Many people in the West don't realize that Hungary has a rich tradition of wine making, but the House of Hungarian Wines in Budapest aims to change that. Located in the historic Castle District of Buda, this temple of oenological knowledge offers guided wine-tasting walks in its special wine cellar, seated wine tastings accompanied by food and a presentation by a wine expert in the reception hall, and wine courses of varying intensity for those who just can't get enough wine knowledge. Enjoy samples of dozens of wines from different grape-growing regions, such as the Balatonfüred-Csopak, Somló, and Tokaj-Hegyalja regions (try repeating those names after a few glasses of wine), and learn about the effects the different terrain has on the flavors. The Tokaj-Hegyalja region, for example, is known for producing red wines with a high alcohol, sugar, and acid content, while the Somló area produces rich white wines from Riesling and other grapes grown in its volcanic soil. And whether it's a casual tasting or an intensive wine course, you'll come away from a visit to the House of Hungarian Wines with great grape education. Guests at the nearby Le Meridien Budapest hotel might want to drop by for a formal introduction to a family of excellent wines.