Kristina Vankova
Moravia — the eastern region of the Czech Republic — is one of Europe’s most underrated wine countries. 96% of Czech wine comes from Moravia, mostly white varieties, mostly from small family-run vineyards, mostly not exported. This is the visitor’s guide to the Moravian wine region — where to go, what to drink, and how to tour it from Prague.
Moravia wine at a glance
- Main city: Brno (2h 30min train from Prague). Wine towns radiate outward.
- Top wine towns: Mikulov, Valtice, Znojmo, Pavlov.
- Best time: Late September (harvest / burčák young wine season); May-June for warm cellar visits.
- What to drink: Ryzlink rýnský (Riesling), Sauvignon Blanc, Veltlínské zelené (Grüner Veltliner), Rulandské šedé (Pinot Gris).
- Length of trip: Minimum 2 nights; ideally 4-5 for a proper tour.
The Moravian wine sub-regions
- Mikulov — the flagship. Baroque town at the foot of the Pálava hills; classic wine cellars.
- Slovácko — most southerly; folkloric traditions still alive; strong reds.
- Velké Pavlovice — highest concentration of family cellars.
- Znojmo — historic town on the Austrian border; Veltliner heartland.
Signature Moravian wine styles
Ryzlink rýnský (Rhine Riesling)
The signature Moravian white. Steely, mineral, capable of long aging.
Sauvignon Blanc
Grassy, tropical-fruit-forward; some Moravian versions rival Marlborough New Zealand.
Veltlínské zelené (Grüner Veltliner)
Peppery, textured; the Austro-Hungarian shared heritage variety.
Rulandské šedé (Pinot Gris)
Rich, honeyed, often with notes of pear and quince.
Frankovka (Blaufränkisch)
The signature red. Peppery, mid-weight, food-friendly.
Burčák (young wine)
Partially fermented grape must, served late August through mid-October. Sweet, mildly alcoholic, only available at source.
How to visit Moravian wine country
- Train from Prague to Brno (2h 30min, €10-25).
- Rent a car in Brno OR book a wine-tour operator (Wine Food Prague, Wine Tours Czech Republic).
- Base in Mikulov or Valtice (both have excellent 4★ hotels in historic buildings, ~€90-160/night).
- Visit 2-3 vineyards per day; call ahead — most small cellars are family-run and appointment-only.
- End with dinner at a wine cellar or a Michelin-recommended restaurant like Zeta in Mikulov.
Best wine cellars to visit
- Sonberk (Popice) — modern architecture wine estate, wide selection, tastings from ~500 CZK.
- Château Valtice — historic Liechtenstein estate, guided tours + tastings.
- Vinařství Lahofer (Znojmo) — award-winning modern producer.
- Reisten (Pavlov) — respected small producer, cellar visits by appointment.
- Petr Skoupil (Velké Pavlovice) — family cellar, welcoming to English-speaking visitors.
Where to stay in Moravian wine country
- Mikulov — Hotel Galant, Chateau Mcely, family pensions €70-150/night.
- Valtice — Hotel Hubertus (inside the historic palace complex).
- Brno base — for shorter visits; Hotel Grandezza on the main square.
Take Moravian wine home
- Buy at the cellar — most cellars ship internationally.
- Vinograf wine bar in Prague (Míšeňská 8) — carries excellent Moravian selections and ships.
Gear for a wine trip
- Eagle Creek Pack-It cubes — for careful bottle packing.
- Wine bottle protectors (WineSkin) — for suitcase transport.
- “Central European Wines” by Caroline Gilby MW — the reference on Czech + Austrian + Hungarian wines.
FAQ
Is Moravian wine good?
Yes — genuinely excellent whites, especially Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Veltliner. Reds less internationally competitive.
Can you day-trip to Moravian wine from Prague?
Not really — 2h 30min each way makes it awkward. Minimum 2 nights.
What is burčák?
Partially fermented grape must, served late August-October. Sweet, mildly alcoholic, only at source.
