Discover the hidden gem of viticulture in the heart of Europe. While the Czech Republic is renowned for its hockey prowess and exceptional beer, its burgeoning wine industry is a secret treasure waiting to be explored. With white wines that rival the traditional vintages of Italy and France, the Czech Republic is carving out a prestigious place on the global wine map. Join us on a journey through the picturesque landscapes and historic cellars of this enchanting country, where wine and culture intertwine.
The Czech Republic, often celebrated for its rich beer culture and sports achievements, is also home to an ancient and increasingly acclaimed wine industry. The country's white wines, in particular, have been gaining international recognition for their quality, often surpassing those from established wine-producing nations like Italy and France. According to the Czech Wine Fund, the Czech Republic boasts over 1,200 wine producers, with a significant number of them winning awards at international wine competitions.
Southern Moravia is the epicenter of Czech viticulture, with a winemaking history that spans over two thousand years. The region's climate and soil conditions are ideal for cultivating grapes, and the local Moravians take immense pride in their wine heritage. To celebrate this, a network of cycle tracks has been developed, connecting key wine towns with quaint villages where viticulture is a way of life. These paths offer a unique way to experience the region's wine culture, often leading to intimate tastings and encounters with passionate winemakers.
The Moravian wine region seamlessly extends into Austria, where the vineyards and cycle routes continue. Austrian winemakers share the same dedication to their craft as their Moravian counterparts, creating a cross-border camaraderie in winemaking excellence. For those interested in a cycling and wine-tasting adventure, Adventura – Bike Holidays offers curated tours that traverse both the Moravian and Austrian wine landscapes.
Adventura – Bike Holidays specializes in organizing cycling tours throughout Central Europe, with a focus on the Czech Republic. Their expertise, coupled with partnerships with hotels, professional guides, and tourism companies, ensures a seamless and enriching experience for travelers. The Czech landscape, with its extensive network of cycle tracks and gentle terrain, is particularly suited for both novice and experienced cyclists.
The wine tour kicks off with an arrival in Prague, where visitors are encouraged to spend a few days exploring the city's historic and cultural landmarks. Afterward, the journey continues 300 kilometers south to Southern Moravia, the starting point of the wine tour.
The first day features a visit to the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest man-made parks in the world. The park's vast expanse and historical structures demand a full day's exploration. The day concludes with a wine tasting session featuring some of the finest Czech wines from the cellars of Valtice Castle.
Travelers will then weave through the region's sprawling vineyards, stopping at notable wine centers such as Velké Bílovice, Mikulov, and Znojmo. Each location offers a unique glimpse into the area's winemaking traditions and historical significance.
The tour's final day is dedicated to Vienna, Austria's capital. Participants are transported by car to explore the city's myriad attractions. As with Prague, extending the stay in Vienna is recommended and can be arranged through the travel agency.
Adventura – Bike Holidays offers a variety of tours catering to different interests. Beer enthusiasts can embark on a beer tour to České Budějovice, the heart of Czech beer production. For those interested in scenic landscapes and historical sites, bike tours from Prague to Dresden or Vienna are available. Whatever the choice, these tours promise unforgettable experiences that will linger in memory for years to come.
The Czech Republic's wine industry may not be as widely discussed as its beer counterpart, but it is a growing sector with a lot to offer. For instance, the country's wine production reached 664,000 hectoliters in 2020, with white wines accounting for approximately 74% of the total production, according to the Czech Statistical Office. This focus on white wine production is reflected in the global recognition of Czech white wines, which have won numerous awards in international competitions such as the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge.
