Leanka Tasting Hall and Wine Cellars, Serednie

The Serednie wine cellars are among the oldest and most famous wine landmarks in Zakarpattia. They are run by the Leanka agricultural company, which still ages its wine here in huge oak barrels and receives visitors for tours with tastings. Serednie lies halfway between Uzhhorod and Mukachevo, making it a convenient stop on a regional wine route.

History of the cellars

A stone slab in one of the tunnels bears the carved date 1557. According to tradition, the galleries in the soft tuff were dug with picks by captured Ottoman soldiers after the siege of Eger, and at first they served a defensive purpose, holding supplies and weapons. Later the cool tunnels, with their constant temperature, became an ideal place to mature wine. The underground network stretches for several kilometres and has its own "streets", niches and wells; part of it is still in use. The cellars are also linked to legends about the Knights Templar, who supposedly had a base in Serednie — the guides love telling them.

The tour

The walk underground is the heart of the visit. The guide leads you through galleries lined with old numbered and dated oak barrels, shows the ancient inscription and the "church cellar" where, legend says, priests blessed the new wine, and talks about Soviet-era winemaking in Serednie. Afterwards guests are invited to the tasting hall. The tunnel floors are level but damp in places, so wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.

Wine tasting in Serednie

Leanka has two tasting halls for about 40 and 100 people; the smaller one lies right in the historic cellar. Its centrepiece is a large oval oak table where, the guides say, well-known politicians and statesmen once sat. Usually six or seven of the company's wines are poured. There are no semi-dry or semi-sweet wines: only natural dry and dessert wines. Labels mentioned by visitors include the white Leanka that gave the company its name, the vintage Serednianske, a red Cabernet and Perlyna Karpat ("Pearl of the Carpathians"). Wine can be bought on site.

Practical information

• Address: 6 T. Shevchenka St, Serednie.
• Phone: +380 312 72 10 31, +380 312 72 11 74, +380 312 72 15 52.
• Hours: weekdays, approximately 08:00–17:00.
• Format: tours are mainly for groups; independent travellers should arrange a visit in advance or join an organised wine tour from Uzhhorod or Mukachevo.
• Price: ask by phone.

In 2024 the state-owned Leanka company was listed for privatisation, so the way visitors are received may change. Always check by phone in advance that tours run on your chosen date. The cellars are cool even in summer — bring a sweater.

Please confirm by phone before your trip.

How to get there

Serednie is about 20 km from Uzhhorod on the road to Mukachevo. By car the drive takes about half an hour; suburban buses and minibuses on the Uzhhorod–Mukachevo route also stop here. The company is on Shevchenka Street in the central part of the village.

Photos: varosh.com.ua.