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When you think of Tokaj, Hungary probably comes to mind. But did you know that this wine region also includes a part of Slovakia? It is precisely in this part that Macik Winery is located, which we visited during one of our trips.
Macik Winery is a place where decades of tradition meet great passion and modernity. During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet Jaro Macik—the owner of the winery—who shared a few of his secrets with us and spoke about his mission.
This article is not intended to promote alcohol, but rather enotourism, heritage and winemaking traditions, as well as the passion and craftsmanship of the owners.
Location and access
Macik Winery is located in the village of Malá Tŕňa, at the exact address Medzipivničná 174. It lies less than 5 kilometers from the Hungarian border, and the nearest large city is Košice, 59 kilometers away, as well as Sárospatak (Hungary), located 23 kilometers from the winery.
Right next to Macik Winery there is a small parking area where you can leave your car. Before or after visiting the winery, be sure to also go to the Tokaj viewing tower, which is described later in the text.
About Macik Winery
Near the Hungarian border, in the village of Malá Tŕňa, there is an extraordinary winery. It takes its name from the Macik family, which has been involved in winemaking for four generations. Jaro Macik, the current owner, makes sure that the wines he produces have a Tokaj soul while maintaining a modern character. Winemaking traditions in the family were revived in 1995 and have continued uninterrupted ever since. There are nine wineries in the village of Malá Tŕňa.
It is worth noting that this is the only winery in the region that holds an official “Bio” (organic) certificate. Production follows the highest quality standards, which is clearly reflected in the taste of the wines.
The winery has been repeatedly recognized in various competitions. It has won first place seven times in the Slovak Wine of the Year competition, second place five times, and third place three times. The most recent award in the Wine of the Year 2023 competition went to TOKAJSKÝ VÝBER 3-putňový 2009, which took second place.
Macik Winery has also made a strong mark at the Danube Wine Challenge, where it won three gold medals and took first place in the Tokaj wine category.
Wines Produced
Jaro Macik’s philosophy is to create wines that are different—slightly going against the grain—yet surprising with excellent flavor and the heart put into them. He is the “brain” behind the winery and oversees every stage of wine production. The owner invests heavily in technology in order to achieve the best possible results.
Among the wines produced on site, you will find a wide variety of styles. One of the highlights is the MONO line, which was recognized as one of the TOP 10 wine projects in the world in 2015. These are unique wines made from a single grape variety from a single vineyard. In the shop, you will find Zeta Muscat, a pleasant semi-sweet wine with interesting aromas.
Another wine worth special attention is Botris. It is most often chosen by Michelin-starred restaurants and has won numerous awards and medals at international competitions. This cuvée is made from the Furmint and Lipovina grape varieties harvested late. Its sweetness comes from noble rot, which reduces the water content in the grapes and increases their sugar concentration. Botris is a wine with a protected designation of origin and is bottled in half-liter bottles. Botris truly surprises—and that is one of the reasons it came back with us to Kielce! 🙂
The winery also offers Tokaj classics: three-, four-, and five-puttonyos Tokaj wines, as well as Szamorodni. The latter is made from three basic Tokaj grape varieties: Furmint, Lipovina (Hungarian: Hárslevelű), and Yellow Muscat. Classic Tokaj wines are produced by adding specially selected, late-harvested grapes affected by noble rot to the base wine. These grapes are added using special containers called puttons (each holding about 25 kg of grapes) to 136-liter barrels. The more puttons are added, the richer the wine’s flavor and aroma.
The winery also produces two red wines, although these are made from grapes sourced from other regions, as traditionally only white grapes are grown in Tokaj. An interesting specialty is Pet-Nat (Bum Bac), which gets its bubbles from natural fermentation. It is slightly cloudy and contains yeast sediment, but its taste is fresh and light. This was the first time this wine was produced. More traditional sparkling wines are also made on site using the classic Champagne method, such as Sekt Simoni.
The winery operates an online shop and also delivers wines to Poland; for larger orders, shipping is often free.
Cellars
During our visit to Macik Winery, we had the chance to explore the cellars. These are no ordinary underground spaces—they date back to the 5th and 13th centuries. Stretching about a kilometer in length, they were formed by connecting the cellars beneath several houses. The cellars serve multiple purposes. In addition to their primary function as wine-aging spaces, they also house a wine bank, where bottles can be stored as an investment. There are around 100,000 bottles kept there!
The cellars are also used for tastings and other events. Most areas are lit, but the lighting is soft enough that sometimes we walk in semi-darkness. As is typical in cellars, the temperature inside is much lower than outside (during the warmer months), and the walls and ceilings are covered with a soft layer of mold.
Fun Facts
The very title of this article might have piqued your curiosity, so it’s time to explain a few things. Why are popes mentioned here? The answer is simple. One of the wines, specifically Botris, is purchased by the Vatican and enjoyed by Pope Francis. Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II also had their favorite wines from Macik Winery.
Wines from Macik Winery are served in 25 Michelin-starred restaurants! This is an extraordinary recognition for the producer, reflecting the exceptional quality of their wines.
You can also try a local beer on site. Tokaj Macik Winery IPA is a classic Indian Pale Ale, with citrus fruit notes and hints of grape. It has a light bitterness and is sold in 0.33-liter bottles.
Winery Offerings – Not Just Wine
As expected from a winery, the primary focus here is winemaking. You can, of course, arrange a tasting with a guide or winemaker in the medieval cellars, or enjoy it solo at the Wine & Coffee bar.
Beyond wine production, which Jaro has perfected over the years, the winery also offers overnight stays. Guests can choose standard rooms or stay in barrel-shaped accommodations. These small barrel-shaped units accommodate two people each and are equipped with a shower and an external toilet.
At the winery, you can also order breakfasts and tasting snacks. In addition to the barrel accommodations, which provide space for 12 guests, there is the Macik Guesthouse on the winery grounds, offering 8 rooms for a total of 22 people.
Tokaj Observation Tower
Near Macik Winery, there is an interesting observation tower shaped like a wine barrel, and entry is free of charge. From the top, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Slovak Tokaj and the surrounding vineyards, including Macik Winery itself. At the top, informational panels describe the visible hills and valleys.
At the base of the tower, there is a sheltered area with a table and benches, where you can rest while enjoying the stunning scenery. From Macik Winery, you can either walk here on foot or drive, with parking available along the street. Watch out for a few potholes along the way.
Worth Visiting?
Macik Winery is a perfect choice when planning a visit to Slovak Tokaj. Jaro Macik’s immense passion and expertise, combined with excellent wines and the beautiful surroundings, make this place highly recommendable. Our visit to the winery wasn’t long, but we already know that next time we’re in the area, we’d love to stay for a night or two!
