Sauska Tokaj Winery BY BORD: A FLOATING LANDMARK IN HUNGARY The goal is to create a seemingly implausible structure, one that is there, yet physically independent of its surrounding environment.
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Hovering lightly above the UNESCOprotected vineyards, the winery blends contemporary architecture with centuries of winemaking tradition.
shaped volumes, the building appears to levitate—its light, sculptural forms contrasting with the heavy earthbound rhythms of the vines.
Nestled in the UNESCO-protected TokajHegyalja region of northeastern Hungary, the Sauska Tokaj Winery is as much a cultural landmark as it is a production facility. Designed by BORD Architectural Studio, the project reimagines the traditional winery as an immersive architectural experience. Hovering above the vineyards in two intersecting lens-
Far from being a mere gesture, this “floating” quality embodies the winery’s mission: to present Tokaj wines on the world stage with energy, elegance, and innovation, while respecting the centuries-old heritage of the region. Tokaj’s volcanic soils and continental climate have nurtured viticulture for over a millennium. Its famed aszú sweet wines brought global prestige, making “Tokaji” a byword for quality in royal courts and wine cellars alike. Yet the socialist era imposed industrialized mass production that undermined artisanal traditions.
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Since Hungary’s political transition in the 1990s, Tokaj has undergone a renaissance. Boutique wineries, tourism infrastructure, and international investment have elevated its profile once more. The Sauska Tokaj winery is emblematic of this renewal: a contemporary facility rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to innovate.
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