Suspended over the Hungarian vineyards, the Sauska Tokaj winery
Designed by Bord Architectural Studio under the concept ‘Untouched Untouchable’, this new architecture reinterprets the winemaking tradition with a contemporary vision in dialogue with the landscape and local memory.
For almost twenty years, one of Hungary’s most important wineries, today the new Sauska Tokaj stands as the heart of the estate and a new landmark for gastronomy and local tourism in the Tokaj-Hegyalja region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The design challenge, taken on by Bord Architectural Studio, was to create a modern and impactful winery capable of celebrating dry white wines and sparkling wines, which, despite its size, could blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape without altering it, while at the same time offering a unique experience and breathtaking panoramic views.
The initial concept, “Untouched Untouchable,” as described by Péter Bordás – founder of Bord Studio – aimed to achieve a seemingly impossible structure: present yet physically independent from its environment, appearing to float lightly above the vineyard landscape.
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The site, on the volcanic slopes of Padi Hill, was the inspiration for this new vision developed by the studio: on the southern side of the hill rise two new buildings, two superimposed circular volumes, each 36 meters in diameter, housing the public areas, including the restaurant and bar.
Below these new structures lie the wine production facilities, which require stable temperatures and large spaces. The circular fermentation halls house stainless steel tanks arranged in concentric rings, with the oak barrel aging area at the center. A tunnel running along the longitudinal axis of the building accommodates the mechanical systems for raw material processing and functions as the shipping area for finished products.
The operational areas – pressing, bottling, and labeling – are organized in a rectangular layout connected to the underground spaces. These are defined by a cool, metallic aesthetic, contrasting with the warm tones of the visitor areas above.
The winery welcomes visitors with a broad pathway offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards, leading from the parking area to the entrance of the new structure, seamlessly integrated into the slope of the terrain. Here, a transitional space guides guests to the main hall, from which the public areas and panoramic terrace can be accessed. Once above, the view opens onto the agricultural landscape, delivering a truly unique experience.
The interior of the structure is defined by warm tones, the use of wood, and tall curved ceilings that narrow towards the exterior, guiding the eye to the landscape. Designed by Tihany Design, the spaces and materials are primarily inspired by local winemaking traditions: natural wood surfaces, local limestone cladding, while steel details in furnishings and access points recall the operational areas and add a refined, contemporary touch to the environment.
Immersed in the surrounding landscape, the new Sauska Tokaj winery emerges as a work of Land Art, integrating its organic volumes into the territory while preserving its beauty. An architecture that becomes a bridge between tradition, the memory of place, and a contemporary vision of tourism.
