South Moravia is scattered with vineyards and the people of this region are proud of the wines produced here. Experience the one-of-a-kind atmosphere at one of the many South Moravian wineries. So you don’t have to struggle to find somewhere that offers more than just wine and traditional tastings, we’ve picked out 5 tips for the best wineries in Moravia that give you something extra.
Why Moravia is paradise for wine lovers
Say Moravia and most people picture vineyards, a glass of golden Riesling and a group of friends on a warm evening. But it isn’t only romance – Moravia has internationally recognised winemakers producing wines that collect medals from London to Tokyo. Another interesting fact: more than 95 % of Czech wine production comes from Moravia.
Moravia is divided into four main wine sub-regions:
- The Slovácko area – authentic, traditional, with soul
- The Mikulov area – elegant white wines, Pálava, Sonberk
- The Znojmo area – fresh Sauvignon, Pinot Gris
- The Velké Pavlovice area – red wines and folklore
When to visit the best wineries in Moravia
- April-May: the opening of the cellars and the first spring tastings
- September: the Pálava wine festival, the Znojmo wine festival, the Velké Pavlovice wine festival
- October-November: young wines, a calmer atmosphere
- December: Advent tastings – wine + Christmas markets = the ideal combination (mainly in the larger towns)
📅 Tip: book your accommodation in advance; in season every area tends to be hopelessly full (take a look at Booking).
Vinařství U Kapličky
Our first stop is in the village of Zaječí, northeast of Mikulov. This is home to the family winery U Kapličky – named after the chapel of St Urban on the hill above the winery. You can also take in the surroundings from the Dalibor lookout tower. The winery offers seating in a pleasant wine bar or in the cellar. The picturesque grounds also house a luxuriously furnished guesthouse offering fitness and wellness too – saunas, massages, a whirlpool, experiential baths and an outdoor pool. You can satisfy your hunger at the adjoining Retro Gril restaurant. At U Kapličky you’ll combine your longing for excellent wine and for rest.
Vinařství Lahofer
The Lahofer winery in the village of Dobšice, directly adjoining Znojmo, undoubtedly belongs among the best wineries in Moravia. The winery takes its name from a local, the woodcarver Jan Lahofer. Besides excellent wine, the place enchants visitors with its unique architecture – the summer amphitheatre and the unique viewing roof, whose design recalls the sight of the vineyards, are both worth mentioning.
From that roof in good weather you can see across the whole area, and with a glass of good wine in hand you feel as though the world is at your feet.
You can enjoy the excellent wine in one of several outdoor seating areas or right in the wine cellar. The winery also runs the hotel of the same name in the centre of Znojmo. That lets you combine a wine tasting with a visit to the second-largest town in South Moravia.
Chateau Valtice
Another place that offers a one-of-a-kind wine experience is Chateau Valtice. This is one of the oldest wineries in the area, with roots reaching back to the 12th century. History breathes over you in the adjoining Wine Barn, with an interesting exhibition on this branch of agriculture. On the tours you can also see the Cross Cellar A.D. 1640, the cathedral of wines with a viewpoint, the temple of wine with its rotunda and the Moravian cellar. A tasting of 5 wines is part of the experience. Since the winery is on the edge of Valtice, you can combine your visit with a walk around this picturesque town.
Discover more lovely trips in the South Moravia area in our article of the same name.
Vinařství Mádl
Have you seen the film Bobule? It’ll surprise nobody that it was shot in South Moravia. Alongside the actors themselves, the Mádl winery in Velké Bílovice played a leading role. The vineyards here probably left a bigger impression on viewers than the plot did. The Mádl winery is very popular, so for capacity reasons it offers guided tastings only to guests staying at the local hotel.
You certainly won’t be disappointed if you stay a few days and sleep in one of the beautifully furnished rooms the hotel offers. Excellent food goes with wine, of course, and the staff of the restaurant, focused on traditional Czech cooking, will see to that.
Vinařství Sonberk
We’ll end our tour of the best wineries in Moravia at Sonberk, which sits a short way from Popice (west of Hustopeče), right in the middle of a vineyard. The remote setting offers perfect rest, a beautiful view over the vineyards and the Pálava hills, and of course excellent wine.
The best way to reach the winery is on foot or by bike. We’d personally recommend walking (that’s mostly what this site is about, after all), because even the stony path promises an unforgettable experience. Besides the vineyards you’ll find apricot and almond orchards nearby (we write more about that here). Although you can’t stay overnight, you can hold a party, a private celebration or a wedding here. Soak up the stunning atmosphere of South Moravia at the Sonberk winery.
More well-known wineries in Moravia
Vinařství Gotberg
A design gem with a view of the Nové Mlýny reservoirs. Ideal for a romantic evening or a wedding.
Vinařství Obelisk (Valtice)
Luxurious design, wines with class and an atmosphere like Bordeaux. A great stop on the Mikulov-Lednice route.
Vinařství Volařík (Mikulov)
One of the best-known Moravian names. Excellent wines, a modern approach and annual events for the public.
