Czech Wine Regions – Wine Country Czech Republic

Land of Stories Flourishing in the Middle of the Europe, Known for Its Beer Rather Than Wine.

Czech Republic Wine Country

The Czech Republic or Czechia is known as the land of beer, which you can buy in almost any country, but wine production began as early as the 2nd century AD during the time of the Roman Empire, as documented evidence shows. Since that time, viticulture and wine production have been practiced in this area. The Golden Age of viticulture in the Czech lands was a period from the 14th to the 16th century under the Roman Emperor Charles IV. Further development of viticulture took place at the end of the 20th century. Wine has been part of Czech culture for more than twenty centuries, making the Czech Republic one of the oldest wine-producing countries in Europe.

The wine-growing areas in the Czech Republic can be divided into two wine regions: Bohemia (mainly northwest of Prague) and Moravia (the southeastern part of the country). Subsequently, the Bohemia region is divided into the Mělník wine subregion and the Litoměřice wine subregion. The names of wine subregions are named after the (historical and viticultural) importance of the town in the region. The Bohemia wine region is one of the northernmost wine regions in Europe and comprises 4 % of all registered vineyards in the Czech Republic. The towns of Mělník, Kutná Hora, Litoměřice, and Prague can be considered wine centers of the region. The wine region of Moravia is divided into four subregions: Znojmo, Mikulov, Velké Pavlovice and Slovácko. It is also the largest wine region in the Czech Republic, as it covers 17,241 hectares, which is about 96 % of all registered vineyards. The Moravia wine region is located on the 49th parallel, just like Champagne and the best wine regions of Germany. The towns of Velké Bílovice, Valtice, Mikulov, Čejkovice, Velké Pavlovice, Bzenec, Znojmo, etc. are called wine centers.

About Czech Wine

Czech wines are characterized by a fascinating spectrum of aromas, rich extractives and a harmonious combination of full-bodied flavors and fresh, lively acidity. Recently, rosé wines have been in great demand, captivating not only for their color but also for their exceptionally youthful character. Wines made from grape varieties such as Grüner Veltliner, Müller Thurgau, Riesling or red Blaufränkisch grapes are the most widely produced among others. Typical Czech grape varieties are Pálava, Aurelius, Moravian Muscat, Neronet, André, etc.

The climate in Czech Republic is transitional with a tendency to continental. This makes it possible to grow late ripening grape varieties. It is rare to find such concentrated and fresh wines as here on the northernmost border of European wine regions. The labels “Wines from Moravia & Wines from Bohemia” guarantee the high quality of Czech wines just as one of the thirteen VOC (Wines of Original Certification) appellation systems throughout the Czech Republic that define the characteristics of regional wines. Among the triumphs of Czech wines include the first double in the history of the prestigious world competition Vinalies Internationales (winner from one winery in two consecutive years) and platinum medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Specialties among Czech wines include partially fermented wine at harvest time called “burčák,” which may be sold only from August 1 to November 30 of the year, and St. Martin´s wines, which are the first wine of the new vintage. On November 11, St. Martin´s Day, you can drink this wine for the first time according to Czech tradition.

Wine tourism in Czech Republic

Wine tourism offers in Czech Republic are especially widespread in  the  wine  region of Moravia, as  it's  considered  the  most important wine  region  suitable  for  processing wine together with local cultural traditions. Wine tourism started to open up with the establishment of the Moravian Wine Trails project (1999–2003) and the activities of the Wine Fund and the National Wine Center. The Moravian Wine Trails is a long-term project whose goal is to protect cultural heritage and further develop wine tourism in South Moravia. It covers a 1,200 km network of cycling routes divided into ten circuits named after the original wine regions, connected by the 289 km backbone Moravian Wine Trail. An important impetus for improving the quality of services, which was created together with the Moravian Wine Trails, was the Cyclists Welcome, certification system introduced in 2005.

Wine Attractions of Czech Republic

• Znojmo Historical Vintage Festival,
• Šobes vineyard – one of the oldest and most famous vineyards in the country, which is one of the best vineyards in Europe,
• Painted cellar in Šatov,
• Cross cellar – one of the largest in the world, in Přímětice,
• Wine Salon of the Czech Republic – a tasting exhibition in the Baroque chateau in Valtice, presenting 100 of the best Czech wines of the year, open all year round,
• Pálava Vintage Festival in Mikulov,
• Lednice-Valtice area – a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
• Historic wine cellar complex of Plže in Petrov – declared the first village conservation area in the country.

Frequently asked questions about Czech wine