, while the country’s best restaurants and street food exhibitors provide culinary experiences at the gastronomic stands.
You can find out more about the Debrecen Wine and Jazz Days on the festival’s website and Facebook page.
Source: dehir.hu
