If your heart beats faster at the sound of clinking wine glasses, the scent of blooming orchards, and the allure of charming towns and villages paired with fine cuisine, then prepare to fall in love with the Czech Republic.
I followed a 4-day itinerary during March, just after attending the 16th annual edition of the International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC 2025) held in Mikulov Castle, South Moravia—when almond blossoms and the cozy warmth of wine cellars offered a charming contrast to the crisp spring air. That said, this itinerary promises discovery and delight in any season.
The wine tourism experience began in Pavlov, where the contemporary Plenér Winery embodies a fresh wave in Czech winemaking. Here, young vintners—like Dominika, one of the ever increasing women in this still male-dominated craft—are rewriting the story of Moravian wine. Their philosophy blends inherited knowledge with bold, modern expression. The wines are elegant yet edgy, and the views across the hills are as memorable as the vintages poured.
Next up was a visit to Hustopeče, where almond orchards quietly bloom each year. The setting is peaceful and striking—an unexpected backdrop in Central Europe. At Mandlárna, I sampled liqueurs and delicacies made from these local almonds, discovering how tradition and ingenuity combine in this small but unforgettable stop.
That evening, I checked into Hotel Lotrinský in Velké Pavlovice, a wine-centric village where new grape varieties like André and Agni were born. The hotel is warm and inviting, and the dinner—paired with local wines that fellow wine lovers chose —was a celebration of regional ingredients and Moravian hospitality.
Day two began with a cultural detour to Kobylí, where the “Aunties” keep alive the art of feather plucking and baking traditional pastries. The atmosphere was like stepping into a living museum. For those with other interests, nearby Herůfek Chocolate Factory or the Sonnentor herbal farm offer equally sensory-rich experiences. And if wine is your priority, a stroll down the historic cellar street of Prušánky gives a glimpse into the area’s deep-rooted vinous identity. Just before lunch, I enjoyed a scenic walk through the Czech “Hobbiton” in Vrbice, where charming wine cellars built into grassy hillsides created a fairytale-like atmosphere. One particular cellar well worth a visit is the Bočko Cellar with plenty of winery cats around to greet you. Also, if you book in advance, Mr. Bočko will prepare a delicious goulash cooked in front of the winery doorway over an open fire.
Lunch and tasting at a Velké Bílovice winery (Try the Ryzlink Rýnský 2023) revealed just how dynamic the region’s wines are becoming, while a tour of the UNESCO-listed Lednice Chateau added a an entertaining dimension to the day thanks to their hilarious guide Wendy.
By evening, I arrived at Thaya Winery, where sleek architecture and a bold, modern wine vision created the perfect blend of past and future. Make sure you try the Veltlínské Zelené Staré Vinice 2021 and the Ryzlink Rýnský 2022.
On day three, the medieval town of Znojmo came alive with a Znojmáček electrobus tour, followed by a descent into the mysterious Znojmo Underground. For lunch, I visited ReZtaurace, a culinary hotspot committed to South Moravia’s evolving food scene. Then, the Znojmo Enoteca offered a by the glass self guided tasting of the region’s finest wines, each glass telling a story of soil, climate, and craftsmanship. Sneaking away from the rest of the group I made a worthwhile visit to the Vinařství Nešetřil Winery on one of the main squares. Wine tasting from qvevris, barrels and tanks and another chance to discover part of the underground catacombs where the winery houses their barrels to age their wines.
That afternoon, I headed north to Kutná Hora, where biodynamic wines are produced inside a historic convent. The Kutná Hora Wine Cellars marry sustainable practice with elegant taste, making the experience both philosophical and sensory. Make sure you try the Ryzlink rýnský Lucky’s Punk 2021, Vinné Sklepy Kutná Hora and the 2022 Pinot Noir. After visiting the Sedlec Ossuary, one of Europe’s most unusual and haunting landmarks, I capped the day with a meal at Dačický – a kind of tavern and a cozy stay at Hotel U Kata.
The final day offered more architectural wonders, including St. Barbara’s 3 spired Church—a Gothic masterpiece with an ornate façade—and a scenic lunch in Mělník before a lofty view of the confluence of the Vltava and Elbe. From there, the journey wound through Kraus Winery and Lobkowicz Winery in Roudnice, where I tasted standout varieties like Fratava and met the passionate cellar master behind their natural wines. The trip concluded with a night at Perlová Voda, where wine, beer (IPA for me!), wellness, and dining offered a perfect final toast.
Articles writtien by some of my colleagues on the same trip as I:
Moravia e Boemia, alla scoperta dei vini della Repubblica Ceca – Alessio Turazza (In Italian)
IWINETC 2025 og Tsjekkia Mona Haugen-Kind (In Norwegian)
On Instagram Ikerwine – Iker Berasaluce (In English)
Mit dem Bouquet guter Weine in der Nase durch Tschechien – Kurt Sohnemann (In German)
A postcard from Not Prague Sue Quinn
The central European wine region giving France a run for its money – Sue Quinn
Region Čechy: najlepsze wina w okolicach Pragi – Tomasz Prange-Barczyński (In Polish)
And more about the International Wine Tourism Conference itself:
IWINETC 2025 impulsa el enoturismo global desde el corazón vinícola de Chequia – Vicent Escamilla (In Spanish)
Some ready made itineraries to consider when planning a grape escape to South Moravia:
If you want to learn more about the destination, you can visit VisitCzechia and South Moravia websites. For more info about wine culture visits czech out The National Wine Centre website.
Anthony Swift
