South Moravia #189
South Moravia: A Small Region That Touches Your Heart
South Moravia, nestled in the heart of Europe, is a wine region that captivates with its unique blend of tradition, innovation, and natural beauty. Accessible via international airports in Bratislava, Prague, Vienna, and Brno, this region is a cyclist’s paradise, offering 1,200 km of interconnected wine trails that wind through picturesque vineyards, charming villages, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. With 96% of the Czech Republic’s vineyards concentrated here, South Moravia is the country’s winemaking heartland.
What makes South Moravia truly special is its ability to combine centuries-old winemaking traditions with modern wine tourism experiences. The region’s wines are celebrated for their diversity and quality, thanks to its unique climate along the 49th parallel – similar to Champagne – and its rich, varied soils. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a professional, South Moravia offers an unforgettable journey through its vineyards, cellars, and cultural landmarks, making it a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about wine.
Wine and Architecture – A Perfect Pairing
In 2023, South Moravia launched the “Wine and Architecture” campaign, merging modern architecture with winemaking to elevate wine tourism. Each subregion highlights unique designs: Slovácko features neo-rustic barns and Tuscan-inspired courtyards, Mikulov showcases wineries inspired by ancient Greece and medieval ruins, Znojmo boasts the largest tasting room in the Czech Republic and a wine roof shaped like a concrete wave, and Velké Pavlovice offers futuristic wineries and baroque granaries. Guided tours explore how architecture enhances wine tasting, offering a unique blend of art and wine for enthusiasts.
Exploring South Moravia’s Wine Subregions
South Moravia is divided into four distinct wine subregions, each with its own unique charm and specialties:
- Znojmo Wine Subregion: Known for aromatic white wines, Znojmo is the cradle of wine tourism. Highlights include the Šobes vineyard, one of Europe’s oldest, and the Malovaný Sklep, a cellar adorned with intricate paintings.
- Mikulov Wine Subregion: Dominated by the Pálava limestone ridge, this area produces excellent Welschriesling, Rheinriesling, and Pinot Noir. Don’t miss the Czech Wine Salon in Valtice, showcasing the finest Moravian wines.
- Velke Pavlovice Wine Subregion: One of the sunniest spots in the Czech Republic, this region is famous for Grüner Veltliner and Blaufränkisch. Explore the “drunken cellars” of Vrbice or the almond orchards of Hustopeče.
- Slovacko Wine Subregion: A diverse landscape yields a varied palette of wines, including Rheinriesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Moravia. Visit the charming cellars of Petrov or experience the Bzenec costumed grape harvest.
Unique Character of Moravian Wines
Moravian wines are a testament to the region’s exceptional terroir and winemaking heritage. Located along the 49th parallel, South Moravia enjoys a climate ideal for slow grape ripening, which concentrates aromatic substances and creates wines with remarkable depth and complexity. The region is dominated by white varieties like Grüner Veltliner, Müller Thurgau, Rheinriesling, and Welschriesling, though it also produces exceptional reds such as Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent.
What sets Moravian wines apart is their diversity and authenticity. Many varieties, like André and Cabernet Moravia, were bred locally, showcasing the region’s innovative spirit. The Vína Originální Certifikace (VOC) certification guarantees the quality and authenticity of these wines, ensuring that each bottle reflects the unique character of its subregion. From crisp, aromatic whites to bold, structured reds, Moravian wines delight the senses and tell the story of a region deeply rooted in winemaking tradition.
