A 1998 Tokaji, the year we met, called for something equally special: homemade foie gras torchon. Three days, a bamboo sushi mat, a pair of tweezers and one very good bottle of wine later, Thanksgiving suddenly felt rather luxurious.

Gulyás carries a lot of Hungarian history in a single bowl: soup, not stew, plenty of paprika, strong opinions about what belongs in the pot, and a long journey across Central Europe. Here’s the Hungarian version, plus what to drink with it.

From Hungary to Milan and Tokyo, discover the fascinating journey of the humble schnitzel, its shared culinary history, and why a rare volcanic Chardonnay 809 from France's Auvergne is the perfect pairing for crispy breaded cutlets and braised sauerkraut.

Péter Wetzer’s Kékfrankos from Sopron tells a story of wind-swept vineyards, organic farming, and a cellar rich with its own wild yeast culture. His Spern Steiner Kékfrankos, crafted from 60-year-old vines on slate and quartzite, bursts with dark berries, spice, and deep minerality. Paired with a hearty Hungarian lamb stew, it becomes a vibrant expression of West Hungary’s winemaking legacy.