A gravity-defying winery by architect Péter Bordás in the heart of Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary

Set among the gently rolling hills of Rátka in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tokaj-Hegyalja region of Hungary, the Sauska Tokaj Winery designed by BORD Architectural Studio emerges as a striking yet harmonious architectural presence. Its lens-shaped volumes seem to levitate over the vineyards, forming a bold silhouette that enhances the visual identity of the landscape. Beyond its sculptural form, the winery also elevates the region’s reputation in both tourism and viticulture.

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Tokaj – A Sacred Land of Wine

Tokaj has long been a fertile ground for winemaking, thanks to its volcanic soil and continental climate. Even before the Hungarian Conquest, settlers inhabited the valleys, carving deep wine cellars into rhyolite tuff. For centuries, the region was best known for its legendary sweet wine, aszú, aged in oak barrels. During the socialist era, mass production overshadowed traditional techniques and innovation. However, since the early 2000s and following Hungary’s political transformation, Tokaj has undergone a renaissance. New wineries and an emerging tourism scene have brought fresh vitality, though infrastructure is still catching up.

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Architectural Vision

The Sauska Tokaj Winery was conceived as a statement piece that communicates the vibrant complexity and energy of Tokaj wines to a global audience. The project called for a modern, highly recognizable facility specializing in dry white and sparkling wines, while also offering hospitality and culinary experiences. The site—an elevated plot surrounded by some of Tokaj’s most iconic settlements—posed both inspiration and architectural challenge.

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

A Philosophy of "Untouchable Architecture"

Inspired by the undulating hills and expansive vineyards, Bordás sought to create a form that floats above the terrain without disturbing its essence. A playful beanbag model was used during design presentations, humorously depicting the building as if "the hill had eyes"—breathing life into the landscape itself.

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

A New Symbol on the Hill

Located on the southern slope of Padi Hill, the winery consists of two intersecting lens-shaped volumes, each 36 meters wide. These floating upper structures are open to visitors, while the temperature-sensitive production and storage facilities are housed underground. The cellar level features dramatic, circular fermentation chambers with stainless steel tanks arranged concentrically around a central aging area filled with wooden barrels. Above, the restaurant and bar appear to float—suspended by slim steel columns—with sunlight enhancing the illusion of weightlessness as it moves across the building’s underside.

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Approach and Spatial Experience

The entrance is discreetly embedded into the sloping terrain, preserving the integrity of the building’s sculptural presence. A broad pathway from the parking area leads visitors along a scenic route overlooking the vineyards. Upon entering, guests pass through an intimate transitional space into a skylit corridor that opens to the panoramic terrace. Inside, the curved ceilings of the restaurant and bar narrow toward the view, naturally drawing the eye outward. Stepping onto the terrace, visitors are immersed in the vast, cinematic landscape of Tokaj.

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Interior Design Rooted in Local Culture

Designed by Tihany Design, the interiors reflect the traditions of Tokaj’s wine culture. Natural wood finishes, locally sourced limestone, and steel accents create a refined yet inviting atmosphere. The material palette evokes the enduring essence of the vineyards—timeless, natural, and elegant.

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Integration of Function and Form

The winery’s production zones—including pressing, bottling, and labeling—are organized into a rectangular layout directly connected to the fermentation cellars. Grapes enter and finished wines exit through a tunnel that runs along the building’s longitudinal axis, which also houses vital mechanical systems. The cold, metallic aesthetic of the cellar forms a sharp visual and emotional contrast with the warm, vibrant atmosphere of the visitor spaces above.

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

A Fusion of Architecture and Culture

The Sauska Tokaj Winery is more than a production facility—it is a cultural landmark that expresses the rich legacy and evolving spirit of Tokaj through contemporary architecture. Fusing tradition and innovation, the winery captures the essence of a land that continues to evolve while honoring its past.

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow

About BORD Architectural Studio

Founded in 2006, BORD Architectural Studio is committed to designing spaces that are both timeless and emotionally engaging. With offices in Budapest, Debrecen, and Zurich, the studio is led by Ybl Prize-winning architect Péter Bordás, who also serves as its founder and chief designer. In Debrecen, the studio’s major projects include urban-scale works that shape the city’s identity, such as the Nagyerdei Stadium—Hungary’s first modern football stadium—which revitalized the surrounding City Park district. Other key projects include the Aquaticum Spa, the International School of Debrecen, the University Innovation Centre, the Forest Offices, and Hotel Mercure. BORD’s portfolio also includes internationally acclaimed winery projects such as the Etyeki Kúria Winery, BudaPrés Cider, the Lónyay-Hatvany Villa in the Buda Castle District, and the Holdvölgy Winery in Mád. The latter is noted for its seamless integration with the natural landscape.