Moravian Wine 101: Grapes, Regions and What to Drink

The short answer: Moravia, in the east of the Czech Republic, grows around 96% of the country's grapes, and most

of them are white. If you are new to Moravian wine, start with Grüner Veltliner (the most planted grape in the

country), then try Riesling, Pálava and a red made from Frankovka (Blaufränkisch) or Saint Laurent.

Where Czech wine comes from

The Czech Republic has about 18,000 hectares of vineyards, and around 71% of that area is planted with white

varieties. Moravia accounts for roughly 96% of the country's vineyards, while Bohemia has a small remainder. The

Moravian wine region is divided into four subregions:

Mikulov (Mikulovská): named after the town of Mikulov, this subregion has the most extensive vineyards.

Slovácko (Slovácká): the subregion with the largest number of wine-producing villages and growers.

Velké Pavlovice (Velkopavlovická): another major area in the south.

Znojmo (Znojemská): in the southwest of the wine country.

Our private tours from Brno cover South Moravia's wine country. Read our guide to the best wine tastings near

Brno and to Mikulov, Moravia's wine capital for places to visit.

The grapes to know

According to the National Wine Centre in Valtice (figures as at the end of 2018), the six most planted varieties each

cover more than 1,000 hectares and together make up almost half of Czech vineyards.

Grape (Czech name) Share of vineyards What to expect

Grüner Veltliner (Veltlínské zelené) 9.2% (1,654 ha), the most planted Fresh, zingy whites with soft muscattones; older bottles show white pepper and almond notes

Müller-Thurgau 8.3% (1,499 ha), second Light, lively whites with notes of nettle, peach and citrus

Riesling (Ryzlink rýnský) 7.4% (1,342 ha) Fruit, mineral and sometimes smoky notes; apricot, linden flower and quince

Welschriesling (Ryzlink vlašský) 6.5% (1,168 ha) Fresh, balanced whites; often the basefor sparkling wines

Frankovka (Blaufränkisch) 6.0% (1,079 ha), the top red Dark ruby, velvety in good years, with blackberry and spice

Svatovavřinecké (Saint Laurent) 5.8% (1,054 ha) Deep crimson reds with sour cherry and plum jam notes

Two more to look for: Pálava and Moravian Muscat. The Wine Centre lists Pálava, Moravian Muscat and Aurelius

among the best-known local new crossings for white wines, and André, Cabernet Moravia and Neronet for reds.

Moravian Muscat was originally developed in Moravia and gives delicately aromatic wines with tangerine and

orange notes.

How to read a Czech wine label

Czech labels use the local grape names above, so you will see Ryzlink rýnský for Riesling and Rulandské šedé for

Pinot Gris. Sweetness is normally shown in Czech as suché (dry), polosuché (medium dry), polosladké (medium sweet)

or sladké (sweet). When in doubt, ask the winemaker to pour a dry example first.

Burčák and St. Martin's wine

Two seasonal drinks are worth planning around. In September you will see burčák, a partially fermented young

wine. Then on November 11, Czechs open St. Martin's wine (Svatomartinské), the first young wines of the new

harvest. VisitCzechia says the first bottles open at exactly 11:11 a.m., and the tradition is to pair them with roast

goose. The wines are fresh and fruity, and the National Wine Centre calls the young Saint Laurent released on this

day the "Czech answer to Beaujolais Nouveau". To be sold as St. Martin's wine, a wine must be made in the Czech

Republic from specific grape varieties and pass an independent tasting.

Where to taste

- The Wine Salon of the Czech Republic in Valtice: a permanent tasting exhibition in the cellars of Valtice Castle,

run by the National Wine Centre, where you can taste wines from the national competition. It is open year-

round except January and closed on Mondays; check the official page for current hours and prices.

- Family cellars around Mikulov and the Lednice-Valtice area: our Moravian Wine Tour from Brno

 includes tastings of Moravian wines in traditional cellars. Our Lednice-Valtice day trip guide explains the

rest of the day.

Czechia has zero tolerance for alcohol behind the wheel, so wine tasting and driving do not mix. A private driver is

the easy solution.

Plan your Moravian wine day

Ready to taste? See our private tours from Brno or read the seasonal guide to Brno and South Moravia to choose

the best time for your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Which wine regions does Moravia have?

Moravia has four wine subregions: Mikulov, Slovácko, Velké Pavlovice and Znojmo. Mikulov has the most extensive

vineyards, and Slovácko has the most wine-producing villages and growers.

What is the most planted grape in the Czech Republic?

Grüner Veltliner (Veltlínské zelené) is the most planted, at 9.2% of vineyards according to the National Wine Centre's

data at the end of 2018.

What is Pálava?

Pálava is one of the best-known local white grape crossings developed in Czechia, listed by the National Wine

Centre alongside Moravian Muscat and Aurelius.

What is St. Martin's wine?

It is the first young wine of each harvest, released on November 11. VisitCzechia says the first bottles open at

exactly 11:11 a.m.

Is Czech wine mostly white?

Yes. About 71% of the vineyard area is planted with white varieties.