Wine tourism in Czechia is experiencing dynamic growth and is increasingly becoming a significant aspect of the country’s tourism sector. There is a rising interest in exploring wine regions that not only provide exceptional wines but also offer rich cultural and gastronomic experiences.
The most popular wine destinations in Czechia include South Moravia, with Mikulov and its surrounding areas standing out. Known for its wineries and traditional events like vintage celebrations and wine festivals, South Moravia attracts tourists seeking authentic experiences. Visitors enjoy exploring both traditional cellars and modern wineries, sampling wines from local winemakers.
Key destinations for wine enthusiasts include Pálava, with its charming wine villages and cellar alleys. Equally significant for wine tourism is Velké Bílovice, the largest wine-growing village in Czechia, where visitors can enjoy tastings at family-run wineries and stroll through picturesque vineyards. Another notable destination is Znojmo, renowned for its rich wine history and its annual historic wine harvest, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
“Wine tourism plays a key role in the development of both domestic and international tourism. This is evident in countries like Italy and France, where last year, local producers offered over 380 wine tours and tastings per 1 million inhabitants. Australia, Portugal, and South Africa are also prominent in this regard. Czechia can draw on the experience of Portugal, which has systematically focused on developing wine tourism as a priority attraction for foreign visitors. Data shows that Portugal is successfully establishing itself among the world’s leading destinations for this type of tourism,” says František Reismüller, Director of CzechTourism.
Domestic wine regions are primarily visited by tourists from within the country, especially from major cities like Prague, Brno, and Ostrava. These visitors mainly seek weekend and short stays that include wine tastings, wine events, and visits to wine cellars.
Consumers particularly appreciate local wine for its integral role in national tradition, unique taste, and diverse variety. Foreign tourists, primarily from Germany, Poland, and Slovakia, value the high quality of Czech wines, the hospitality, the authenticity of the wine experience, and the traditions associated with them.
According to research by the Vinařský Fond (Wine Fund), 55% of Czech consumers are currently more likely to choose a particular variety of white wine, while the remaining 45% do not consider the color of the wine decisive. The most preferred white varieties are Pálava, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Riesling. For red wine, 47% of consumers have a preference for specific varieties, with Modrý Portugal, Frankovka, Merlot, and Svatovavrinecké being the most popular. When making a purchase, customers base their decisions on previous experiences with the wine, quality, price/quality ratio, and recommendations from family and friends.
