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Entrepreneurship specialisation field trip – Tokaj-Hegyalja

On the last weekend of September, students in the "Entrepreneurship" specialisation participated in a two-day professional study trip to Tokaj-Hegyalja, where they had the opportunity to meet local entrepreneurs, municipal leaders, and tourism professionals who play a key role in the wine region.
Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem

The professional program was organised and accompanied by lecturers from the Department of Business Development and Management. The program aimed to provide students with firsthand knowledge of the operation, challenges, and best practices of rural businesses. 

 

The students summarised their experiences and impressions of the professional trip as follows:  

„Our group of 43 visited first the Rákóczi Castle in Szerencs, which is special because it is open to the public and functions as a museum, a community space, and a library. Ádám Varkoly, the deputy mayor of Szerencs, welcomed us in the castle and talked about his family business, his experiences, and his journey to where he is today. Ádám also owns a winery, and as a deputy mayor, he plays an important role in the local community. We learned that producing Tokaji wines involves strict regulations, with precise rules governing the sale of Tokaji wines.  

After that, the museum director informed us about the castle’s history and the types of events currently held there. The most interesting part was visiting the museum inside the castle, which had three exhibitions. One of them focused on the history of chocolate making in the area, particularly about the Szerencs chocolate and sugar factory. We saw old tools and objects, as well as our all-time favourite snacks, which gave us an insight into the chocolate’s past. The next exhibition displayed postcards. We were told that some of the country’s most significant artists’ works are part of the collection. In separate sections, we could see pieces from different artistic eras, alongside modern and classical creations. The third exhibition focused on the Rákóczi family, showcasing portraits and stories about their lives and the castle’s history as their property. 

 

Our next station was the R27 restaurant, where we could choose from 3 menus. After lunch, the owner, Aida Poroszkai, told us about how the restaurant came to be and the challenges it had faced.  

 

After paying our visit to the restaurant, our next station was wine tasting at Angyal Winery at Rátka, which is located in the heart of Tokaj, among picturesque hills from where the sight 

is marvellous onto the vineyard. From the point of our arrival, we could feel the calmness, elegance and professionalism of the place. They took us through the place, where we could learn about the making process of the wine. We were blown away by the value of the tokajiaszú stored there. József Nagy, the director ot the winery, told us about the making process of the aszú, which was incredibly interesting, how hard it is to gain a decent amount from the shriveled grape. We could taste one of their own wines at every station. Moving forward, we gained knowledge about the cellar, the importance of the mold, the most shocking were the wine cellars, where individuals can store wine for as long as they want.  

 

We also payed our visits to Barka Galéria Hotel and Restaurant in Tállya, the lion-headed ornament of the magnificent oak gate and the centuries-old “scent” hiding in the ancient walls. The building suggests right upon arrival that this is not merely accommodation and dining, but rather a meeting point of experience, art, gastronomy and wine culture, where we could listen to the owner’s daughter, Rebeka Márton, as a young entrepreneur, talk about how she spends her day as one of the most important figures of the business. She participates in the daily operation of the business, including background work and brainstorming.  

 

At the end of the day, the group arrived in Golop, where we stayed in authentic rural guesthouses. After enjoying a dinner baked in a wood-fired oven, János Kovács, founder of the Golop Tourism and Culture Association, gave a presentation on the launch of local tourism development in 2008 and the role of community initiatives in village life. The evening concluded with DJ Williams’ street party in the Golop post garden, which contributed to the group’s evening team-building program. 

 

We started the second day of our trip by visiting French Wall Ltd. Laundry in Golop. The presentation was given by the CEO, Péter Sidlovics. The laundry opened its doors in 2022 and primarily provides high-quality services for hotels and restaurants. We were very impressed by the family-like atmosphere that defines the workplace in Golop. The employees consider themselves part of a second family, which is another reason why Péter’s story was truly motivating. The hotels that once seemed out of reach are now the ones contacting him. We also heard several innovative ideas for the future. 

 

In the afternoon, we spent our time at the Andrássy Mansion, located in Tarcal, in the heart of the Tokaj wine region. Its main profile is to provide high-quality relaxation opportunities for guests. The five-star Wellness & Spa hotel also offers an exceptional gastronomic experience, which we had the chance to enjoy during our visit. We took part in a guided tour, during which we explored both the interior and exterior of the hotel. To our surprise, the hotel even has a hidden cellar system. After the tour, we had the chance to relax in the wellness area for a while. It was a pleasant way to unwind after the trip’s busy schedule and to spend time together as a group.” 

 

The two-day study trip provided an excellent opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience of the operation of rural businesses of various sizes and profiles, as well as forms of cooperation between local governments and companies. It also examined how young entrepreneurs can achieve success in traditional industries such as winemaking, hospitality, and tourism.  

 

The program was led by Dr. Gábor Kerékgyártó, master lecturer and supported by Corvinus University and the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the Youth Enterprise Support Society. 

Written by: Júlia Batári, Gréta Horváth, Eszter Jakus, Fanni Kincses, Maxim Mesits 

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