South Moravia is home to over 1,200 wine producers, ranging from large commercial operations to tiny family cellars producing just a few hundred bottles annually. This diversity is one of the region's greatest strengths, offering visitors experiences that range from professional tasting rooms to intimate cellar visits with winemakers themselves.
In this guide, we highlight some of the most noteworthy wineries across the four sub-regions. Each has been selected for the quality of their wines, the visitor experience they offer, and their contribution to Moravian wine culture.
Mikulov Sub-Region
The Mikulov sub-region is considered the crown jewel of Moravian wine country. Dominated by the limestone hills of Palava (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), this area produces aromatic white wines with distinctive mineral character. The town of Mikulov itself is a charming base for exploration, with its Renaissance castle and numerous wine bars.
Chateau Valtice (Valtice)
The National Wine Centre in the UNESCO-listed Valtice Castle complex is essential visiting for any wine enthusiast. The historic cellars house the Czech Wine Salon, showcasing the 100 best wines in the country as judged annually by expert panels. Visitors can purchase tasting cards and sample wines at their own pace in magnificent baroque surroundings.
The castle also hosts regular events, educational tastings, and serves as the starting point for the Valtice Wine Academy courses. Plan at least 2-3 hours for a thorough visit.
Sonberk (Popice)
One of the most architecturally striking wineries in the region, Sonberk combines contemporary design with exceptional views over the Palava hills. The winery focuses on Palava and Riesling varieties, with all grapes sourced from their own vineyards. Their modern tasting room offers guided sessions explaining their terroir-driven approach.
Volny Family Winery (Mikulov)
A boutique producer known for natural winemaking methods and orange wines. The Volny family represents a new generation of Czech winemakers experimenting with minimal intervention techniques while respecting local traditions. Visits are by appointment and offer deep insight into artisanal production.
Mikulov Region Highlights
- Best for: Aromatic white wines, Palava grape, mineral Rieslings
- Key towns: Mikulov, Valtice, Lednice, Pavlov
- Signature experience: Wine tasting at Chateau Valtice
- Don't miss: Sunset views from Palava hills above the vineyards
Znojmo Sub-Region
The southwestern corner of Moravia, bordering Austria, is known for producing some of the region's most elegant wines. The cooler climate and varied soils create ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Veltliner varieties. The historic town of Znojmo, with its famous underground tunnels, adds cultural depth to wine visits.
Znovín Znojmo
One of the largest and most awarded producers in the region, Znovín manages over 650 hectares of vineyards. Their visitor center in Satov offers comprehensive tasting experiences, from basic introductions to premium vertical tastings. The winery is also known for pioneering wine tourism in the region, including vineyard cycling routes.
Lahofer Winery (Dobsice)
A modern winery with a beautiful visitor center overlooking their vineyards. Lahofer specializes in aromatic varieties and late-harvest wines. Their restaurant serves local cuisine paired with their wines, making it an excellent destination for a longer visit combining food and wine.
Velke Pavlovice Sub-Region
This central area of Moravian wine country is the warmest sub-region, producing fuller-bodied whites and the region's best red wines. Villages like Velke Bilovice are essentially wine towns, where nearly every house has a cellar and wine production is a way of life.
Reisten (Pavlov)
A premium estate focusing on quality over quantity. Reisten produces exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot varieties in a state-of-the-art facility. Their tasting room, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the vineyards, offers an educational experience explaining their gravity-flow winemaking process.
Templarske Sklepy Cejkovice
Wine has been produced at this historic site since the 13th century when Knights Templar established cellars here. Today, visitors can explore extensive underground passages while tasting wines made from grapes grown in surrounding vineyards. The combination of history and wine makes this one of the most atmospheric visits in the region.
Slovacko Sub-Region
The eastern part of the wine region has a strong folk culture influence, with traditional harvest festivals, costumes, and music accompanying wine production. Wines here tend toward traditional styles, with many producers maintaining century-old methods.
Sklepni Hospodarstvi Petr Skoupil (Boretice)
A traditional family cellar producing wines using methods passed down through generations. Visits here offer a genuine glimpse into village wine culture, often including homemade delicacies paired with wines stored in large wooden barrels.
Planning Your Winery Visits
- Always make reservations, especially for smaller producers
- Many wineries require groups of at least 2-4 people for tastings
- Bring cash as not all cellars accept cards
- Consider hiring a driver or joining organized tours
- Learn basic Czech wine vocabulary for better interaction
Wine Routes and Self-Guided Exploration
The region has developed excellent infrastructure for wine tourism. The Moravian Wine Trails network includes over 1,200 kilometers of marked cycling paths connecting vineyards and villages. Wine cellars along the routes often display signs indicating they are open for tastings.
For those preferring guided experiences, the Wine Tourism Association of Czech Republic (Wine Fund) maintains listings of certified wine tourism providers offering everything from half-day excursions to week-long immersive programs.
Best Time to Visit Wineries
While wineries welcome visitors year-round, each season offers different experiences:
- Spring (April-May) - Flowering vineyards, fewer crowds, many special tasting events
- Summer (June-August) - Peak season, all facilities open, outdoor tastings available
- Harvest (September-October) - Most exciting time, grape picking, fresh wine (burcak) season, festivals
- Winter (November-March) - Quieter visits, focus on aged wines, cozy cellar experiences
Ready to plan your tasting experience? Check our Wine Tasting Guide for tips on what to expect and how to make the most of your Moravian wine adventure.