BORD designs Sauska Tokaj winery to hover over vineyards
The Sauska Tokaj Winery in Rátka, Hungary, represents a rare harmony between architecture, heritage, and winemaking excellence. Designed by BORD Architectural Studio, the building rises from the UNESCO-protected Tokaj-Hegyalja region, appearing as though it floats lightly above the vineyards.
Its futuristic, lens-shaped form brings a sense of modernity to the hills while honoring a landscape shaped by centuries of viticulture. More than a winery, it serves as a destination where design, gastronomy, and hospitality intertwine with the story of one of Europe’s oldest wine regions.
Tokaj’s legacy in viticulture stretches back over a thousand years, long before Hungary’s statehood. Its volcanic soil, rich in minerals, and continental climate with long, sunny autumns have given birth to wines of global renown, most famously the sweet and complex Tokaji Aszú.
During the socialist era, mass production diminished the reputation of local wines, but the region has since undergone a renaissance. Independent wineries like Sauska have been at the forefront of this revival, focusing on premium dry whites and sparkling wines that showcase the full expression of Tokaj’s terroir.
The design of the Sauska Tokaj winery embodies this new energy. Architect Péter Bordás envisioned a building that touches the earth lightly, inspired by the rolling vineyards surrounding Padi Hill. Two intersecting circular forms appear suspended in the air, supported by slender steel columns.
The structure’s elevated position gives visitors sweeping views of the countryside, turning every visit into a sensory journey. By situating the production facilities underground and dedicating the upper levels to visitor experiences, the architecture reflects both practicality and artistry.
Inside the underground cellars, functionality meets precision. Circular fermentation halls house stainless steel tanks arranged in concentric order around oak barrels, emphasizing both tradition and innovation.
A tunnel running through the building ensures efficient workflow for grape processing, bottling, and shipping, while also accommodating mechanical systems. This separation of industrial and public spaces allows the visitor experience above ground to remain serene and immersive.
Hospitality is at the heart of the BORD winery’s mission. The interiors, designed by Tihany Design, combine natural wood, local stone, and refined steel detailing to create warm yet elegant spaces. The restaurant and bar extend into the floating lens-shaped structures, where curved ceilings frame panoramic views.
A wide terrace offers an uninterrupted perspective of the vineyards, reinforcing the sense of connection between architecture and landscape. Each element, from the skylit entrance corridor to the expansive terrace, was conceived to heighten the visitor’s emotional engagement with Tokaj.
As a landmark of contemporary wine tourism, Sauska Tokaj Winery contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of the region. It embodies the balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation, a duality that defines modern Hungarian winemaking.
With its bold design, meticulous craftsmanship, and commitment to sharing Tokaj’s wines with the world, the winery has become both a beacon for international visitors and a source of pride for local communities.
Photo: Hufton + Crow
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