Top 10 Wineries to Visit in South Moravia

Palava Hills

South Moravia is the heart of Czech winemaking, offering a mix of traditional family-run wineries and modern vineyards producing award-winning wines. There are 18,400 registered grape growers in the Czech Republic. It is impossible to choose only ten top wineries. I propose the following ten wineries in South Moravia based on personal and client experiences from my organized wine tasting trips, including the famous Czech Wine Salon (Salon vín), which highlights the best Czech wines.

Thaya Winery (Hnanice)

Thaya Winery combines tradition with modern winemaking techniques, producing elegant and balanced wines. The winery is known for its excellent white wines, especially Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Its scenic location near the Podyjí National Park adds to the appeal of a visit. Visitors can also stay at their beautiful hotel and unique cellar-like apartments, and enjoy fine dining at their excellent restaurant. More details can be found at Thaya Winery.

Vinařství Špalek (Nový Šaldorf-Sedlešovice)

A family-run winery focused on organic and biodynamic winemaking, Špalek produces high-quality wines with minimal intervention. Their wines, especially the orange wines and traditional Rieslings, are highly regarded among connoisseurs.

Sonberk (Popice)

Sonberk is one of the most famous wineries in the Czech Republic, known for its picturesque vineyard overlooking the Pálava Hills. Their Palava and Riesling wines are internationally acclaimed, making this winery a must-visit for any wine lover.

Krásná Hora (Starý Poddvorov)

A family-run winery dedicated to producing wines that authentically express their terroir through minimal intervention and a deep respect for nature. Krásná Hora’s commitment to quality and innovation has garnered international recognition. For instance, their “La Blanca” wine, a blend of six grape varieties including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc, has been praised for its balance and aromatic complexity, making it versatile for pairing with various cuisines.

Vinařství Štěpán Maňák (Žádovice)

This award-winning winery cultivate a diverse range of grape varieties, including traditional ones like Riesling, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Frankovka, and Merlot, as well as PIWI varieties such as Hibernal, Malverina, Solaris, and Souvignier Gris. The winery has received numerous accolades, including multiple gold medals in the prestigious Salon vín ČR competition. Notably, their Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique, 2021, was named Champion at the Promenáda červených vín 2023. Visitors are welcome to the winery’s showroom and wine shop in Žádovice, which features a modern tasting area.

Chateau Valtice (Valtice)

One of the oldest and most historic wineries in the region, Chateau Valtice offers a stunning location with a deep winemaking tradition. The winery offers various wine tasting options, including guided tastings in their biggest cross wine cellar from 1640 or in Valtice castle cellar from 15th century. More details can be found at Chateau Valtice Wine Tasting.

Vinařství Škrobák (Čejkovice)

A family-owned winery blending tradition with innovation. The estate features a boutique hotel, a wine bistro, and a selection of distinctive wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Committed to ecological practices, Vinařství Škrobák manages 12 hectares of vineyards organically, producing honest wines that reflect the Čejkovice terroir. Their portfolio includes a variety of wines, such as Scarabeus Pinot Noir 2023, Frankovka 2018 Ice Wine or Alibernet Rosé 2022 semi-dry.

Vinařství Stávek (Němčičky)

Winery J. Stávek is a family-owned winery located in Němčičky, with a rich history spanning five generations. The estate, known as Vinařský Dvůr, was established by great-grandfather František Kopřiva in 1929 and has been dedicated to viticulture and winemaking ever since. The winery specializes in producing fortified wines using techniques similar to those employed in crafting port wines. Among their diverse portfolio, the rosé wines stand out, crafted to reflect the terroir of specific vineyard sites. One such example is the “Tercie” rosé, which embodies the unique characteristics of the vineyards from which the grapes are sourced.

Zámecké Vinařství Bzenec (Bzenec)

Nestled within the historic chateau complex in Bzenec, is a distinguished winery with a rich heritage. The estate meticulously manages 540 hectares of vineyards across the Slovácká, Mikulovská, and Znojemská sub-regions, cultivating grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Moravian Muscat, and Sauvignon Blanc. Their strategic focus, however, lies in Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and Welschriesling. Zámecké Vinařství Bzenec has garnered numerous accolades, including eight Champion titles at the Czech Wine Salon (Salon vín). Visitors are warmly invited to explore the winery’s historic cellars through guided tours, which culminate in tastings of five of their premium wines.

Vinařství Vican (Mikulov)

Situated near Mikulov, is a family-owned winery celebrated for its high-quality wines and deep connection to the Pálava region. In 2019, Vican Rodinné Vinařství was honored as the absolute winner in the 10th annual Winery of the Year competition, the highest accolade a Czech winery can achieve. Their Chardonnay 2015 selection was named Champion at the King of Wines 2019, scoring an impressive 95.2 points, with one judge awarding a perfect 100. The winery has continued to garner awards in subsequent years, including Best Wine Collection in 2021. In addition to wine production, Vican also operates a cheese-making facility, crafting high-quality artisanal cheeses that pair perfectly with their wines. Visitors can enjoy cheese and wine pairings at the winery, making for a complete gastronomic experience.

Bonus: Salon vín (Valtice)

Czech Wine Salon (Salon vín) is the ultimate showcase of the best wines from across the Czech Republic. Located in the Valtice Chateau, it features a collection of the 100 best Czech wines each year. Visitors can taste and learn about the best offerings from Moravian winemakers in one place, making it a perfect stop on a wine tour.

Plan Your Moravia Wine Tasting Trip

South Moravia is a paradise for wine lovers, offering a mix of historic chateaux, modern wineries, and scenic vineyards. Whether you explore one or all of these wineries, you’re sure to experience the best that Czech wine culture has to offer.

For a truly unforgettable experience, I organize personalized wine tasting tours, including transportation, curated visits to the best wineries, and expertly guided tastings. Let me take care of the details while you enjoy the finest wines South Moravia has to offer.

Cheers!