This October, the Tulipán Foundation brought the spirit of the Hungarian grape harvest to life with two unforgettable celebrations in New York City, each offering unique insight into one of Hungary’s most cherished seasons. Together, these gatherings reflected what makes harvest time so special, as a celebration not only of abundance, but of the communal effort it takes to cultivate the crops and nurture the accompanying traditions.
The festivities began on Saturday, October 4, at Scandinavia House with a family-friendly celebration that invited guests of all ages to dive into the sights, sounds, and flavors of the harvest. Guests joined a lively parade led by Fényes Banda, a traditional Hungarian folk music ensemble, and explored interactive craft stations guided by award-winning artisans and students from the Nádudvar Folk Handicrafts Vocational High School. From basket weaving to woodcarving and corn husk crafting, participants got a hands-on glimpse into techniques still practiced across Hungary today.
One highlight of the afternoon was the interactive winemaking experience, where children and adults alike crushed grapes by hand and learned traditional methods of winemaking. The 21+ crowd was then invited to enjoy a curated tasting of award-winning wines from Benedek Winery and Tibor Gál, led by ethnographer and wine expert László Mód, whose storytelling brought Hungary’s viticultural practices to life. Traditional treats, from pogácsa to sweet grape-and-cheese bites, completed the immersive experience, ensuring that every guest could savor the flavors of fall.
A few days later, on Thursday, October 9, the celebrations continued at Brooklyn Winery with an intimate wine tasting, giving many newcomers a glimpse of the Tulipán Foundation’s immersive approach to cultural programming. The evening began with a talk on Hungary’s diverse wine regions and harvest traditions, led once again by László Mód and Athena Bochanis, founder of Palinkerie, the importer of all wines featured.
Live music by Fészer Banda and Hunor Kosbor, a gifted violinist and Tulipán grantee, set the tone for the tasting, while guests explored a variety of hands-on craft stations and a stunning display of woven baskets by Márta Legeza. Guests also enjoyed a variety of harvest bites, rounding out an evening that blended the richness of Hungarian wine culture with the warmth of folk traditions.
Across both events, we were delighted to see so many guests come together to celebrate the enduring spirit of Hungarian harvest traditions. These gatherings remind us that the season of abundance is about more than the wine itself. It’s about the joy of sharing what we have cultivated for centuries in our culture, our communities, and our hearts.