The Tarcal Viticulture and Oenology Research Institute's exhibition on the history of the wine region

The history of the Harvesting House is closely intertwined with the golden age of the Rákóczi family and Tokaj-Hegyalja. The building dates back to the 17th–18th centuries, when it played a key role as an estate of the Rákóczi princes in managing the harvests, processing grapes, and storing princely wines. According to oral tradition and historical sources, even Prince Ferenc II Rákóczi himself visited the building during the autumn work. The elegant vaulted rooms, thick brick walls, and the vaulted spaces leading to the cellar system served the professional operation of the estate's winemaking. From the late 19th century, especially during the replanting period after the phylloxera epidemic, the building and the surrounding estate became one of the most important centres for Hungarian viticultural and oenological research, preserving its original purpose of supporting high-quality grape cultivation and winemaking.

The exhibition housed within the walls of the Harvesting House primarily showcases the building's own history, its former owners, and the development of the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region. The display takes visitors through the milestones of the wine region's formation, introducing the evolution of grape cultivation and winemaking culture from the early modern period to the present day. The exhibition places particular emphasis on the history of local grape varieties and the process by which Tokaj Aszú gained its world-renowned status in royal and princely courts.

In addition to the historical exhibition, the Rákóczi Harvesting House offers visitors an authentic Tokaj-Hegyalja experience. As part of the programme, guests can sample wines from the Research Institute's own selection and, accompanied by an expert guide, explore the historic cellar beneath the building.

The Rákóczi Harvesting House is a natural stop for gentle and responsible tourism. Its location is strategically significant: it lies directly at the junction of the route leading to the Andrássy Mansion and the Blessing Christ statue. Thanks to this, it is seamlessly connected to the various cycling and hiking trails that traverse Hegyalja, making it a welcoming destination for environmentally conscious travellers arriving on two wheels or on foot.

However, sustainability here is not only reflected in green mobility but also in the preservation of cultural and agricultural theoretical values. The Research Institute is a prominent centre for the preservation and exploration of the wine region's values, ensuring that Tokaj-Hegyalja's unique cultural landscape is preserved for future generations through the conservation of traditional grape varieties, the protection of the wine region's genetic resources, and the scientific care of its historical heritage.

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