Memento Park, one of Budapest’s most unique open-air museums, is continuing its one-of-a-kind tourism and cultural initiative this year: the “Up with the Reds and Whites!” themed wine tasting series, which kicks off on April 4, 2026, with an evening titled Revolutionary Youth Days, focusing on innovations in Hungarian winemaking from the fall of communism to the present day. The program offers both a historical insight and a gastronomic experience, while visitors can embark on a unique journey through time amidst the emblematic sculptures of 20th-century Eastern Europe. Memento Park is not merely a collection of monuments from the communist era, but a living time capsule where the atmosphere and contradictions of the world behind the Iron Curtain come to life through a contemporary lens. The wine tasting series draws inspiration from this atmosphere: each event is built around a historical or social theme that evokes the everyday life, economic policies, and cultural imprints of the era—all through a glass of wine. The program is not a traditional tasting: it is an interactive experience where carefully selected wines—matched to the themes but meeting modern quality standards—are accompanied by stories, anecdotes, and expert background explanations. Participants can learn, among other things, about the protocol wines of state representation, the hidden world of backyard production, or the unique offerings of the KGST market. During these evenings held in the shadow of monumental statues, expert speakers evoke the era’s characteristic venues and atmosphere: from the world of cooperative liquor stores to diplomatic events. The experience is occasionally rounded out by retro snacks with a modern twist. The “Raise Your Glasses, Reds and Whites!” series launched on a pilot basis in 2025, linked to the Budafok Cellar Tour program series, which aims to boost Budafok’s cultural vibrancy. Nearly 300 visitors attended the events held from May through November, and more than 60 different wines were showcased. Building on the initiative’s success, the themes and program offerings will expand further in 2026. 2026 Program Themes: April 4, 2026 – Revolutionary Youth Days Innovations in Hungarian winemaking from the fall of communism to the present day May 2, 2026 – Favorites from the Kádár Era The story of wines that rose from the bottom shelf June 6, 2026 – Borderline 2.0 Vertical tasting from both sides of the Hungarian border July 4, 2026 – Stalin’s Favorites 2.0 Wines and stories from the life of Joseph Stalin August 1, 2026 – Hurray, we’re on vacation! Black Sea, Lake Balaton, Crimea, Sopot – flavors of summer destinations September 4–5, 2026 – Yugoslavian wine panorama What to drink on the Adriatic? October 3, 2026 – Wines from the milestones of Imre Nagy’s life The organizers recommend the program to anyone open to a nuanced understanding of the past and eager to explore recent history in a unique, ironic, yet respectful context. “Up with the Reds and Whites!” is not just a wine tasting—it is a cultural dialogue where the toast is a tribute to history, memory, and the unique humor of Central European life. For more information, click here. 1/5 ×