If you want to be one of the first to try this season’s spectacular wines from Hungary, plan to visit Budapest Nov. 28 - 29. During this time, the New Wine and Cheese Festival is in full swing! Pair your wine with traditional cheeses from throughout the country and you’re in for a treat. The event is located at Vajdahunyad Castle from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday. A day pass is 2,000 forints (approx. 6 euros).

Since you’re already in the area, you might as well check out the castle looming in the background of the festival. Vajdahunyad Castle, built in 1896, is a fantasy work of art that highlights the architectural evolution throughout the centuries in Hungary. Here you’ll find Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles all melded together to form one fantastic structure. The castle is open Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Nov. 1 – March 31), 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (April 1 – Oct. 31) and Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is 1,600 forints (approx. 4.81 euros) per person. The courtyard is free to enter and open all day and night.

Can you ever attend too many castle festivals? I think not. Plan to visit Budapest and the stunning Vajdahunyad Castle in November for another fun-filled festival featuring new wine and cheese!