The Development of Wine Tourism with Service Spaces - Historic Wine Cellars of Hercegkút and Malý Horeš

For centuries, the Municipalities of Hercegkút and Malý Horeš have been shaping traditional winemaking and historic wine cellars, which are an integral part of their image. On the Hungarian side, there are two cellar rows in Hercegkút (Gomboshegyi and Kőporosi) that are included in the UNESCO world heritage and which are part of the historical Tokaj wine region. On the Slovak side, there are andesite stone cellars in Malý Horeš (Kisgéres), reminiscent of bygone times.
The WineCellars project was mainly aimed at developing the infrastructure of wine cellars, improving their availability, accessibility and expanding services, and at enhancing unique and unrepeatable gastronomic and cultural-tourist attractions and experiences. Investments (such as roads, paved sidewalks, social facilities, etc.) have further increased the attractiveness of municipalities without affecting or changing the function and appearance of historic buildings and cellars. Both border municipalities are characterized by active local cultural and social activities.
Wine organizations take care of local traditions and also help with the use of development locations. The investment has created new diverse tourism programs and new services that will allow to reach more people and more target groups. All of this contributes to the strengthening of the identity of the rural population, local employment and income generation.
Another priority of the project was to reduce the negative impact on the environment and preserve the natural environment and green areas.
In Hercegkút, at the end of the road leading to the Kőporos cellar row, a new paved car park with an electric charging station has been expanded. The macadam road is lit and a paved connecting path has been built towards the Tourist House. Three apartments with showers have been created in the Tourist House.
In the historic cellars of Malý Horeš following were built as part of the development: water blocks, paved walkways and a gastronomic pavilion. New outdoor equipment, park furniture, outdoor camera system and information board were installed.