Why you should Czech out South Moravia as Europe's hottest new wine destination
While many tourists head to Prague to be immersed in the opulence and decadence of Czech culture, South Moravia is fast becoming one of the best-kept secrets of Eastern Europe
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the wine destinations of Tuscany or Provence, look no further than South Moravia.
Over the past few years, Czechia has been quietly building up a reputation on the tourism scene and it is finally ready to claim its rightful place alongside France, Italy and Spain as one of the top destinations for wine aficionados in Europe.
While many tourists head to Prague to be immersed in the opulence and decadence of Czech culture, South Moravia is fast becoming one of the best-kept secrets of Eastern Europe. How much longer this gem will stay hidden is less clear, as the region is already beginning to thrive in the arenas of wine tourism and active holidays.
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Czechia’s wine industry may date back centuries, but it was forced into stagnancy for years under Communism before being brought back to life following the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and is now one of the biggest tourism draws for South Moravia.
Begin your adventure in the charming medieval town of Znojmo - which is known as the historical and cultural centre of southwestern Moravia and, with 34,160 citizens, is the second most-populated town in the South Moravian Region.
Above ground, the town is an untouched, immaculate environment devoid of crowds and by day is tranquil, while by night, a buzz ebbs and flows through the streets.
Underground, however, can be discovered the deep history of the town. Take the ‘adrenaline’ tour, where you can explore the underground ‘corridor’ made up of 50 waterwells. Here is where citizens would store wine and fruit, while other parts could be mined for iron and stone.
Indeed, to give a picture of Moravia’s wine culture, a wine cellar was built in the middle ages. The underground was rediscovered when it was bombed by Russians in the second world war. The water found in the wells was pure and clean, and used as drinking water up until Communism took over. Note for claustrophobes: the tour takes you through some narrow tunnels, but it is worth it to explore the hidden depths of the town’s history.
Walking through the town, you can soak up the quaint quiet lanes and churches that are located near the edge, which brings you to spectacular views of the Dyje river valley.
Stay at Hotel Clemar, a newly-renovated hotel in the heart of Znojmo which provides a chalet-esque experience complete with mahogany wood floors adorned with shaggy white rugs. In the evening, dine at Mikuláš bistro just a few minutes’ away, a quirky and vibrant restaurant with a focus on organic and vegetarian cuisine.
The South Moravian region is home to Podyjí National Park, through which the Dyje River runs for a length of 40 kilometres in a stunningly scenic spectacle as it crosses the political, biodiversal and geological border into Austria’s Thayatal National Park; together, they are referred to as the Inter-National Park.
The jewel of the valley is Vranov nad Dyjí Chateau, which sits proudly as a visually stunning piece of Baroque architecture that was once owned by German aristocracy before it was passed over to the Czech Republic. The outside is stunning; inside is breathtaking. Take a tour around the lavish rooms through which Prussian King Frederick once stalked.
Afterwards, take shelter for lunch at Benatky 214, a beautiful venue which is popular for weddings, and it's easy to see why - a romantic and tranquil setting located just beside the river serving delicious dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients.
To truly appreciate the landscape, which spans 76.66 square kilometres and sees Vienna, Austria and Czechia converge, get your runners on and take an e-bike through the forestry, where you’ll be treated to an endless stream of viewpoints that rival the slopes of Tuscan hills.
Along the way, you will discover disused bunkers preserved from World War II and remnants of Czechia under Communist rule such as watch towers, once used for guarding the border and now used for overlooking the vineyards. Though the trail gets rocky and steep, the e-bike will boost you along and allow better appreciation of the picturesque pastures without persistent pedalling.
Go further and refresh yourself at Šobes vineyards, where a tiny wine bar can be found nestled amongst the greenery, a perfect spot for a well-deserved glass of Veltliner or Riesling while the sun begins to set.
Accommodation nearby comes courtesy of Thaya vinarství, a brand new hotel nestled in the South Moravian countryside boasting chic, modern and minimalist decor.
Taking advantage of the idyllic surroundings, the hotel has a focus on excellent local wine, which are displayed in the reception area and available to purchase for a fraction of the prices that you would find in Chianti or Barolo.
FACT FILE:
● The Znojmo region boasts the wine varieties of Grüner Veltliner, Müller Thurgau, Sauvignon, Pálava and Riesling.
● One of the region’s most popular events is the wine festival held in Znojmo in September. The celebration recalls the year 1327 when Czech King John of Luxembourg and his wife Elisabeth of Bohemia and the royal court arrived in Znojmo.
● Fly into either Prague or Vienna via Aer Lingus and take a car to reach South Moravia - the latter is a shorter journey with less possibility of heavy traffic.
● Stay at Thaya vinarství (rooms start from €110) or Hotel Clemar (rooms from €115).
● For more information on Czechia, see here.
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