WINE REGION. The best from the wine tourism in South Moravia

Transcription

1 WINE REGION The best from the wine tourism in South Moravia

2 WINE REGION MAP OF THE MORAVIA WINE-GROWING REGION THE BOHEMIA WINE-GROWING REGION 1 22 THE MORAVIA WINE-GROWING REGION LEGEND vineyard information centre state border border crossing, for tourists highway, motorway multi-lane road road of the 1st and 2nd class other roads river, creek railway, station, stop NP border PLA border Protected zone, natural site THE ZNOJMO THE MIKULOV THE VELKÉ PAVLOVICE THE SLOVÁCKO 1 Louka Monastery in Znojmo 13 Chvalovice 1 Mikulov 11 PLA Pálava 1 Brno 8 Municipal wine route 1 Blatnice 12 Bílé Karpaty 2 Gene pool of CR 14 Znojmo 2 Dolní Dunajovice 12 Baroque cellars Pavlov 2 Hustopeče wine-growing of Němčičky 2 Bzenec 13 Veletiny 3 Kraví Hora 15 Jaroslavice 3 Novosedly 13 The Pavlov Nature Trail exposition 9 Modré Hory 3 Kyjov 14 Vracov 4 Šobes 16 Hostěradice 4 Sedlec 14 Vine Cultivation Station in Perná 3 Čejkovice 10 Nature Wine Trail 4 Mutěnice 15 Vlčnov 5 Painted Wine Cellar 17 Havraníky 5 Wine Salon of CR Valtice 15 The Stará hora Wine 4 Bořetice Independent of Velké Bílovice 5 Petrov Plže 16 Sudoměřice 6 Nový Šaldorf and Sedlešovice 18 Lampelberg Castle 6 Municipal Cellar Valtice Nature Trail Republic of Kraví Hora 11 Route through 6 Velehrad 17 The Moravian 7 Dolní Kounice 19 Lechovice 7 Chateau and Cross Wine Cellar 16 The Valtice Wine 5 Slavkov the André Region 7 Polešovice Muscat Route 8 Moravský Krumlov 20 Podyjí National Park 8 Exhibition of historic wine Nature Trail 6 Velké Pavlovice 12 Colony of wine cellars 8 Tupesy 18 The Pinot Blanc 9 Ivančice 21 Cross Wine Cellar in Přímětice presses Valtice 17 The Mikulov Wine 7 Kobylí museum in Vrbice 9 Prušánky and Nechory Route 10 Miroslav 22 Sádek 9 Secondary school of viticulture Nature Trail 10 Milotice 19 Uherské Hradiště 11 Šatov 23 The Znojmo Wine Route 10 Faculty of Gardening MZLU 18 The Lednice-Valtice 11 Strážnice 12 Hnanice Lednice Composed Landscape

3 CONTENT Introduction History Present Moravian Wine Routes The Znojmo wine-growing sub-region The Mikulov wine-growing sub-region The Velké Pavlovice wine-growing sub-region The Slovácko wine-growing sub-region List of TIC

4 WINE REGION Welcome to Moravia Vine, vineyards and attentive care for every grape. The story of the birth of wine and its history, written in neat vineyard lines into the Moravian landscape. Genuine original wine cellar streets, ancient press houses with painted facades, old wine presses reconstructed with love and pride. Annual wine festivals and celebrations, traditions carefully kept and preserved for centuries. Wine as a hobby, occupation and lifelong love. Hundreds of experiences, wine tasting and discoveries undreamed of. All this and much more is what South Moravia can offer you. The noble beverage, landscape interlaced by vineyards, folk festivals and mysterious atmosphere of wine cellars make South Moravia one of the most attractive places in the Czech Republic. Beautiful castles and manor houses, unique technical monuments, picturesque nature treasures, ancient monasteries or wonderful places for your leisure time can be found everywhere, but it is possible only here, in the land of sun and delights, to set off on a heady journey to wine. What can you expect? Wine makers and wine cellars, four wine-growing sub-regions, wide spectrum of wines, wine exhibitions, educational nature trails and wine cycling routes, vineyards of unique reputation and abundantly supplied wine shops. However, before you set off, try to browse through the following pages. This publication is intended to help you find what really interests you in the open country, on wine routes, and among vineyards and winegrowing towns and villages. We will show you the paths of wine throughout the Czech history. Admire the beauty of old deeds and documents, historical maps, seals and town symbols. Find out about the importance of soil and climate for grape growing, about varieties grown in Moravia. Find out how to choose what you like. We will reveal you the secret of vine growing, teach you how to taste wine properly; and last but not least, we will take you to the four wine-growing sub-regions of Znojmo, Mikulov, Velké Pavlovice and Slovácko. Apart from the basic information and maps, we provide you with a list of most interesting wine-growing destinations in each sub-region. On your visit to South Moravia, you will learn what a unique home was build to wine by Moravian wine makers in the form of decorated wine cellars. Major tourist attractions are described in information boxes entitled...to top it all. Finally, we will advise you where to go not to miss any of the local attractions regardless of the length of your stay, be it one day, an extended weekend or a week-long journey. In order to truly enjoy your journey to wine with all the delights it brings, we also provide dates of interesting wine-making events that should not escape your attention. However, it would be a strange journey to wine without wine makers opening you the doors of their wine cellars and offering you wine tasting in their cosy atmosphere. Information about wine makers can be obtained from tourist information centres listed at the end of the guide. The list of wine cellars can also be found at website. THE MORAVIA WINE-GROWING REGION IN NUMBERS In numbers, the wine-growing region of Moravia includes 17,841 hectares of vineyards which represent more than 96 % of registered vineyards in the whole Czech Republic. The remaining 4 % are found in the winegrowing region of Bohemia. The region covers 311 winegrowing towns and villages; 1,131 vineyard sites and 18,139 wine growers. During 78 years ( ), in the WINE REGION SERIES Cultivation Station in Velké Pavlovice, the average annual temperature was calculated to be 9.42 C, average annual precipitation 510 mm and the average length of sunlight 2,244 hours a year. July was the hottest month 48 times, while August 30 times. The Moravia winegrowing region is divided into four sub-regions: Znojmo, Mikulov, Velké Pavlovice and Slovácko. This publication represents a part of an extensive wine tourism project. On your way through wine-growing Moravia, you will be guided by our series created in co-operation with the National Wine Centre, the Wine Fund of the Czech Republic, regional authorities of the South Moravian region, the CzechTourism agency in South Moravia, and the Partnerství Foundation. In addition to the maps of subregions including lists of the most interesting places and events, the series covers also an image catalogue and the Wine Region Guide providing an exhaustive list of all Moravian wine growers. Most materials are available in Czech, English, German and Polish. 2/3

5 WINE REGION HISTORY Back to the Romans In search of the beginning of the journey to wine, one has to travel to the Caspian Sea area more than 5,000 years ago. Here the vine started its triumphant campaign throughout the world, and since then it accompanied humans on their wandering through life, regardless of race or religion. Vine spread to Asia Minor, Palestine, China and India; the Egyptians grew grapes along the Nile and its delta; and ancient Babylonians, Greeks and Etruscans also knew wine. WINE MOTIFS ON SEALS Already in the Middle Ages, it was hard to find a winegrowing village or town without a wine symbol on its emblem or seal. Motifs of vine leaves, grapes or wine glasses started to appear during the first half of the 15th century on seals and gradually also in town symbols. For example, already in 1423, a parchment document selling a vineyard to the Brno Dominicans- Herburgs convent contained Židlochovice s seal used as a town symbol until now a Gothic shield with a vine twig and three In Moravia, the beginnings of viticulture are connected with the Romans. At first, the Romans preferred higher quality wines imported from Greece, however, wine growing gradually became established in the Apennines as well. In the 3rd century AD, during the reign of Marcus Aurelius Probus, Roman soldiers started to plant vineyards close to their camps also in colonies north of the Alps. One of the Roman legions, Legio Decima Gemina Pia Fidelis from Vindobona, then built a base on the Roman Hill under Pálava where the Nové Mlýny reservoirs are located now. The archaeological investigations in 1926 revealed not only stone foundations of the Roman military camp, but also a 28 cm long vineyard knife a possible proof of first vineyards in South Moravia. With the departure of the Roman legionaries, the art of viticulture had disappeared for long years and further reports on wine growing date back to the time of Slavic settlement. grapes. The oldest form of the town symbol of Hustopeče, a vine twig with three grapes between two vineyard knives, is found on a seal from Viticulture in the Time of Great Moravia A blossoming place, rich in vineyards and inhabitants this is the reputed description of one of the Great Moravian towns by the Arabian traveller Idrisi who visited the area of today s Moravia and Slovakia at the turn of the 9th century. These words applied to the Great Moravian settlement in Mikulčice, considered one of the centres of the empire. The settlement is the largest Slavic archaeological excavation site in the Czech Republic. Not only vineyard knives and other tools were discovered there, but also stones of wild forest vine as well as of its cultivated variant. Although wine consumption was the privilege of the highest circles, excavated foundations of eleven churches at the Mikulčice settlement and its surroundings indicate wine was produced primarily for liturgical purposes. In the early Middle Ages, the development of Moravian viticulture was influenced by some monastery communities, especially Cistercian monks who came from the wine region of Burgundy. It was especially the Cistercians from Velehrad who started to grow wine in compact vineyard sites, but also the Dominicans from Brno, Benedictines from Rajhrad, Templars from Čejkovice, and Premonstratensians who founded the Louka Monastery near Znojmo at the end of the 12th century. TREASURABLE HISTORIC DOCUMENTS The oldest witnesses of Moravian viticulture are, apart from archaeological findings, also monastic chronicles and parchment documents of Czech rulers that, at the same time, represent the beginnings of national literature. Most of these are rulers donation deeds granting privileges and property to noblemen and monasteries; but also purchase contracts and judicial dicta. Although it is not possible to learn in detail about wine growing and wine making of the past, disputes over vineyards and wine tithes prove the existence of vineyards and skilful wine makers. Wine and vineyard law codes had also been issued as parchment documents. The oldest original wine tithe document is the privilege of King Premyslid Ottokar I, from 1222, that confirms the gift of the 10th wine barrel from vineyards in Miroslav to the Benedictines of Rajhrad. 4/5

6 WINE REGION HISTORY Golden Middle Ages According to a legend, Moravia inspired future Czech wine growers when the Great Moravian Duke Svatopluk sent a barrel of good Moravian wine to the Bohemian Duke Bořivoj and his wife Ludmila for celebration of the birth of their son Spytihněv, a future father of St. Wenceslas, the patron of Czech wine growers. Ludmila was so impressed by the excellent wine that she started to support wine growing in Bohemia. The ancient traditions were continued by Emperor Charles IV who had the young vine plants brought from Burgundy (village of Chambertin), imbedded in honey not to get dry during the journey. The plants were accompanied by French wine growers who taught the Czechs to WINE MOTIFS IN TOWN SYMBOLS Towns often took inspiration for their symbols from the prevailing occupation of its inhabitants. Therefore, besides agricultural, fishing or mining motifs, wine symbols are also frequent in the emblems of South Moravian towns. For example, Ivančice s symbol contains three cups, take care of vine and make wine. Vineyard and wine codes, i.e. the sets of viticultural common law and legal norms, were also further elaborated at that time. South Moravia municipalities adopted vineyard law from Austrian Falkenstein. In 1351, John Henry, the Moravian Margrave ordered vineyard disputes to be arbitrated by the local mayor office in Hustopeče instead of in Lower Austria; and he also issued a model vineyard code for Moravia in This code became a model for a similar document issued by Charles IV in The emperor suggested planting vineyards at suitable places in Bohemia and exempted their founders from taxes for 12 years. Vineyards soon surrounded towns and monasteries, and wine was exported far beyond the borders of the Bohemian lands. The first book on wine growing written in Czech by a Prague teacher Jan Had in 1558 describes varieties grown at that time, for example, Vídeňka (Weisser Heunisch), Běl (Gelber Heunisch), Klenice (Goher), Muškate (White Muscat), Němčina (Pinot Gris), Bronišť (White Traminer) and Topol (Běloočko). while Nosislav has a vine twig abundant in leaves with both white and red grapes. Vine leaves, grapes, vine twigs or vineyard tools are present in the symbols of Dolní Kounice, Hroznová Lhota, Mikulovice u Znojma, Miroslav, Polešovice or Dolní Dunajovice. From the Thirty Years War to the 19th Century Before the Thirty Years War wine growing experienced its golden age; in Moravia there were about 20,000 ha of vineyards, and 15,000 ha in Bohemia. Especially in fecund years, the home wine market felt too small. The growth was, however, interrupted by the Thirty Years War: a half of the vineyards disappeared and was never restored. Some old and neglected vineyards were newly planted only by the end of the 17th century. Future development of wine growing in Moravia was guaranteed by the fact that besides the big wine cellars of monasteries and manor houses, wineries were also being established by small rural wine makers. Wine growing started to blossom again only after the Napoleonic wars. In 1820, in Moravia there were 29,801 ha of vineyards, and 2,576 in Bohemia; the area, however, declining unstoppably in following years. Abolition of corvée labour in 1848 caused the labour force to be freed from agriculture and leave for newly established industrial companies in big cities. Domestic drinks started to be replaced by cheap wines from Hungary. At the end of the 19th century, another threat appeared pests mites and fungal diseases such as peronospora (downy mildew) and oidium (powdery mildew). A disaster for European viticulture presented especially phylloxera, an insect attacking vine roots. This pest was first discovered in Europe in 1860 and damaged only in France more than a million hectares of vineyards. In the Bohemian lands, phylloxera appeared at the turn of 20th century in Šatov (Znojmo region), gradually affecting vineyards in the whole of Moravia and, during the next decade, decimating most of them irrecoverably. HISTORICAL MAPS In addition to historical deeds, seals, vineyard codes and privileges, we also find colorized cadastral maps of wine-growing towns and villages and vineyard sites used as the base for calculation of taxes and tithes. A historical rarity is the map of Moravia drawn by Comenius in 1633, providing a clear picture of vineyard areas before the Thirty Years War. Well preserved are also maps of the Mikulov domain with vineyards from 1802, as well as maps of fields and vineyards in Perná, or vineyards in Strachotín, Buchlovice, Blatnice or the Moravský Krumlov area. 6/7

7 WINE REGION THE PRESENT The 20th Century The only reliable protection against phylloxera was grafting buds of cultivated European vines onto American rootstocks that not only created a thick web of roots, but their sour juices repelled the insects. At that time, the first regional and state vine nurseries were established in order to produce grafted plants and rootstocks. However, despite all these measures, it was not possible to restore the original extent of vineyards. Only at the end of the 20th century, after 50 years of stagnation under the totalitarian regime, we can speak about further development of wine growing. A single decade was enough for Moravian and Czech wines to catch up with the progress that took several decades in other European countries. Restitution of vineyards and wide privatization led to restoration of traditional family wineries as well as establishment of new companies. Considerable changes were brought by the 1995 Wine Act and the accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union. Thanks to substantial investment in modern technological equipment and new approaches in vineyard care with emphasis on quality rather than crop quantity, the quality of wine considerably improved. The Moravian and Czech wine makers were, moreover, able to react promptly to the European taste. This is reflected in the range of produced quality wines with designation of origin that are able to gain recognition at international markets and win a number of awards at renowned world exhibitions. Although the varietal composition of vineyards remains substantially domestic, local wine producers are able to respond successfully to unstable world trends. A hundred of the best wines awarded in the annual Wine Salon of the Czech Republic competition can be found at a permanent wine-tasting exhibition in Valtice. Also in the Czech Republic, wine became part of the modern lifestyle. Its popularity is further supported by wine tourism and special programmes focused on discovering the individual wine-growing areas. The consumption of wine has increased to about 18 litres of wine per person a year in the Czech Republic recently, causing an increase in the area of local vineyards. With the support of the state and the Wind Fund, the total area of vineyard sites has grown from 12,000 to 19,000 ha, planted mostly in Moravia. Soil Wine growers know well that chemical composition of the soil and minerals contained in the soil can influence the taste of wine. Especially physical properties of soil, such as the ability to retain water or heat, influence the quality and style of wine. Moravian soils developed on sea and fluvial sediments and loesses. Together with a diverse terrain, the soils give birth to a wide variety of original wines. Limy soils under Pálava, top-quality vineyards on gravel sub-soils in the Znojmo region, vine grown on clay and humic clayey soils in the area of Velké Pavlovice, sand soils in the Morava river valley, and flysch, ie. layers of clay and sands, in the northern parts of Slovácko provide Moravian wines with a unique character. Climate An aphorism about wine says that variety is the mother of wine, location is the father and vintage is its fate. Diversity of vintages creates excellent conditions for the diversity of our wines. Like many other traditional European wine-growing localities, Moravia lies on the northern border of wine-growing areas. The mild central European climate prevails for most of the year. The crop can be occasionally jeopardized by spring frosts, summer hailstorms or excessive precipitation during flowering; but it is the course of ripening when sunny autumn days alternate with substantial temperature drops at night that gives birth to unique aromatic wines that do not lose fine acid and bouquet substances as a result of quick ripening and early grape harvest. 8/9

8 WINE REGION Varieties One of the reasons why South Moravia gives birth to wines of original taste and renowned diversity is the unusually rich varietal composition. In local vineyards, it is possible to find 17 varieties of red wines and 25 white varieties listed in the State Book of Varieties. However, one shall not forget that this wide range of Moravian wines is also influenced by the combination of natural conditions and work of human hands. In the Czech Republic, there are more than 700 registered wineries from big companies to small family firms, and thousands of small private wine makers. Therefore, the resulting style of individual wines is not determined only by terroir, diverse terrain, differing soils and microclimate but also by the wine maker with his invention, experience, and application of traditional methods or new trends. In other words, original Moravian wines are everything but insipid and mediocre. Valtelina Green The aromas and tastes of the green-yellow wine reveal the composition of the vineyard s soil. Sometimes it is the aroma of linden flowers that prevails, or of bitter almonds; sometimes the character is spicy, tones of green pepper. Italian Riesling This fresh green-yellow wine with a mediumfull taste and spicy acid is the most frequent variety in the Mikulov area. Fruit tones of black currant or gooseberry prevail, later the aroma of meadow flowers. MOST FREQUENT VARIETIES List of white wines Aurelius Chardonnay Irsai Oliver Müller Thurgau Moravian Muscat Muscat Ottonel Neuburg Pálava Pinot Blanc List of red wines André Cabernet Moravia Cabernet Sauvignon Limberger Pinot Gris Rhine Riesling Italian Riesling Sauvignon Sylvaner Traminer Valtelina Early Red Valtelina Green Blue Portugal Pinot Noir St. Laurent Zweigeltrebe Müller Thurgau A variety frequent in all northern wine-growing areas in Europe and overseas. Wines of a green-yellow colour and muscat-fruity aroma with tones of grapefruits or peaches are best young and fresh. St. Laurent The most frequent red variety in the Czech Republic providing velvety bright dark red wines of harmonic taste, smelling of a sour cherry, black currant or prune, with a distinct and full taste. CLASSIFICATION OF WINES MADE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Wine classification system in the Czech Republic is based on ripeness of grapes determined by measuring the sugar content in grape juice at the time of harvest. The NM abbreviation stands for degrees of the standardized mustmeter; 1 degree corresponding to 1 kilogram of natural sugar in 100 litres of must. Table wine The lowest wine category made from grapes grown in any EU country. Regional wine Wines made from local grapes only, with a minimum of 14 NM of sugar content that can bear a label stating the area of origin, vintage and grape variety. Quality wine Wine made from local grapes, grape mush or must with a minimum of 15 NM. Wine must be produced in the wine-growing area of the origin of grapes. It can be marked by the statement: Quality varietal wine Wine made from the grapes or grape must combining at most 3 vine varieties listed in the State variety list. Quality branded wine Wine produced by combining grapes, grape must or wines according to a constant formula. Predicate wine... Grapes must meet all requirements for the production of quality wines and come from one wine-growing sub-region. No beet or any other sugar can be added to the must. Wines of higher degrees are intended especially for festive occasions or storage. Cabinet Light, dry wines pleasant to drink made from grapes of 19 NM of sugar content. Late harvest Quality dry or semidry wines made from grapes harvested with 21 NM of sugar content. Very late harvest (Auslese) Full extractive wines with a higher alcohol content and sometimes also a higher residual sugar content made from very ripe grapes with min. 24 NM of sugar content. Berry selection (Beerenauslese) Full and extractive, semisweet or sweet wines made from selected long-ripened grapes that reached more than 27 NM of sugar content. Ice wine Rare, very sweet wine made by pressing frozen grapes harvested at the temperature of minimum 7 C, the must of which has to have at least 27 NM of sugar content. Grapes must not defrost during pressing, Thus, part of the water stays in berries in the form of ice crystals and the pressed must is very concentrated. Straw wine Aromatic sweet wines made from well-ripened grapes that are dried on straw or reed mats or hanged-up in a well-ventilated space for at least 3 months after harvest. This causes water to evaporate from berries and extractive substances to concentrate in the juice. The must has to reach at least 27 NM of sugar content. Selection from botrytised raisins (Trockenbeerenauslese) Very extractive, sweet and rare wine made from grapes with minimum of 32 NM of sugar content. Thanks to an extremely long period of ripening, berries in these grapes usually turned into raisins. 10/11

9 WINE REGION Year with Wine Wine Tasting Instructions February March January If the weather is nice, work in the vineyard starts with vine pruning which usually ends in February. In the winery, wine is being prepared for bottling it is treated, i.e. clarified, filtered and stabilized. Machines are being controlled, plants obtained for planting. Wine is racked to smaller barrels, empty barrels are washed and treated. In the vineyard, it is necessary to finish pruning and gather and burn the vine twigs. Spring in the vineyard starts with ploughing off the soil that protected individual vine plants in winter. The soil is cultivated, shoots are tied to the wire support, and other small tasks are carried out. April In addition to routine work in the vineyard, wine makers evaluate wine, discuss them and take part in local and regional wine exhibitions. Most of the wine has been already treated and is prepared for bottling. 1. Visual aspects First contact with the tasted sample; by examining it against the light, the taster evaluates its clarity and intensity of its colour. The wine should be clear and glittering; its shades changing with the age of wine. 4. Sipping First it is necessary just to sip the wine, important is its structure in the mouth. The tongue tip identifies the sweet taste, its sides sour and salty tastes, and the tongue root the bitter taste. May Wine growers treat young vineyards and fight the pests by considerate spraying. They wish for a lot of sun so that vineyards finish blossoming successfully. It is necessary to cultivate the soil and weed. SEPTEMBER VINTAGE Grape harvest is the most important part of the wine grower s year. Schedule of harvesting both early and lateseason varieties is determined according to weather; ideally, June Vegetation period begins after blossoming lush shoots appear. Wine growers tuck in the summer shoots and remove the lateral shoots. with the content of natural sugars and acids in optimal ratio. From vineyards, the grapes are carefully transported to the winery where they are de-stalked and crushed. July By pruning the shoots and excess grapes wine growers reduce the load of vine plants and save their energy for production of healthy fruits. It is necessary to weed and spray the vineyard. October While some young wines already ferment in cellars, late-season varieties are just harvested. Wine growers watch over the grapes intended for ice wine production. December Rewarding time, when the wine maker and his friends can lift first glittering glasses. The year-long toil was worth it and now there is time to meditate on life and to plan the future. August The wineries prepare for upcoming vintage. Inspection in the vineyard is full of expectations will the weather last until the harvest? In ideal weather conditions, first harvest can start at the end of August. November St. Martin s wine In vineyards, soil is ploughed to the plants to protect them from freezing during winter months. In the winery, wine makers rack and clarify wines; some young wines are already prepared for the Christmas table. First young wines are blessed on November 11, St. Martin s day. 2. Swirling By swirling the glass, the wine gets aerated and aromatic substances are released. The way the wine flows down the glass side reveals its quality and alcohol content. The glass is hold by the stem or foot. 3. Smelling Sensitive nose can discover a whole palette of aromas in a good wine. Evaluation should be carried out in a closed space with no cigarette smoke, flower scents and other disturbing elements. Glossary of Basic Wine Tasting Terms Wine aroma natural substances contained in wine that can be detected by the senses during smell and taste examination. Barrique oak barrel used for wine maturing to gain typical aroma and taste. Bouquet sum of aromas resulting from maturation of wine in barrels and bottles. Cuvée wine made from two or more varieties or vintages. Decantation separation of clear wine in a bottle from the depot (sediment) by pouring it to a decanter or a different vessel. Aftertaste total impression in the mouth after swallowing the wine. 5. Spreading Before swallowing, it is necessary to spread the wine across the whole tongue. Slurping some air helps bring the aromas to the back of the mouth. 6. Spitting out Experts spit the wine out in order not to blunt their senses. When just tasting different samples, it is possible to take a piece of some unseasoned baked goods after tasting. Extract substances that remain after evaporation of water and alcohol. Amount of extract varies depending on variety, vintage and ripeness of grapes. Bottle maturity after bottling, the wine further develops to optimum maturity, depending on variety, quality class, storage temperature as well as both quality and length of corks. Persistence the length of aftertaste, i.e. how long the taste perception lasts after swallowing wine. Cream of tartar precipitates in the reaction of tartaric acid with potassium or sodium during must fermentation or in bottled wine. Residual sugar sugar that does not ferment into alcohol and remains in the wine. 12/13

10 WINE REGION MORAVIAN WINE ROUTES A unique 1,175 km long network of marked cycling routes interlacing all South Moravian winegrowing sub-regions. The project, coordinated by the Partnerství Foundation, involves 230 winegrowing villages and towns. Maps containing information about the route length, altitude profile and road surface are available for each individual circuit as well as the spinal Moravian Wine Route. Information boards and signposts with pictograms identify points of interest and services along the way. THE MUTĚNICE WINE-GROWING ROUTE The Mutěnice area forms the border between the northern and southern Moravian winegrowing sub-regions. The mostly flat, 65 km long route through the gently undulating landscape of the Kyjov Highlands can be divided into two smaller circuits following well passable consolidated dirt roads. There are several short climbs leading to nice lookout points. THE MORAVIAN WINE ROUTE THE ZNOJMO WINE-GROWING ROUTE THE STRÁŽNICE WINE-GROWING ROUTE The red-marked spinal route of the Moravian wine trails connects the ancient town of Znojmo with Uherské Hradiště, the metropolis of Slovácko. The 285 km long arterial road passes through all the Moravian wine-growing sub-regions and crosses 7 out of the 10 local wine route circuits. 70 wine-growing municipalities and 10 protected nature areas are located along the route. The longest route connecting nearly 60 winegrowing towns and villages on 165 km of length. This route is not a closed circuit, but it passes through the most interesting places of the Znojmo wine-growing sub-region. The area along the Dyje River offers flat road sections and fine roads between fields and vineyards. Lovers of rougher terrains will enjoy the Podyjí National Park. For successful wondering to wine we recommend to buy maps from our Wine Region series or directly from the Partnerství Foundation project. A 101 km long, winding road leading mostly along quiet roads, with about 20 km of consolidated or grassy dirt roads. The flat route rises up only in the White Carpathians foothills and in several parts of the Hlucká Higlands. Thanks to its rich branching, the route connects the Strážnice region with Podluží, Uherské Hradiště and Bzenec wine routes. THE BRNO WINE-GROWING ROUTE THE MIKULOV WINE-GROWING ROUTE THE PODLUŽÍ WINE-GROWING ROUTE THE KYJOV WINE-GROWING ROUTE The route starts in Moravany and connects the Moravian metropolis with routes of the Znojmo and Velké Pavlovice sub-regions. It is 130 km long and takes the cyclists for example to Dolní Kounice where excellent red wines are grown, to the Jihlava River valley, the Jihlava River Plain National Park or the Nové Mlýny reservoirs. In the south the route passes through the Lednice-Valtice Composed Landscape, it is 84 km long and quite flat, reaching the highest point at the Rajstna colonnade from where it follows the Austrian-Czech border as far as Nový Přerov. In the north it leads through places of the oldest human settlement, the wine-growing region of Pálava and the surroundings of the Nové Mlýny reservoirs. The route through the flatland of Podluží is 115 km long, with asphalt roads alternating with dirt roads. In several places it is possible to admire rural architecture of cellars. The southern part of the route leads to two well-known Slavic settlements of Pohansko and Valy u Mikulčic; the northern part enters the forested area of Dolňácko near Kyjov. The northernmost, 85 km long route with a rougher hilly profile presents a challenge for capable cyclists. The route follows the gently undulating Kyjov Highlands and the Chřiby foothills, passing by several lookout points. Several of its branches are connected with routes passing through the neighbouring areas of Bzenec, Velké Pavlovice and Mutěnice. THE VELKÉ PAVLOVICE WINE-GROWING ROUTE THE BZENEC WINE-GROWING ROUTE THE UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ WINE-GROWING ROUTE The northern part of the 110 km long, richly branched route leads through a border winegrowing area with attractive terrain and lookout points. From Velké Pavlovice, a lively wine tourist area with a number of open wine cellars, the route continues via the vale of Dolnomoravský úval around the Nové Mlýny reservoirs to the Lednice-Valtice Composed Landscape. The shortest, only 26 km long route follows mostly roads of the 3rd class via the hilly area of the Kyjov Highlands, and near Bzenec and Vracov it enters the vale of Dolnomoravský úval. The circuit is connected to the Kyjov, Uherské Hradiště and Strážnice wine routes, and part of the route is parallel to the spinal Moravian wine route. An ideal route for a day-long family trip is 75 km long and leads via a gently undulating hilly area along quiet roads and cycling trails. The heart of the route is Uherské Hradiště, the metropolis of Slovácko, from where it heads to Kostelany. In other directions, it is possible to continue to Polešovice along the Morava River or to the south to a spa town of Ostrožská Nová Ves and to Dolňácko. 14/15

11 WINE REGION Total area: ha Wine-growing villages: 91 Vineyard sites: 224 Wine-growers: THE ZNOJMO The westernmost Moravian wine-growing sub-region is proud of its full-bodied and fresh aromatic white wines that are born here thanks to the many excellent wine-makers and the ideal climate conditions. Cold winds from the Highlands together with thermo-regulating effects of the Dyje, Jevišovka and Jihlava rivers give the local wines the unmistakable spicy taste and full body. Thanks to the alteration of sunny days and cool nights the grapes mature slower, however, they maintain aroma and reach top quality. Elegant white wines are represented e.g. by Valtelina Green that used to be popular in the Viennese Emperor s court at the time of Viennese waltzes, very popular also are Müller Thurgau, Sauvignon and Rhine Riesling. The share of blue varieties is smaller; famous are especially Limberger and St. Laurent from Dolní Kounice. The Znojmo Region similarly as the Mikulov Region has an extraordinary rich wine-growing tradition the archaeological findings prove that already the old Romans used to grow grapes in the Dyje River valley. The rocks above the Šobes vineyard still show the visible tracks after the heavy Roman carriages which used to go on the trade route. The medieval traditions are reminded during the annual Znojmo Historic Vintage Festival with several days of celebrations with fairs, knight jousting and rich parades in costumes. You certainly shouldn t miss Znojmo, the Cross Wine Cellar in Přímětice, Painted Wine Cellar in Šatov, Šobes vineyard, Podyjí National Park, water mill in Slup and Rosa Coeli Monastery in Dolní Kounice. All colours, tastes and aromas of the Znojmo wine-growing sub-region are kept in a glass of the excellent Valtelina Green. 16/17

12 ZNOJMO AT A GLIMPSE Znojmo Historic Vintage Festival Every year in mid September thousands of visitors come to see the colourful festival in the medieval style. Dolní Kounice and environs Wine-growing centre in the Jihlava river valley with many historic sites and excellent red wines. The Podyjí National Park The deep meandering Dyje river valley between Vranov nad Dyjí and Znojmo is protected as the smallest local National Park. Museum in Louka Monastery The old winemakers couldn t to without faultless products made by the masters of the coopery trade; you can see them in Louka near Znojmo. Šobes Vineyard One of the oldest Moravian vineyards, classified by experts among the top ten wine-growing localities in Europe The Znojmo wine route The Brno wine route The Vineyards of the Znojmo Region Painted Wine Cellar in Šatov Wine cellar decorated with colourful paintings by the local naïve Artist is the ideal destination for families with children. 18/19

13 ZNOJMO THE BEST 1 LOUKA MONASTERY IN ZNOJMO 4 ŠOBES 6 NOVÝ ŠALDORF A SEDLEŠOVICE The monastery established in 1190 was for many centuries a centre of the Artistic, economic and spiritual life of the Znojmo Region. It also stood in the background of flourishing viticulture; the Louka Premonstratensians once owned the majority of vineyards in environs. The present is closely connected with the biggest local winery Znovín Znojmo. The monastery offers the Visitor s Centre with wine-tasting, Art Gallery, Coopery and Wine-growing Museum, wine shop and extensive Baroque cellars, where up to the present day more than a million wine bottles rest in dark and silence, at favourable humidity and temperature. Those who like the history should not miss the tour through the Monastery, during which you can see the unique Romanesque-Gothic crypt below the monastery church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Wenceslas. The Louka Monastery is one of the stops of the tourist train that will take you through the town of Znojmo. Found next to the Monastery is the popular summer swimming pool with restaurant and bowling. Visitor s Centre of Znovín Tel.: , znovin@znovin.cz, One of the top European vineyards lies on the sunny hillside of the headland in the Dyje River meander, in the heart of the Podyjí National Park. The local wine has excellent features especially thanks to the ideal microclimate. The vineyard is accessible all year round; the wine-tasting stall of Znovín Znojmo is open from April till the end of September. Two famous wine-growing villages south of Znojmo were established soon after the Louka Monastery foundation in 1190 near the Dyje River fords. The local inhabitants during six centuries dug more than two-hundred wine cellars and planted the vine in the local famous vineyard Kraví Hora. The local rarity is so called Blue wine cellars, dug in sandstone with layers of greyish blue clay. The street with 180 wine cellars in Nový Šaldorf-Sedlešovice is the biggest and the most picturesque wine street in the Znojmo Region, you can find there even a huge log press. In the municipal wine shop all year round you can buy the products of the local Wine-growers Guild bottled and barrel wine and half-fermented wine in the time of grape-picking. Wine-growers Guild Nový Šaldorf-Sedlešovice Nový Šaldorf 143, cellar No. 20 (wine-shop) Znojmo, Tel.: , , 2 GENE POOL OF ČR 3 KRAVÍ HORA 5 PAINTED WINE CELLAR In the Nad Sklepy vineyard near the Vrbovec wine-growing village you can see the collection of grape varieties Gene Pool of the Czech Republic. It involves 290 kinds of wine of the presently grown varieties as well as the older and regional varieties that are no more enrolled in the State Book of Varieties. The Gene Pool is maintained by Ampelos the oldest vine cultivation centre in Central Europe, established in AMPELOS, vine cultivation station Znojmo, a.s., Vrbovec 274 Tel.: , info@ampelos.cz, South of Znojmo you can find a long knoll with a heath and rare thermophilic flora the historic vineyard site, one of the best in the country. The western part flows into the Dyje River valley and the Podyjí National Park; the eastern part is planted with vine. The northern slopes offer the most beautiful view over the Znojmo town. A beautiful wine cellar decorated with fantastic paintings was dug in the sandstone slope above Šatov near the road to Havraníky. Although it is the wine cellar, surprisingly wine has never been made or kept there. Probably it was supposed to be a private wine-bar and a place with a pleasant atmosphere. Today it is a popular destination of family trips with children. When you go down the 32 steps to the underground, you will appear in the astonishing wonderland of mermaids, dwarfs and the Alps sceneries. Both sides of the corridor and the walls of five lodges are decorated by colourful paintings by Maxmillian Appeltauer, born in Šatov, famous for his artistic talent. He dedicated his life to the Painted Cellar, he worked there every Sunday for thirty-six years and even his injury from the 2nd World War, where he lost his arm, didn t stop him. He hold the cup with paint in his left underarm, in the right hand he hold the brush and the candles attached to the hat illuminated the wall in front of him. He dedicated his life to the Painted Cellar and his Art is today admired by many visitors from Europe as well as overseas Šatov, Tel.: /21

14 ZNOJMO THE BEST 7 DOLNÍ KOUNICE 9 IVANČICE 11 ŠATOV The environs of Dolní Kounice is famous thanks to the production of original red wines, especially Limberger. In this picturesque town you can visit many historic sites, for example the romantic ruins of the Gothic monastery Rosa Coeli or the pilgrimage chapel of St. Anthony. Noteworthy certainly also is the local small Jewish quarter with cemetery and synagogue. 8 MORAVSKÝ KRUMLOV The second biggest town in the Znojmo Region was mentioned for the first time in 1240 and twenty years later it was promoted to the town status. The Renaissance chateau houses the Slavonic Epic the collection of 20 monumental canvasses depicting scenes from the history of Slavonic nations. Its author is the world-famous Art Nouveau painter Alfons Mucha ( ) that was born in Ivančice nearby. Standing on the rocky headland above Moravský Krumlov is the Baroque pilgrimage chapel of St. Florian with four corner towers that offers a breathtaking view over the town and the Rokytná River valley. The dominant feature of the town with many Renaissance houses, remains of medieval fortification wall and Jewish cemetery is the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary with a characteristic prismatic tower that once stood on its own and was a part of the fortification. Nearby you can see the remains of the buildings of the Czech Brothers Congregation with an original tower and foundations of the church. They remind us of the time when Ivančice was the significant centre of Unitas Fratrum. In 1562 in the local printing house the Ivančice hymnal was printed, one of the most beautiful European Renaissance books. The permanent exhibitions of two local countrymen Art Nouveau painter Alfons Mucha and actor Vladimír Menšík are also very popular. Every year in the 2nd half of May the Asparagus Festival is held in the town, the event with a rich accompanying programme reminding of the times when asparagus was grown in the Ivančice region MIROSLAV The first mention about Miroslav dates back to 1222, when Bohemian King Premyslid Otakar I and his wife Constance confirmed by a written document the gift of the wine tithe from the Miroslav vineyards to the Rajhrad Benedictines. The town got famous thanks to apricot growing and found there is a valuable Jewish cemetery from the 16th century. The most famous vineyard is Weinperky, lying on the foothills of the Markův Hill on the edge of Miroslav. In Šatov you can find several streets with wine cellars; found in one of them is the three-hundredyear old Moravian Wine Cellar. In the underground you can have a look into the private bottled wine boxes and the offer of course involves winetasting too. The visitors can also visit the special vineyard dedicated to the old grape varieties that was established several years ago near the cellar. The European rarity is the Painted Wine Cellar, 12 HNANICE The Gothic church of St. Wolfgang used to be a significant pilgrimage destination; since the 13th century the pilgrims from entire Europe have been coming to have a wash in the miraculous water of the church fountain. Found in the village are many wine cellars with wine-tasting possibilities as well as the horse-riding centre for tourists CHVALOVICE The wine-growing village, with the vineyard area of 240 ha, that had a similar past as many other villages in the Znojmo Region being a part of the assets of the Premonstratensians from the Monastery in Louka near Znojmo. The church of St. Margaret dates back to the period around You can visit a long street with numerous wine cellars that offer wine for tasting and for sale. classical wine cellar decorated by naïve paintings of the local artist; more information can be found at page 21. The complex of the Czechoslovakian fortification with the infantry log cabin MJ S 3 Garden is open to the public from the beginning of April till the end of October. Czechoslovakian fortification complex Tel.: , jirispin@volny.cz Moravian Wine Cellar, Šatov 337 Tel.: , , tours through the cellar , TOP IT ALL When you travel through the Znojmo Region, go west to the Vranov Dam. There you can find the magnificent chateau Vranov nad Dyjí. Found along the Dyje river valley are many other remarkable castles, for example the castle ruins of Cornstejn, Frejstejn and Nový Hrádek with a breathtaking view over the meandering Dyje River, castle Bítov with a unique castle zoo and the castles on the Austrian side Hardegg and Kaja. They all are accessible to public; Bítov and Vranov even offer the quality wine shops. 22/23

15 ZNOJMO THE BEST 14 ZNOJMO 15 JAROSLAVICE 18 LAMPELBERG CASTLE One of the oldest Czech towns and the winegrowing centre with a long tradition represents the symbolic beginning of the main Moravian Wine Route. The historic centre, surrounded by the fragments of the medieval fortification wall, is full of zigzagging streets, romantic look-outs and stylish nooks. However, the oldest site you could find is the former Premyslid castle that houses one of the expositions of the South-Moravian Museum in Znojmo. It is the Romanesque rotunda of the Virgin Mary and St. Catherine that probably dates back to the mid 11th century. Its interiors are decorated by the Romanesque frescoes with the biblical themes and a large part is dedicated to the genealogy of the Premyslid family. The characteristic outline of the town is formed by two towers. The first one belongs to the Gothic church of St. Nicholas standing above the steep rocky slope above the Dyje River. Worth mentioning in the interior is especially the Baroque pulpit in a globe shape. The second, so called Town Hall Tower, is 80 m high and was built between by local builder Nicholas of Sedlešovice. Its gallery offers a beautiful view over the historic town centre, environs of Znojmo, and in good weather conditions you can see even the hills of the Czech-Moravian Highlands, Pálava and the peaks of the Austrian Alps. The famous history of the Znojmo wines that had a great reputation and were regularly served on the tables of Bohemian Kings is also resembled by the extensive labyrinth of corridors and cellars, stretching under the majority of houses, streets and squares in the historic centre. The Znojmo underground, built with no system between the 13th and 17th centuries, is today one of the unique historic landmarks of European significance. About a 1000 m long route starting in the House No. 2 at Slepičí Trh and ending in the House No. 23 in Obroková Street is accessible to public, being a part of the circa 30 kilometres of corridors, often in four floors above each other. Tourist information centre Znojmo Obroková 10, Znojmo, Tel.: tic@beseda.znojmo.cz The wine cellar of Znovín Znojmo in Jaroslavice hides a big treasure the unique and officially oldest collection of the vintage wines in the Czech Republic. Stored in the cellar are wines by years from 1945 and individual varieties up to The real treasure is especially several last bottles of Blue Portugal from HOSTĚRADICE The historic wine-growing village was firstly mentioned in Worth visiting is the church of St. Cunigund from the 2nd half of the 13th century with a number of Gothic and Baroque elements. Near Hostěradice you can find the 2nd largest vineyard in the region called Volné Pole with a total area of 95.4 ha HAVRANÍKY Found above the Havraníky wine-growing village, famous for the several hundred meters or even kilometres long wine cellars, is the pilgrimage chapel of the Virgin Mary of Sorrow and the second largest heath in South Moravia. The cycling route through the vineyards from Znojmo to the Šobes vineyard will take you to the Znovín wine-tasting stall that is open from April till the end of September. The only reminder of the extinct settlement of Ječmeniště, which once stood on the Czech-Austrian border and was famous due to excellent wine, is the picturesque castle in the middle of vineyards. In 1860 it was built for Duke Hompesch from the Jaroslavice chateau as a look-out summerhouse. The castle is a popular destination of cycling and hiking trips, EKO Hnízdo company organises there wine-tasting, supervised wine-tasting, private parties, sale of wine and other refreshments. Lampelberg offers a breathtaking view over the vineyards in the Znojmo Region and the Austrian wine-growing region Retzerland Weinviertel LECHOVICE The dominant feature of the village is the remarkable pilgrimage church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. Vinné Sklepy Lechovice, the second biggest wine-maker in the Znojmo wine-growing sub-region, offers tours through the Baroque cellars with wine-tasting. The rarity is the annual depositing of sparkling wines to mature on the bottom of the Vranov Dam, where huge catfish Lech guards them. 24/25

16 ZNOJMO THE BEST 20 THE PODYJÍ NATIONAL PARK 23 THE ZNOJMO WINE-GROWING ROUTE THROUGH THE VINEYARDS OF THE REGION The Dyje River is most beautiful between Podhradí and Znojmo, where the river created a deep valley with numerous meanders. The western part is flood by the 30 km long lake of the Vranov Dam; the Podyjí National Park involves the eastern part of the river valley. The park area is woven by the 76 km of marked tourist trails for hikers and 48 km cycling trails, that follow other Czech-Austrian thematic cycling circuits. Tourists can visit the information centre in Čížov, the most interesting places in the park that are marked by the information panels with maps and wooden shelters for bad weather. The most beautiful places in Podyjí involve the Hardegg Look-out, Sealsfield s Rock and Šobes vineyard. Tel.: , , info@nppodyji.cz The 30 km long cycling circuit leads through the vineyards south of Znojmo, Podyjí National Park and many wine-growing villages. Only about 20 % of the route leads on the public roads, so it is a good tip for families with children. The starting point is the Moravian wine cellar in Šatov, where you can park. The route leads around the Painted Wine Cellar, through the wine-growing villages Havraníky, Popice and Nový Šaldorf to Znojmo. There you can stop for a tour through the Louka Monastery and in summer you can enjoy the nearby outdoor swimming pool. Those who don t want to pedal further, can see the most interesting sites of Znojmo from the tourist sightseeing train. Further the route goes through the renowned Kraví Hora vineyard to the wine-growing village of Konice, then through the Havraníky heath on the edge of the Podyjí National Park to the wine-tasting stall in Staré Vinohrady above Havraníky. Awaiting you at the end of the route is the unforgettable view over the picturesque Šobes vineyard, where in summer you can visit another wine-tasting stall. You will return around the Gothic church of St. Wolfgang in Hnanice and then to Šatov. 21 CROSS WINE CELLAR IN PŘÍMĚTICE 22 SÁDEK...TO TOP IT ALL The wine cellar with the cross shape groundplan, one of the biggest in the world, was built by the Znojmo Jesuits in the 18th century. The The wine-growing and cultural centre near Kojetice maintains the westernmost Moravian vineyards. There you can enjoy wine-tasting, local wine cellars with bottled-wine boxes, you can also play tennis, volleyball, go horseriding or cycling. Annually in June the dulcimer festival is organised in the local natural amphitheatre Kojetice 169, Rajhrad The Benedictine Monastery with the church of Sts. Peter and Paul is the oldest in Moravia; according to the legend it was founded in Slup The Renaissance mill open to public with four functioning water wheels and exhibition of milling used to be among the biggest in Moravia. historic interior is complemented by the modern wine-making equipment for the white wine processing. The cellar is accessible to public within the Wine Tourist Programme of Znovín Znojmo, the tour involves tasting of six wine samples. Diviš s Memorial The memorial in Přímětice is dedicated to the inventor of lightning rod Prokop Diviš. In 1754 in Přímětice he built the first prototype. Swimming pools Únanov and Louka Two outdoor swimming pools with a rich offer of water amusement with water slides, and everything what belongs to summer days /27

17 ZNOJMO WHICH WAY AND WHERE 10 MOST SIGNIFICANT TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN THE ZNOJMO REGION Znojmo town with a beautiful Renaissance centre. castle, Romanesque rotunda with murals and historic underground, the biggest in the Czech Republic. More information can be found at page 24. Louka Monastery Premonstratensian monastery, founded in Museum of wine-growing and coopery, wine shop, tours with wine-tasting. More information can be found at page 20. The Podyjí National Park woody rocky slopes, heaths, leafy forests and forest-steppe along the meandering Dyje River. More information can be found at page 26. Šobes vineyard on the hillside of the headland in the meander of the Dyje River, one of the top ten European wine-growing localities. More information can be found at page 21. Painted Wine Cellar in Šatov wine cellar, decorated by 3D colourful paintings. Tours with wine-tasting. More information can be found at page 21. 1st day: Znojmo Dyje Tasovice Slup Jaroslavice Chvalovice Hnanice 2nd day: Hnanice Davit lynx Šobes vineyard Nový Hrádek Vranov nad Dyjí Lantos Contemn Bítov 3rd day: Bítov Štítary Šumná Boskovštejn Jevišovice Hluboké Mašůvky Přímětice Znojmo Route length: 135 km Vranov Dam the holiday resort on the Dyje River, built with the 30 km long lake. Sightseeing boat trips, restaurants, accommodation. Vranov nad Dyjí town under the Vranov Dam with the impressive Baroque chateau. The starting point of the trips to the Podyjí National Park. Bítov romantic castle above the Vranov Dam. The exhibited collection of 50 stuffed dogs, enrolled in the Guinness Book of Records, is the largest in the world. Castle zoo, cellar of ghosts, wine cellar, exhibition hall. Moravský Krumlov Renaissance chateau houses the Slavonic Epic, series of twenty monumental canvases with scenes from history of Slavonic nations by painter Alfons Mucha, who was born in Ivančice nearby. More information can be found at page 22. Dolní Kounice picturesque town with the ruins of Gothic Monastery Rosa Coeli and the interesting series of Jewish sites. EXTENDED WEEKEND ON A BIKE IN THE ZNOJMO REGION The first day you will see the wine-growing region, the second day you will visit the Podyjí National Park and Vranov Dam, the last day you will spend in the Jevišovice region and the pilgrimage destination Hluboké Mašůvky. Along the way you can visit many interesting landmarks e.g. the motorbike museum in Lesná, castles Bítov and Cornštejn or the chateau in Vranov nad Dyjí. Detailed description of the route can be found at: A WEEK IN THE ZNOJMO REGION The first part of the seven-day journey you will spend in Znojmo. On the following days you will see the environs of the Vranov Dam, visit the northernmost vineyards in the Znojmo wine-growing subregion, travel crisscross the vineyards in the Znojmo Region and see the unique UNESCO site Jewish quarter Zámostí in Třebíč. 1st day Znojmo tour through the town (Town Hall Tower, underground, Znojmo Castle rotunda, museum, Louka Monastery), Přímětice (Cross Wine Cellar, Memorial to Prokop Diviš), in summer swimming pool Louka or aquapark Únanov 2nd day Znojmo Nový Šaldorf (wine cellars) Havraníky (vineyard) Šatov (Painted Wine Cellar, Moravian Wine Cellar, infantry log cabin) Hnanice (horse-rides, church of St. Wolfgang) evening walk to Šobes vineyard Znojmo 3rd day Znojmo Lesná (motorcycle museum, wind mill) Vranov nad Dyjí (chateau) Lančov Cornštejn (castle ruins) Podhradí nad Dyjí (Frejštejn castle ruins) Uherčice (chateau) Vranov Dam 4th day Bítov (castle) Moravské Budějovice Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou (chateau) Kojetice (Wine-growing and cultural centre Sádek) Třebíč (basilica of St. Prokop, Jewish quarter Zámostí, Jewish cemetery) 5th day Třebíč Dalešice (brewery from the Postřižiny movie) Dukovany (nuclear power station, exposition of ČEZ) Moravský Krumlov (chateau, Slavonic Epic by Alfons Mucha) Ivančice (museum of A. Mucha, Jewish cemetery, Réna lookout tower) 6th day Ivančice Dolní Kounice (Rosa Coeli Monastery, Jewish quarter, vineyards) Miroslav (Jewish cemetery, Weinperky vineyard) Hostěradice (Volné Pole vineyard) Lechovice (tour through wine cellars, pilgrimage church) 7th day Vrbovec (Vine Gene Pool) Slup (water mill, technical monument) Lamperlberg (vineyard) Jaroslavice (vintage wine cellar) Velký Karlov (crocodile farm) Hrušovany nad Jevišovkou (chateau Emín, ranch Rolftown) 28/29

18 ZNOJMO WHAT AND WHEN THE ZNOJMO HISTORIC VINTAGE FESTIVAL A grand celebration in the historic centre of Znojmo reminds the visitors of the medieval history of the royal town. Tens of thousands of visitors return back to the atmosphere of the days in May 1327, when Bohemian King John of Luxemburg with his wife Elisabeth and royal court came to the town. The stylish festival of music, dance and entertainment is accompanied by a rich programme parades with hundreds of characters in historic costumes, medieval fair, military camp, performances of conjurers, jugglers and historic fencing groups, knight jousting, theatres, competitions for children and fireworks. Of course the festival could never be without tasting of wine and half-fermented wine, spiritual programme in the church of St. Michael and St. Nicholas and the exhibition The Znojmo Region Garden of Moravia. When and where: Znojmo, in mid September JAROVÍN ROSÉ YEAR-ROUND WINE-TASTING THE ZNOJMO MUSIC FESTIVAL Approximately a hundred of pink wine samples take part in the annual international competition, assessed by renowned wine experts from Czechia and Slovakia. At the end of March it is possible to taste the awardwinning wines in the Althans Palace in Znojmo. The programme involves training in wine-growing and experience gastronomy, which combines delicious food, ten pink wine samples, stylish atmosphere and dining, music and last but not least a spoken word the comments on the selected wines by a famous sommelier. When and where: Znojmo, March VALTELINA WINE GALLERY The Znojmo Region wouldn t be the same without Valtelina the variety grown only in Central Europe. The international exhibition of this variety starts in the beautiful halls in Louka Monastery by the assessment and the event finishes by the exhibition of the award-winning samples with public wine-tasting. When and where: Znojmo, August and September, Practically in all towns and bigger villages in South Moravia you can find well stocked wine shops, however, you can also buy bottled and barrel wines directly from makers. Wineries also offer a pleasant atmosphere and refreshments in their private wine MUSIC FESTIVALS The main pilgrimage in the Baroque chapel of St. Florian above Moravský Krumlov is the opportunity for the local firemen to honour their patron. The pilgrimage is accompanied by cellars. The majority of wine-growing municipalities organise local wine exhibitions. Information about all events and contacts you can find in the information centres, regional wine shops or on specialised web sites. the fair with a rich programme. Held in Moravský Krumlov in May also is the music festival with performances of professional and amateur music bands and ensembles. When and where: Moravský Krumlov, pilgrimage and fair on the 1st Sunday after May 4, music festival in May, Great music, perfect dramaturgy and interesting performers, all this in the town of music with many beautiful nooks. The Znojmo festival has a fantastic audience, unique atmosphere and on top of that When and where: Znojmo, July THE VRANOV LILY The charming presentation of the floristic Art is presented in many Moravian castles and chateaux, however, only the magnificent chateau interiors in Vranov nad Dyjí can offer the grand flower decorations in the every concert is accompanied by wine-tasting. The interesting point is the tower music evening fanfare to wish good night to the town, played from the Town Hall Tower. historic style, which is dominated by lilies. You can see the exhibition on its own or along the sightseeing tour in the chateau. When and where: Vranov nad Dyjí, mid June, 30/31

19 WINE REGION Total area: ha Wine-growing villages: 30 Vineyard sites: 182 Wine-growers: THE MIKULOV Pálava, the place with unrepeatable atmosphere stands out sharply from the slightly undulating countryside of the swamp forests by the lower Dyje River. The hillsides of limestone rocks are covered by the thick drifts of loess and calcareous clay, the southern part is characterised by thick layers of sand. Deep loess soil offers the vine a source of a wider spectrum of aliments for the aroma agents and more distinct tones of extract. Therefore, Pálava gives wines with completely different character than other sub-regions and it is an ideal place within the North Panonia lowland. Already the Roman soldiers appreciated that fact and established the first Moravian vineyards. The Mikulov wine-growing sub-region is famous for Italian Riesling, which despite of its name has nothing in common genetically or historically with Rhine Riesling, and it doesn t originate in Italy either. In Pálava it gives fresh wines with a higher content of pleasant acids and the unmistakable mineral content. Sauvignon and Chardonnay do well there too. The soil with more clay in the Dunajovice Hills is suitable for the typical Mikulov variety Valtelina Green. The Valtice region is also ideal for Neuburg and Sylvaner Green. The environs of Pouzdřany give excellent Rhine Riesling, Traminer and Pálava. Red wines are represented by St. Laurent, Pinot Noir and Limberger; newly planted French va- rieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon have the promising future there. There are many places you must visit. Significant towns connected with wine are Valtice with the famous Wine Salon of the Czech Republic and the Mikulov chateau with an interesting wine-growing exhibition with a giant wine barrel. The real pearl is the Lednice-Valtice Composed Landscape, enrolled in the UNESCO World Heritage List as the largest artistically composed landscape in the world. The Pálava Hills gave the name to the Pálava variety, wine of yellow golden colour with aroma resembling of roses and vanilla. 32/33

20 MIKULOV AT A GLIMPSE The Pálava Protected Landscape Area Vast limestone rock with numerous kinds of thermophilic flora and fauna is an ideal winegrowing locality. Pavlov wine-growing village the pearl between villages on the foothills of Pálava is the set of Baroque wine cellars through which the new nature wine-growing route leads. Mikulov visit this charming town with Baroque chateau and rare set of Jewish sites and enjoy the Palava Vintage Festival. The Lednice-Valtice Composed Landscape Garden of Europe, one of the most beautiful chateau complexes and at the same time the largest artistically composed landscape in the world. Valtice Wine Markets one of the most prestigious wine shows held annually in May in the chateau riding school The Mikulov wine-growing route The Stará Hora Wine-growing trail The Valtice Wine-growing nature trail The Mikulov Wine-growing trail Wine Salon of the Czech Republic Permanent winetasting exposition in the cellar of the Baroque chateau in Valtice with a hundred top Moravian and Czech wines. 34/35

21 MIKULOV THE BEST 1 MIKULOV 2 DOLNÍ DUNAJOVICE...TO TOP IT ALL Mikulov has always been among the most important wine-growing centres of Moravia and if you want to see for yourself that the town is still surrounded by vineyards from all sides, you should start the tour on the Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček). The white limestone hill with the Baroque pilgrimage church of St. Sebastian and the Way of the Cross is the first dominant feature of the town. The second one is the large Baroque chateau that houses the Regional Museum. The expositions depict the history of the castle and town, and the wine lovers can admire the probably largest local exposition of winemaking and viticulture. The rarity is a giant tithe wine barrel from 1634 with the capacity of 1014 hectolitres, the oldest in Central Europe. The permanent exhibitions also present the literature Art in the Baroque chateau library and Art Gallery of Dietrichsteins, the family who lived in Mikulov from 1575 till the end of the 2nd World War. On the square you can see the Dietrichstein Crypt, originally the church of St. Anne. It was founded in 1623 as one of the oldest lorettas in Czechia and was adapted to the crypt after a devastating fire. Valuable series of Jewish sites led by the accessible Upper Synagogue in Husova Street reminds us that Mikulov was for many centuries the spiritual, cultural and political centre of the Moravian Jews and up to 1851 even the seat town of Moravian rabies. Due to devastating fires only a quarter of the original ghetto has been preserved. The nature trail with thirteen info posts will take you also to the extremely valuable cemetery, where resting are the famous learned Moravian rabies, and that is the destination of pilgrims from the whole world. Tourist information centre Mikulov Náměstí 1, Mikulov Tel.: tic@mikulov.cz, The first written mention about Dolní Dunajovice dates back to Thanks to the quality of local wines the village gained a high reputation already in medieval ages. In 1870 future Austrian chancellor and president Karl Renner was born there. The most interesting witnesses of history are the church of St. Giles and the whipping post from the 18th century. 3 NOVOSEDLY The dominant feature of the old winegrowing village is the church of St. Ulrich, one of a few preserved original Romanesque churches in the region. According to the local wine-growers the local vineyards are by the character and age similar to the subsoil of the wine-growing locality Médoc in Bordeaux. 4 SEDLEC The famous wine-growing village lies between the towns of Mikulov and Valtice on the bank of the biggest Moravian pond called Nesyt. The renowned vineyards gained its quality thanks to the limy subsoil, mirror effect of the Nesyt pond and the position in the alluvial plain, protected from north by the Pálava, Mušlovský, Liščí and Studánkový Hills. Half a million years ago profusion of game and favourable climate lured the first inhabitants to South Moravia. Archaeological findings from many places confirm that Mammoth Hunters lived there, later first farmers and stock breeders, and the ironmasters and smiths established their settlements in the Bronze and Iron Ages. We also have proofs of the presence of the Romans, Celts, Germanic people and migratory Huns and Vandals. Dolní Věstonice, village on the Pálava foothills got famous thanks to the systematic research of the archaeological cal localities from the Palaeolithic period that was led by prof. Karel Absolon between The Věstonice Venus, a small figure, which an unknown artist made from the mixture of ground mammoth bones and clay circa years ago, is not only a world rarity but at the same time it is one of the very first proofs of prehistoric pottery. The permanent exposition in Dolní Věstonice called Age of hunters and mammoths, branch of the Regional museum in Mikulov, documents the overview of the individual stages of research and methods used, you can also see a model of Palaeolithic dwelling. 36/37

22 MIKULOV THE BEST 5 WINE SALON OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC IN VALTICE 8 EXHIBITION OF HISTORIC WINE PRESSES VALTICE No wine lover should miss the visit to the monumental chateau in Valtice. The reason is not that on the construction of the Baroque residence of the Liechtensteins the most famous artists participated and that the honour court is among the most beautiful buildings of its kind in the entire Czech Republic, but also the fact that the stylish chateau cellar houses the Wine Salon, the permanent wine-tasting exhibition with a top hundred Moravian and Czech wines. Every year the collection is selected within the competition Wine Salon of the Czech Republic, the highest local wine competition. The wines registered in the Salon are made exclusively from the local grapes and have to go through the system of nomination exhibitions. Annually a hundred of the best wines gain the right to mark the bottle with the label Wine Salon of the Czech Republic. Selected wines are then presented in Valtice, each exhibited sample is accompanied by the information about wine and its maker. Visitors have a chance to taste all exhibited samples individually or to select from the wine-tasting programmes supervised by a sommelier. Zámecká 1, Valtice, Tel.: salonvin@vinarskecentrum.cz When you come to Valtice already from a distance you will see the impressive Baroque church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Very near on the main square you will find the Museum of Viticulture, Gardening and Environment. It is a branch of the National Agricultural Museum in Prague that in 2006 celebrated the 115th anniversary of its foundation. The permanent exhibitions document the development of vegetable and fruit growing, wine growing and wine making in Czechia, you can see the herbariums and samples of historic kinds of seeds of vegetable and flowers, pieces of wood, moss and cones. An attractive part is dedicated to the environment, where the special attention is paid to the charming Lednice-Valtice Composed Landscape. The Museum also maps the development of flower growing with exhibits of flower arrangements and paraffin models of fruit and vegetable. For those who like wine and are ready to admire the beauty of technical sites we can recommend the exhibition of viticulture. The most valuable exhibits involve the wine presses from the 18th and 19th century, mostly fully functioning. The Museum got them from the Břeclav region wine-makers. You can find there also wine barrels with contents stated in original measures and small tools used for grape picking. Náměstí Svobody 8, Valtice Tel.: , nzm@cmail.cz, 6 VALTICE MUNICIPAL CELLAR 7 CHATEAU AND CROSS WINE CELLAR 9 SECONDARY SPECIALISED SCHOOL 10 FACULTY OF GARDENING OF MZLU OF VITICULTURE IN VALTICE LEDNICE The fact that Valtice is the capital of wines is obvious for those who visited the wine shop and cellar with a permanent exhibition of wines from the Valtice winemakers. All year round the local wine-makers prepare by arrangement the evening wine-tasting events with accompanying programme for groups of six up to forty-five persons. Vinařská ulice, Valtice Tel.: milanhradill@seznam.cz Winery Vinné Sklepy Valtice is one of the biggest wine producers in the Mikulov winegrowing sub-region. Despite the fact that the Valtice wines are made in modern technology premises, for maturing are rather used historic cellars, accessible to public. The chateau cellar was built around 1430, has a capacity of 600 thousand litres and especially red wines are kept there to mature in oak barrels. The 120 metre long and 100 metre wide Cross Wine Cellar with the capacity over a million litres dates back to Valtice wouldn t be called the capital of wine if it didn t have the specialised school. In December 1872 the Farming wine-growing school was established and in November 1873 the school started off with students from entire Europe. Today the school is called the Secondary Specialised School of Viticulture and Secondary Gardening Training Institution. The exceptionality of the school is emphasised by the fact that it is the only school in the Czech Republic, which has been teaching the wine-making and viticulture specialisations for the entire period of its existence. The Faculty of Gardening in Lednice is a part of the Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry in Brno. The predecessor of this university was the Brno University of Agriculture, established in 1919 as the first individual university of agriculture in Czechoslovakia of those days. In Lednice students can learn garden engineering, gardening, garden and landscape architecture; it is the only university in the Czech Republic that teaches wine-making and viticulture. 38/39

23 MIKULOV THE BEST 11 THE PÁLAVA PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AREA 12 BAROQUE WINE HOUSES IN PAVLOV The vast limestone cliff that steeply grows from the southmoravian lowlands north of Mikulov you can see already from the distance of several tens of kilometres. It is Pálava, officially called the Pavlov Hills, the excellent locality for grape growing and a part of the Lower Moravia UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The highest peak is Děvín (549 m); the same name belongs to the National Nature Reserve with many species of thermophilic flora and fauna. Who wants to see the majority of interesting places in Pálava, has to go by foot on the marked trails and nature paths, as cycling is prohibited there. The starting points for shorter trips are Dolní Věstonice, Pavlov and Klentnice. Pálava will offer you many resting and lookout places as well as the ruins of three medieval castles. The biggest and most famous one is Děvičky or Dívčí Castle above Pavlov. Situated on the cliffs above Klentnice village is the medieval border castle called Sirotčí Castle, and above Horní Věstonice you can see fractional ruins of the Neuhaus castle. Typical features of Baroque architecture can be found on the wine houses in Česká Street, where 18 of them are legally protected. They were built by the owners of vineyards, who lived especially from wine-making. On the ground floor is the entrance to the press room and then the corridors continue to the cellars. Richly decorated gables are similarly as the farm estates on the village green inspired by the architecture of Mikulov and they reveal how rich winegrowing village Pavlov was. The traditional part of the wine house usually is a niche for the patron s figure; most often the patron of wine-makers St. Urban. The press rooms have a seating area for guests, upstairs, where the wine-makers with families used to live, is accommodation available. If you wish to see the historical screw-press from 1851, which once was typical for the Moravian wine-growing region, you can find it by the road to Mikulov on the edge of Pavlov. TOP IT ALL 13 PAVLOV NATURE TRAIL 14 PERNÁ CULTIVATION STATION The Turold Cave In the southern spur of Pálava, inside the Turold Hill, you can find the cave accessible to public. Its walls are covered by sinter coating with clusters of shining calcite crystals, resembling of corals. Nové Mlýny Water Reservoirs In the 80s of the 20th century on the confluence of the Dyje, Svratka and Jihlava rivers the cascade of three water reservoirs was built to serve for irrigation, protection against floods, recreation, water sports and fishing. The westernmost Mušov Lake serves for water amusement and fishermen. On the contrary the middle Věstonice Lake was in 1994 declared to be a nature reserve. The church of St. Linhart is the only visible reminder of the flooded village of Mušov. Pasohlávky Holiday Resort A village by the upper Nové Mlýny lake with many restaurants, accommodation facilities and wine cellars is the ideal place for holidays and recreation, no matter if you want to relax by water or enjoy some of many sporting activities. A three-kilometre-long nature trail with seven information posts will introduce you to the most interesting places in Pavlov. You will see the local vineyards and terroir of Pálava, hear about the history of local viticulture and typical grape varieties. The trail was prepared by the Pavlov municipality together with the association of the Pavlov wine-makers Vinitores Palaviensis. The association also organises traditional spring wine exhibitions, Summer of Open Cellars and the November Day of Open Cellars. The cultivation station, situated on the southern foothills of Pálava, was a place where Josef Veverka the head plant-breeder worked for almost thirty years. Under his leadership the Pálava and Aurelius varieties were bred. At the beginning of the 90s the station was sold to private hands and its present owner is Doc. Ing. Miloš Michlovský, CSc. 40/41

24 MIKULOV THE BEST 15 THE STARÁ HORA WINE-GROWING NATURE TRAIL 18 THE LEDNICE-VALTICE LANDSCAPE SMALL STRUCTURESRES In 2005 the three-kilometre-long wine-growing nature trail Stará Hora was established, where you can find a lot of information about wine-growing in the environs of Novosedly. The trail starts by the road from Dobré Pole to Drnholec between two limestone pylons and leads to the vineyards at Stará Hora, maintained by the 16 THE VALTICE WINE-GROWING NATURE TRAIL The Valtice square is the start and end of the five-kilometre-long nature circuit trail. You can follow it on foot and except of the park around the Valtice chateau where cycling is forbidden, you can also go by bike. 19 information panels in three languages will introduce you to the life on vineyards during 17 THE MIKULOV WINE-GROWING NATURE TRAIL The starting point of the 20-kilometre-long trail, which will introduce you to the winegrowing traditions of the region below Pálava, is the town of Mikulov. You can go by foot, bike or car, 17 information panels are awaiting you on the way. The trail leads through the wine-growing villages winery Víno Marcinčák. Eleven panels are dedicated to the history and present of wine-growing, varieties and the correct winetasting. The trail follows the 37 kilometre long circuit that starts and ends in Mikulov. the year seasons, the history of the local viticulture and wine-growing in the Mikulov subregion. An interesting place is the vineyard of the Secondary specialised school of viticulture, where you can find individual grape varieties and various types of growing and drawing. The trail will lead you to the medieval wine cellar in the chateau garden or to the colonnade at Rajstna. Its roof terrace offers a breathtaking view to the north, the Pálava hills, swamp forests, forests of the Chřiby hills and the White Carpathians. under Pálava through Bavory to Perná, than to Horní Věstonice and Dolní Věstonice, Pavlov and Klentnice, the village below the Sirotčí castle ruins. You will also be led to the Mikulov chateau and the giant barrel or to the permanent archaeological exposition in Dolní Věstonice. The remarkable region between Lednice and Valtice was in 1996 enrolled on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List as the largest artistically composed landscape in the world. The human hands created a beautiful world of impressive manors surrounded by parks, gardens, ponds, rivers and forests, with many sculptures, hunting lodge, chapels and colonnades on the area of almost 200 square kilometres. A good starting point is the chateau complex in Lednice. Several sightseeing tours through the charming Neo-Gothic chateau present beautiful interiors, decorated by the masterpieces of wood-carvers. Families with children will appreciate the cave of ghosts that is a part of one of the tours, and the Malawi sea aquarium, placed in the former Baroque riding schools. Found next to the chateau is the unique palm greenhouse from the mid 19th century with the collection of tropical and subtropical flora. The Lednice chateau is surrounded by the French garden and a large English park with a pond and 16 islands that freely flow into the swamp forest. The sightseeing boat trips to the Minaret and Janohrad and rides in carriages are very popular. When walking through the romantic landscape between Valtice and Lednice you will discover many small structures. They all date back to the beginning of the 19th century and their builders placed them into the landscape as precious pearls. Janohrad Romantic artificial castle ruins with several grand halls, a perfect replica of medieval castle ruins. Minaret A 60-metre-tall lookout, one of the biggest structures of its kind in the non-islamic countries, from the highest gallery you can sometimes see even the spire of the church of St. Stephen in Vienna. Temple of Three Graces The Classicist sheltered colonnade south of the Prostřední pond, hall with a mosaic floor, sculpture of three ancient goddesses chiselled from one piece of stone. Nový dvůr The large farmstead in the Empire style, since the end of the 19th century the noble riding horses have been bred there, racecourse nearby. Apollo s Temple A small structure with eight Doric columns by the dam of the Mlýnský pond, the attic gable decorated by the scenes from mythology. St. Hubert The open Neo-Gothic chapel in the middle of the forest glade. Rendez-vous (Diana s Temple) A big structure in the shape of the Roman victory arch, interiors are accessible. Colonnade at Rajstna A monumental Classicist structure above Valtice with a lookout terrace, decorated by figures from the ancient mythology. Border Chateau Classicist residence on the historic border between Moravia and Lower Austria. Pond Chateau The Empire styled lodge, which since 1926 has housed the first biological research station in Moravia. 42/43

25 MIKULOV WHICH WAY AND WHERE 10 MOST SIGNIFICANT TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN MIKULOV Mikulov Baroque chateau with the permanent exhibition of wine-growing and a giant barrel. Church of St. Anne, today the crypt of the Dietrichsteins, remains of ghetto with the nature trail, synagogue, Jewish cemetery. More information can be found at page 36. Holy Hill pilgrimage place above Mikulov. The Way of the Cross, church of St. Sebastian, Holy Grave, pilgrimage annually on the first Sunday in September. Beautiful view over the environs. Pálava Protected Landscape Area and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a vast limestone cliff with many species of thermophilic flora and fauna. More information can be found at page 40. Dívčí Hrady ruins of Gothic castle on the northern edge of the Děvín hill, the highest point. Look-out. Dolní Věstonice archaeological finding place with proofs of the oldest settlement of South Moravia, place of finding the Věstonice Venus figure. Museum exposition with a model of primeval settlement. More information can be found at page 37. EXTENDED WEEKEND ON A BIKE THROUGH MIKULOV 1st day: Mikulov Dobré Pole Nový Přerov Novosedly Pasohlávky 2nd day: Pasohlávky Ivaň Strachotín Dolní Věstonice Pavlov ruins of Děvín on the peak of Pálava (by foot) Klentnice Mikulov Milovice Bulhary Lednice 3rd day: Lednice Janův castle Apollo s temple Three Graces Rendez-vous Valtice, Wine Salon of the ČR colonnade at Rajstna Sedlec Mikulov Route length: 85 km Pavlov wine-growing village on the foothills of Pálava with wine houses in the style of rural Baroque. Starting point of the nature trails through Pálava. More information can be found at page 41. Nové Mlýny cascade of three water reservoirs, winter home of many species of birds, holiday resort. Lednice chateau in the style of English Tudor Neo-Gothic with a large park, centre of the Lednice- Valtice Composed Landscape, UNESCO site. More information can be found at page 43. Valtice Baroque chateau with a large garden and permanent exposition of the National Wine Salon of the Czech Republic; tours with wine-tasting. Museum with exposition of wine presses, the nature wine-growing trail nearby. More information can be found at pages 38, 39 and 42. Janohrad, Minaret, Diana s temple, Temple of Three Graces, Apollo s temple, St. Hubert, Hraniční chateau and others small structures in the Lednice-Valtice Composed Landscape. More information can be found at page 43. The programme includes a tour through Mikulov, chateaux in Lednice and Valtice. As cycling is forbidden on the crest of Pálava and in the chateau parks, the best is to combine hiking and cycling. In summer you can go swimming in the Nové Mlýny lakes and in the Mlýnský pond near Lednice. A WEEK IN THE MIKULOV REGION If you can find a week to see the Mikulov wine-growing sub-region, you should visit the Lednice-Valtice Composed Landscape, Pálava and the wine-growing villages. And because this trip couldn t go without tasting of wine and local specialities, you can choose from the rich offer of the local wine-growers, hotels and guesthouses. 1st day Mikulov (tour through the town historic centre, Dietrichstein Crypt, Holy Hill, chateau museum, exposition of wine-growing, giant barrel) Jewish quarter (nature route) look-out Kozí Hrádek cave Turold (tour) 2nd day (by bike) Mikulov Novosedly (nature wine-growing route Stará hora, vineyards) Pasohlávky (holiday resort, boat trip) Pouzdřany (steppe) Strachotín Dolní Věstonice (exposition Age of hunters and mammoths) Perná (cultivation station) Bavory (visit to the winery) Mikulov 3rd day By foot to Pálava: Mikulov Turold Kočičí skála (Cat s Rock) Klentnice (ruins of Sirotčí castle) Růžový Hill mountain pass Děvín (nature route, castle ruins) Pavlov and back 4th day Valtice (tour through the town, chateau, Wine Salon of the Czech Republic, Museum of viticulture, gardening and environment) nature winegrowing route Valtice colonnade at Rajstna Hlohovec (Hraniční zámeček chateau) Sedlec (wine-tasting) 5th day By bike or by foot from Valtice to Lednice around the small structures in the Lednice-Valtice Composed Landscape Rendez-vous (interiors) chapel of St. Hubert Three Graces Nový dvůr Apollo s temple Lednice ponds (nature route) Lednice 6th day Lednice (spa, chateau, greenhouse, aquarium) chateau garden Minaret (look-out) Janohrad (tour) Podivín (Jewish cemetery) 7th day Břeclav (tour through the town, modern church of St. Wenceslas, synagogue) Pohansko (chateau, archaeological exposition) Františkův pond Poštorná (church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary) nature route Swamp Forest 44/45

26 MIKULOV WHAT AND WHEN VALTICE WINE MARKETS One of the most prestigious wine competitions, connected with traditional exhibition and wine-tasting of 600 best awarded local and foreign wines, celebrated in 2007 its 40th anniversary. Every year at the beginning of May hundreds of When and where: Valtice, May wine lovers come to the riding hall and Spanish stable in the Valtice chateau. The Valtice Wine Markets aren t just a competition of wine-makers capable to supply the market, but also the social event. The traditional awards are: the prestigious CHAMPION VVT award and gold, silver and bronze medals for the top three wines for each variety or kind of wine. As the Valtice Wine Markets are one of the most strictly assessed exhibitions in the Czech Republic, these awards are highly FESTIVAL OF CULTURES AND NATIONS IN PODYJÍ Slovakian halušky, Goral cabbage soup, Walachia pancakes, Russian pirožky, Viennese schnitzels, Armenian šašlik and many other specialities of various nations you can try on the annual encounter of nations in Mikulov. When and where: Mikulov, July The three-day-long event reminds us that South Moravia has always been the crossroads of Europe, where people from respected by winemakers. The exhibition is open to public on Friday from 2 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m., always till 10 p.m. all over the world met. Besides ethnical culinary specialities you will see also an Art exhibition, performance of folklore ensembles and a rich programme with music, dance and theatre. THE PÁLAVA VINTAGE FESTIVAL The three-day-long vintage festival celebrates the Mikulov lord John of Liechtenstein, who in 1403 liberated Bohemian King Wenceslas IV from the Viennese prison and provided him with shelter. Every year three days at the beginning of September in Mikulov belong to historic parades, the town centre changes into the historic market and in chateau OPEN WINE CELLARS IN PAVLOV During summer on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday always at least one Pavlov wine cellar is open. You can meet the halls and cellars you can experience the real feast. The military camp in the chateau park offers competitions for children and adults with replicas of When and where: Mikulov, the first half of September wine-makers, see the historic cellars and taste the excellent Pavlov wines directly on the place where they get born. When and where: Pavlov, from June till the of September, last Saturday in November historic weapons, in the chateau cellar by the giant barrel you can taste the samples of the awarded wines, and the night will light up with fireworks. THE NOVOSEDLY VINTAGE FESTIVAL There are big vintage festivals where visitors from the entire Czech Republic come, but there are also small ones for the local people. The latter one is the Novosedly Vintage Festival but still you can find there a grand parade in costumes, open wine cellars, wine-tasting and entertainment with ART SYMPOSIUM IN MIKULOV The tradition of summer workshops was born in The Regional museum in Mikulov provides the background to the artists and exhibits the works of Art in the permanent exhibition called Harvest. When and where: July, August brass band music and dancing. When and where: Novosedly, September 46/47

27 Total area: ha Wine-growing villages: 75 Vineyard sites: 319 Wine-growers: WINE REGION THE VELKÉ PAVLOVICE The countryside with broken relief, that north of the biggest wine-growing village of Velké Bílovice climbs the hills of the Hustopeče Highlands and then in the fertile lowlands slowly declines to Brno, is one of the sunniest and warmest places in the Czech Republic. It is no surprise that thanks to the ideal location, favourable climate and soil conditions grapes has been grown there already since the period of Great Moravian Empire. The first written mention about local wine-growing dates back to 1252, when Boček of Obřany gave a gift representing a third of the yield from his vineyards in Pouzdřany, Zaječí and Pavlovice to the newly established Cistercian Monastery in Žďár. Velké Pavlovice got famous thanks to the outstanding red wines, especially Blue Portugal and Limberger that are born on the local loessclay soil with ample magnesium. The northern part with sandy soil around Hrušovany and Žabčice is ideal for the white varieties Valtelina Green, Pinot Gris, Traminer Red, Pálava and Moravian Muscat. The second biggest sub-region in the number of wine-growers and area of vineyards has an enormous potential in wine-tourism. The region involves Brno the second biggest city in the country, very attractive destinations around Austerlitz, where in 1805 the famous Napoleon battle took place. Many other towns have had already for centuries the reputation of significant wine-growing centres, as for example Velké Bílovice, Hustopeče, Židlochovice or Čejkovice with the Gothic keep and Templar cellar. We mustn t forget about Velké Pavlovice; did you know that just there on January 24, 1907 the first issue of the Vinařský obzor the still existing professional monthly for viticulture, wine-making, wine sale and wine gastronomy was published? The Velké Pavlovice region is ideal for blue varieties. 48/49

28 VELKÉ PAVLOVICE AT A GLIMPSE Brno South Moravian metropolis with the many centuries long traditions of winegrowing is today a centre of business, trade fairs, culture, Art and entertainment. Slavkov (Austerlitz) The town entered history on December 2, 1805, when one of the biggest battles of Napoleonic wars Battle of Austerlitz took place. Hustopeče Half-fermented wine festival. The popular potion drinking with celebrations and culinary feats with a rich accompanying programme. Čejkovice You can visit the mysterious templar cellars under the Gothic keep during the Wine Markets every year in May The Velké Pavlovice wine-growing route The Brno wine-growing route Municipal wine-growing route of Němčičky Route through the Region of André Velké Pavlovice Town famous for apricot and wine growing organizes many interesting events, pleasing the eyes, ears and tongues of all gourmets. Velké Bílovice The biggest wine-growing village in the Czech Republic with the 750 hectares of vineyards, where you can find cellar colonies Belegrady and Pod Předníma. 50/51

29 VELKÉ PAVLOVICE THE BEST 1 BRNO 2 HUSTOPEČE EXPOSITION If the symbol of South Moravia is grapevine, then its tendrils have been coming together in Brno since the time immemorial. The city that was founded on the crossroads of business routes today is a centre of several universities, significant government and non-government institutions including some highest state authorities and embassies of several countries. The first written mention about the Brno vineyards dates back to the 13th century. Vineyards used cover the slopes around the outer districts, from which many have in their symbols various wine attributes grapes, vineyard knifes and tubs. Vine was grown even on the southern slopes of Špilberk, but when the castle was turned into the military Baroque fortress, its slopes had to be bare for the defence reasons. Špilberk, once the most famous prison of the Habsburg monarchy, today houses the Museum of the Brno City. One of the most attractive places is the casemates with the prison exposition. Other dominant features of the city are the cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul and the Old City Hall. The vaulted driveway in the City Hall where you can find the legendary Brno Dragon is decorated by the Late Gothic stone portal. The City Hall Tower with the Renaissance gallery offers the bird-eye-view over the historic centre. In Brno you can also find the Tugendhat villa, the masterpiece of the world functionalistic architecture from 1930 and at the same time the most significant building by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in Europe, that was in 2001 enrolled on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Lovers of modern architecture also admire the Brno Exhibition Centre that thanks to the unique collection of functionalistic architecture is one of the most elegant exhibition grounds in the world. The first visitors entered its gates in 1928 and every year numerous international trade fairs and exhibitions are held there. Brno as the city of entertainment is represented by the Masaryk Racing Circuit, the stage of annual Grand Prix of motorbikes, golf course in Jinačovice, zoo with the permanent aquarium exposition or the museum of primeval age Anthropos Pavilion, popular especially among the youngest visitors. The dominant feature of the town, which already in medieval ages became a significant winegrowing centre, is the modern church of St. Wenceslas and St. Agnes of Bohemia. Its predecessor, Late Gothic church was destroyed during the 2nd World War and pulled down in The new church, an interesting double-floor structure on the spiral ground plan, was consecrated in The interior includes copies of elements of the old church; the peak of the spire is decorated by the stylish crown of St. Wenceslas. The Renaissance house U Synků in the centre houses the Town Museum and Gallery. In the reconstructed cellar you can visit the permanent wine exhibition from the Velké Pavlovice winegrowing sub-region and a wine shop. You can see the tools for wine growing, making and storing as well as the information panels describing work in the vineyard all-year-round, wine production and the many centuries long tradition of winegrowing in the Hustopeče region. Found in the yard is the sculpture of wine yeast. If you want to try the local wines, then visit the wine shop with several wine-tasting programmes, or go to some wine event. Held every year in Hustopeče is a number of events such as the wine competition Hustopeče Seal, the young and vintage wine shows, the Half-fermented Wine Festival or the St. Martin Wine Celebrations. TOP IT ALL Once you came to South Moravia you shouldn t miss the Moravian Karst. Extensive complexes of stalactite caves are among the most beautiful underground premises in the Czech Republic. Five of them are accessible to public Punkevní cave with the 140 m deep Macocha Abyss, where a part of the tour is by boats on the subterranean Punkva River, Kateřinská cave, Sloupsko-Šošůvské caves and the caves Balcarka and Výpustek. 52/53

30 VELKÉ PAVLOVICE THE BEST 3 ČEJKOVICE 4 BOŘETICE THE INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC OF KRAVÍ HORA The first written mentions about Čejkovice from 1248 are connected with the keep, built by the members of the Templar Knight Order. Čejkovice was the place where the Templars a hundred years before the reign of King Charles IV started to grow grapevine and built a large keep the dominant feature of the village. Čejkovice was the most significant commendam of the Templar Order in Bohemian lands and the seat of the land knight commander. Therefore the keep is unique for its significance, segmentation and size. Since 1998 it has served as a hotel and you can also visit the chateau wine gallery with a rich offer of local wines. Together with the keep the cellars were built, absolutely unique in their size in our country. Their height, width and length are still legendary; allegedly the knights could ride through the corridors on horses even with fully loaded carriages. You won t see the secret passageway, that was supposed to lead from Čejkovice to Skalice, but you can visit the cellar of the Templářské Sklepy winery for wine maturation. Accessible to public is the 650 meter long part of the underground corridors. Čejkovice was the place of childhood of the founder of the Czechoslovakian Republic Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, who was born in Hodonín nearby. The Masaryk family house is the museum with a permanent exposition. Tours to the Templar Wine Cellars Tel.: , The first written mention about vineyards around Bořetice dates back to As there used to be a lake between the vineyards and the village, people started to build cellars directly under the vineyard slopes. Nowadays you could find about 260 wine cellars under the vineyards of Hliníky, Kraví hora and Zahraničí, which gradually created a cellar village with several streets. In summer 2006 a new look-out was build above Kraví Hora and in 2007 the wine yeast memorial was unveiled there. In 2001 the local wine-makers made a practical joke and established the wine republic that attracts many visitors. The republic has its government with president, constitution, symbol, flag and currency, they even made contacts with neighbouring countries, for example the Valašsko Kingdom. The mosaic of varieties is rich. Loess clay is ideal for the red wines especially Blue Portugal, 5 SLAVKOV AUSTERLITZ Peace Memorial Found on the knoll above Prace, where the decisive part of the Napoleonic Battle of Austerlitz took place ( ), is the stone Art Nouveau chapel the memento of wars and their victims. Situated in the park styled complex is the building with a permanent multimedia exhibition of the Brno Regional Museum and a coffee shop. Every year at the turn of November and December the pious event is held to honour the fallen as the finale of the commemorative events. Chateau After the Battle in the Baroque chateau with a large park in the style of French Baroque gardens the armistice was signed between France and Austria. The chateau Limberger, St. Laurent and from new varieties André, Zweigeltrebe and Cabernet Moravia. There are less white varieties, for example Neuburg, Italian and Rhine Riesling, Valtelina Green and others. houses the Museum and several tours lead through the chateau Golf club Austerlitz The 18-hole-golf course in Slavkov spreads on the area of 120 ha. The complex includes the quality training areas; the chateau academy in the park of Slavkov chateau is accessible to public. 54/55

31 VELKÉ PAVLOVICE THE BEST 6 VELKÉ PAVLOVICE 7 KOBYLÍ MUSEUM CASTLES The Velké Pavlovice region, one of the sunniest and warmest parts of South Moravia, has been settled already since the prehistoric times and various cultures alternated there until the Great Moravia Empire. Several small settlements from the times before Christ were found there; the famous settlement from the Younger Stone Age with findings of Moravian painted pottery once stood directly on the today s town site. During the last centuries the typical lifestyle around Velké Pavlovice meant to own a vineyard and a small wine cellar. Besides various historical wine cellars and wine press rooms that make the vineyard landscape so special, you can discover another interesting wine-growing site in the town. It is the wine press from 1816, placed in front of the building of the Vinium winery, the biggest wine producer of the Velké Pavlovice wine-growing sub-region. Velké Pavlovice entered the history of Czech viticulture also thanks to the cultivation station that bred four new originally Czech grape varieties. The white varieties are represented by aromatic Pálava and Aurelius, blue varieties by Agni and André, wine with animal character and aroma of forest fruit. André was bred in 1961 by crossbreeding of Limberger and St. Laurent and got its name from Ch. K. André ( ), who founded in Brno the first association for fruit breeding in the world and launched the interest in gaining new varieties via breeding. The most interesting sites include the Baroque church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, several smaller churches, and of course the most significant architectural site is the Baroque granary, the technical structure dating back to The five storey building of rectangular ground plan at the times of its glory had a capacity that would today represent circa 250 wagons of wheat. Presently the granary is a part of the project of the Centre of Moravian Viticulture and in the future it should house the hotel, restaurant, congress hall, wine shop and a tourist information centre. After Velké Bílovice, Čejkovice and Velké Pavlovice Kobylí is the fourth biggest wine-growing village in the Velké Pavlovice wine-growing sub -region. Spread in the environs are 289 ha vineyards, maintained by 500 wine-growers. The dominant feature of the village that was awarded the title Village of the year 2006 in South Moravia, is the church of St. George with a detached tower campanile. Around the tower you can get to the cemetery with a breathtaking view on the Pálava skyline, slopes of the Ždánický Forest and villages surrounded by vineyards. This is a fantastic look-out. Life in the village is closely connected with wine growing and making. The proofs are also in the museum that tries to preserve exhibits documenting the life of the earlier local inhabitants. You can find there also folk costumes and a small wine exhibition with a sale of local wines. One of the local places of interest is the street with cellars Suchořádská Zmola, a place where the wine-makers work and offer tasting of typical local wines. In the lower part of the complex you can admire an old wooden press. Veveří The former Gothic royal hunting castle houses many social and cultural events. You can connect the tour through the castle with a trip around the Brno Dam. Špilberk The former most famous prison of the Habsburg monarchy today serves as a museum; you can find there expositions about history of the castle and the city, casemates, look-out tower, restaurant and wine bar. Bučovice Impressive Renaissance chateau will enchant its visitors by the arcaded courtyard with a fountain, stylish Renaissance garden and interesting decorated interiors. Pernštejn Gothic-Renaissance castle is known from many Czech film fairy-tales. If you go there on the beginning of July, you will see the local historic celebrations of the Pernštejn estate with a rich accompanying programme. 56/57

32 VELKÉ PAVLOVICE THE BEST 8 MUNICIPAL WINE-GROWING ROUTE OF NĚMČIČKY 12 CELLAR COLONY IN VRBICE The eight-kilometre-long circuit around the wine-growing village Němčičky will introduce you to the history of wine-growing, local vineyards and many interesting points about planting and wine-growing. By bike or by 9 MODRÉ HORY 10 THE VELKÉ BÍLOVICE NATURE WINE-GROWING TRAIL The nature trail with views over the largest complex of vineyards in the Czech Republic is 5 km long and will introduce you to the history of wine-growing and vineyards around Velké Bílovice. The route starts by the old school that houses a museum and wine shop that also serves as the information centre. In Velké Bílovice you can visit wine cellars built by the Habáns, the reformatory Anabaptists,...TO TOP IT ALL Sport in Němčičky Found in the Němčičky wine-growing village is a nice sporting-recreational centre. It involves a football playground, clay courts for tennis, volleyball and tennisfootball, summer swimming pool and a ski slope with artificial surface and snow situated in the lowest altitude in Central Europe. foot you can see the places that will offer you fantastic panoramic views over the countryside. The route follows up the Moravian Wine Route and is accompanied by four information panels with a map. The 31-kilometre-long circuit will lead you through the countryside that is the legendary heart of the Moravian red wine production. The route, which length you can adjust according to your wish and fitness, connects the winegrowing villages Bořetice, Kobylí, Němčičky, Velké Pavlovice and Vrbice, where blue varieties are grown on more than a half of vineyards. who in the 16th and 17th century migrated from Switzerland across Europe. The skilled Habán tradesmen on their way introduced new procedures in wine-making and built cellars. Wine shop, Tel.: Town museum, Tel.: Habánské wine cellars: Tel.: ROUTE THROUGH THE REGION OF ANDRÉ The route with a name of the red wine variety leads from Hustopeče through Starovičky, Velké Pavlovice and Bořetice to Vrbice. Bořetice can offer a new look-out at Kraví Hora, in Vrbice you can find historic cellars, in Velké Pavlovice you will see the cultivation station where the André variety was born. Almost a 19-kilometre-long route with a good surface is suitable for cycling, but you can also go by foot. One of the villages with the highest altitude in the region is truly remarkable; on sunny...to TOP IT ALL Wind mill in Klobouky In the 18th and 19th centuries Klobouky was a significant centre of wind milling, the last mill burnt down at the end of the 2nd World War. It was reconstructed in the 80 s and in summer it is accessible to public. Church in Kurdějov The fortified church of St. John the Baptist served as a stronghold protecting local people from enemy attacks. The church saved their lives and assets for example during the Turkish looting in Moravia in days you can see the white spire of the church of St. Giles from several tens of kilometres. Lovers of wine are lured to Vrbice by the interesting wine cellar colony Pod strážním kopcem. Cellars, which stretch even in seven storeys above each other, started to be built at the turn of the 18th and 19th century; while the press rooms were built in the mid 20th century. The wine cellars don t stand out due to colours or length, but due to the picturesque stone facades with Gothic pointed arches. Smithy in Těšany One of the very few preserved old smithies in Moravia dates back to the 14th century, its present appearance it gained during the Baroque alterations in You can see the exposition of smithery and wheelwright s trade and stylish workshops. Cemetery in Podivín The oldest mention about the Jewish settlement in Moravia dates back to 1067, when the Jew called Podiva allegedly founded the Podivín castle. Found in the Jewish cemetery with a ceremonial hall are circa 600 tombstones, the oldest is from /59

33 VELKÉ PAVLOVICE WHICH WAY AND WHERE 10 MOST SIGNIFICANT TOURIST DESTINATIONS AROUND VELKÉ PAVLOVICE A WEEK IN THE VELKÉ PAVLOVICE REGION Brno the second biggest city in the Czech Republic. Špilberk Baroque fortress, cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, Brno Exhibition Centre and functionalistic villa Tugendhat from1930, UNESCO site. More information can be found at page 52. Hustopeče modern church of St. Wenceslas and St. Agnes of Bohemia. Renaissance house U Synků with a permanent wine-growing exposition, wine-tasting. More information can be found at page 53. Čejkovice the Templar keep from the 13th century with original cellars, tours with wine-tasting. In one of the houses is the exposition about T. G. Masaryk. More information can be found at page 54. Austerlitz battlefield (Slavkov) historic zone east of Brno, where on December 2, 1805 the Battle of Austerlitz, one of the biggest battles of Napoleonic wars, took place. Austerlitz Slavkov is a town with a Baroque chateau and large park. More information can be found at page 55. Těšany Baroque smithy from the 18th century with exposition of smithery and wheelwright s trade, branch of Technical Museum Brno. The story that once happened in Těšany inspired Vilém Mrštík to write the theatre play called Maryša. Bučovice Renaissance chateau with stylish interiors and garden, unique arcaded courtyard with fountain. Bořetice wine-growing village with a large complex of wine cellars under the Kraví Hora vineyard. More information can be found at page 55. Vrbice wine-growing village with picturesque wine cellar colony Pod strážním kopcem. More information can be found at page 59. Židlochovice Baroque chateau, once a popular summer house of the first Czechoslovakian president T. G. Masaryk. Extensive freely accessible English style park with a game park. Velké Bílovice the biggest wine-growing village in the Czech Republic with 750 ha of vineyards, wine cellar colonies Belegrady and Pod Předníma, wine-growing nature route. Do you want to save time? Then stay for a whole week in Brno and go for the starshape trips. Even the most distant place in the selected wine-growing region is max 50 km away. You can visit also some other places of interest, for example Moravian Karst, Pernštejn castle or Monastery Porta Coeli in Předklášteří. 3rd day Rajhrad (Monastery, Memorial to literature in Moravia) Židlochovice (chateau game park, vineyards) Hustopeče (modern church of St. Wenceslas and St. Agnes of Bohemia, Town museum and gallery with wine-growing exposition, vineyards, wine cellars, summer aquapark) Kurdějov (vineyards, church of St. John the Baptist) Klobouky u Brna (wind mill) Těšany (Smithy) 4th day Velké Pavlovice (vineyards) Bořetice (wine cellars, look-out at Kraví Hora) Vrbice (wine cellars) Čejkovice (Templar keep and cellars, gallery of wines, house of TGM); cycling trip on EXTENDED WEEKEND ON A BIKE AROUND VELKÉ PAVLOVICE 1st day: Brno Rajhrad Židlochovice Nosislav Velké Němčice Hustopeče 2nd day: Hustopeče Velké Pavlovice Bořetice Vrbice Čejkovice Kobylí Klobouky u Brna Těšany Žatčany Újezd u Brna Slavkov u Brna 3rd day: Slavkov u Brna Křenovice Prace Mohyla míru (Peace Memorial) Sokolnice Kobylnice Ponětovice Jiříkovice Žuráň Santon Tvarožná Pozořice Ochoz u Brna Říčka valley Brno Route length: 127 km A three-day-long programme is prepared as a circuit that starts and ends in Brno, however, you will see especially the charms of the Moravian countryside. You will see for example the chateau game park in Židlochovice, fortified church in Nosislav, exposition of viticulture in Hustopeče, colony of wine cellars in Vrbice and Kobylí, Baroque Smithy in Těšany, wind mill in Klobouky, Peace memorial on the Austerlitz Battlefield or chateau in Slavkov. In summer you can enjoy the aquapark in Hustopeče. 1st day Brno (tour through the city historic centre, Špilberk castle and casemates, Capuchin Crypt, Zelný market, Old City Hall, Petrov, church of St. James, villa Tugendhat UNESCO site, botanical garden, Technical museum) 2nd day Historic zone of Austerlitz Battlefield Šlapanice (Brno Regional Museum) Žuráň knoll Santon hillock above Tvarožná Peace Memorial above Prace Slavkov u Brna (chateau, park, synagogue) Bučovice (chateau, garden) the Route through the region of André or Modré Hory Route 5th day by bike or by foot around the Brno Dam Veveří castle Podkomorské forests (land from a famous 19th century novel, fountains) Jinačovice golf course zoo Brno-Bystrc 6th day Blansko (chateau, exposition of the Moravian Karst and ironcast) Punkevní cave Kateřinská cave Sloupsko-šošůvské caves Rudice (wind mill) Jedovnice (swimming) Ruprechtov (wind mill) Vyškov (zoo, aquapark) 7th day Tišnov (Klucanina look-out) Předklášteří u Tišnova (Monastery Porta Coeli, Brno Regional Museum) Nedvědice Pernštejn castle 60/61

34 VELKÉ PAVLOVICE WHAT AND WHEN THE ČEJKOVICE WINE MARKETS WINE IN ORANGE COLOUR HALF-FERMENTED WINE CELEBRATIONS Traditional wine markets with wine tasting are a great tip for a pleasant spring weekend. Every year the visitors can try more than 600 wine samples from Čejkovice and environs, made by the small wine-makers and big wineries. The awards are given to the champion of the exhibition and winners in individual varieties. A rich accompanying programme involves a parade with brass band music and When and where: Čejkovice, second half of May majorettes, fair of traditional trades, tours through the Templar cellars and house of T. G. Masaryk. The vintage wine auction is also very popular; you can buy the award-winning wines from the previous exhibitions. The beginning of summer when apricots mature is under the sign of orange colour. The Velké Pavlovice wine makers traditionally open their cellars and offer wine tasting with dulcimer music in the evening. When and where: Velké Pavlovice, July 5 The half-fermented wine season is a celebration for wine-makers in entire South Moravia; the celebrations are usually buoyant with all kinds of entertainment. If you really want to enjoy it, go to Bořetice. Within the event Run for the Bořetice halffermented wine you should drink as much half-fermented wine as much blood you have. When and where: e.g. Hustopeče, Bořetice and other places, September and October EASTER OPEN WINE CELLARS FROM A CELLAR TO A CELLAR VINEX TRADE FAIR ST. MARTIN S OPEN WINE CELLARS The traditional event of winemakers from Velké Pavlovice promises an interesting programme for the Easter weekend, when twelve wineries offer wine-tasting of 200 samples. You shouldn t miss the evening party with dulcimer music. A one day event that follows up the tradition of visiting cellars and wine tasting. All participants get a map with marked open cellars, a glass with the symbol of the event and vouchers. Vouchers entitle you to enter the cellar, taste wine samples and purchase the selected wines. The biggest and most complex presentation of the quality Moravian and Czech wines, foreign viticulture and wine-making and wine technologies in Central and Eastern Europe is traditionally a part of the international food trade fair SALIMA. It is held every second (even) year at the Brno Exhibition Centre. Before St. Martin s Day you cannot clink with wine glasses is said both in Moravia and Bohemia. However on November 11, St. Martin s Day, the wine cellars get opened and the first official tasting of young wine can start. St. Martin s wine is always accompanied by big expectations: how will this vintage come out? When and where: Velké Pavlovice, Easter When and where: Velké Bílovice, March and April When and where: Brno, March When and where: Velké Pavlovice, Hustopeče, November, SUMMER WITH WINE Those who want to visit Velké Pavlovice in summer, will be welcomed by the open door of fifteen wine cellars. You can taste wine samples, see the winery, ask questions about anything from wine growing and making and of course buy the selected wines. When and where: Velké Pavlovice, May till September, THROUGH THE REGION OF ANDRÉ A cycling trip through a beautiful countryside, which gave birth to the André variety, during which you collect stamps on the control stations; the prize is a bottle of wine. Every village on the route prepares some interesting programme. When and where: Hustopeče, Starovičky, Velké Pavlovice, Bořetice, Vrbice, summer holidays THE VELKÉ PAVLOVICE VINTAGE FESTIVAL The Vintage Festival in Velké Pavlovice is one of the traditional wine celebrations. The cultural programme includes folklore children ensembles, brass band and dulcimer music, theatre performances, knight jousting and especially tasting of wine and halffermented wine. Thousands of visitors of the Vintage Festival will see the presentation of big wineries as well as about twenty small and middle-sized wine-producers from the town and environs. When and where: Velké Pavlovice, the first Saturday in September 62/63

35 Total area: ha Wine-growing villages: 115 Vineyard sites: 406 Wine-growers: WINE REGION THE SLOVÁCKO Slovácko (Moravian Slovakia) lies on the southeast of Moravia on the border between the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria. The local folk costumes, songs, dances, traditional trades and customs enchanted many visitors and the traditional wine growing and excellent wines go hand in hand with the local unique folklore. The Slovácko wine-growing sub-region is really large and due to that has various nature conditions. You can find vineyards in the Morava River valley, in the hilly countryside of the White Carpathians or on the southern slopes of the Chřiby Mountains and Ždánický Forest. The sub-region also involves the environs of Uherské Hradiště, where you can find the northernmost Moravian vineyards. Similarly as the colourful local folklore, the offer of wines is just as rich. Rhine Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Gris, Müller Thurgau and Moravian Muscat the local variety bred in Polešovicethey all do well there. The red wines include mostly Limberger, Zweigeltrebe and Cabernet Moravia the variety bred in the village of Moravská Nová Ves. Those who want to see with their own eyes all places of interest in Slovácko, will travel forever. The significant wine-growing centres include Uherské Hradiště, Bzenec, Kyjov and Břeclav the biggest town in Slovácko, but also many small towns and villages. They involve Mutěnice with the Research viticulture station, Strážnice, Čejč, Dubňany and Blatnice pod Svatým Antonínkem. The pearl of Slovácko is the complex of historic wine cellars called Plže; found at the edge of Petrov village. And did you know that Slovácko has had since 2003 its symbolic vineyard tree serviceberry? You will certainly see it with your own eyes. Slovácko has ideal soil for blue varieties as for example Cabernet Moravia bred in Moravská Nová Ves. 64/65

36 SLOVÁCKO AT A GLIMPSE Bzenec Vintage Festival in Folk Costumes Wine celebrations in the town of Bzenecká Lipka wine, certainly isn t the only place where you can admire colourful local folk costumes. The White Carpathians The heavy and deep mountain soils are ideal for very extractive and full bodies Burgundy wines. Mutěnice Mutěnické Búdy, the labyrinth of streets with wine cellar facades created an independent picturesque village. Blatnice pod Svatým Antonínkem The merge of varieties Rhine Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner Green in Blatnice gave the label wine called Blatnický Roháč. 1 The Wine-growing Route through Podluží 2 The Mutěnice Wine-growing Route 3 The Bzenec Wine-growing Route 4 The Strážnice Wine-growing Route 5 The Kyjov Wine-growing Route 6 The Uherské Hradiště Wine-growing Route Petrov Plže Urban preservation zone with wine cellars, which are familiar from photographs even for those, who haven t been in Slovácko yet. 7 8 The Moravian Muscat Route The Pinot Blanc Route Strážnice Town with rich folklore traditions and many cultural events come and see for example the renowned June festival! 66/67

37 SLOVÁCKO THE BEST 1 BLATNICE POD SVATÝM ANTONÍNKEM 4 MUTĚNICE Picturesque village below the northern spurs of the White Carpathians is the famous pilgrimage destination. The pilgrimage chapel of St. Anthony of Padua on the Blatnice Mountain was built at the end of the 17th century by Duke Hartman of Liechtenstein as thanksgiving for recovery of his son. Pilgrimage traditions together with a colourful beauty of the local folk costumed inspired for example painter Joža Uprka, who also painted the picture on the main altar in the church of St. Andrew. Blatnice is famous for the label wine Blatnický Roháč, named after the Roháče vineyard. It is made from Rhine Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner Green and as 2 BZENEC In the town with a long wine-growing tradition one of the first wine-growing cooperatives was established, which got known thanks to the wine made from Rhine Riesling called Bzenecká Lipka. The name came from the delicate aroma of linden tree and smooth taste with honey tones, and from the ancient linden tree in the chateau park. the first Moravian wine was awarded gold medal in the international wine exhibition in 1896 in Paris. You can also visit the preservation zone of wine cellars Stará Hora or the Plachty vineyard, where according to the historic sources some vineyards belonged to J. A. Comenius. 3 KYJOV A centre of folklore in Slovácko once in four years becomes a stage of the folklore festival Slovácko Year, one of the most significant folklore festivals in Moravia. The popular tourist destinations in Kyjov involve especially the Renaissance chateau with graffito decoration, today a seat of the Regional museum with ethnographic expositions. Found on the Masaryk Square is the charming Renaissance Town Hall with a tower and the Baroque church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, St. Cyril and Methodius by the former Capuchin Monastery. The area of vineyards puts Mutěnice among the biggest wine-growing villages in Slovácko. The wine-growing traditions are passed from fathers to sons and almost every family has a vineyard and wine cellar....to TOP IT ALL Milotice One of the most beautiful Baroque chateaux in the Czech Republic with a riding school, horse stables and two orangeries is surrounded by the French park and pheasantry with several small structures. Buchlov A huge Early Gothic castle is a typical dominant feature of the Chřiby Mountains. The last owners of Buchlov the Duke family of Berchtold decorated the castle with numerous collector s items from the whole world. The rarity is the complex of almost 500 wine cellars called Búdy, which makes a picturesque quarter on the vineyard foothills. Many cellars have kept their original beauty and are decorated by colourful local ornaments. Mutěnice also has a small museum of wine and spirit production. Numerous cultural events document the local folklore traditions. The most interesting events include the Mutěnice Wine Days with traditional performance of closing the vineyards, visiting wine cellars and wine-tasting held on the first weekend in September. Very popular is the St. Catherine Feast, held on the anniversary of consecration of the church of St. Catherine last Sunday before Advent. Buchlovice Baroque chateau in the style of Italian villa was built according to the project by architect Domenic Martinelli at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. The chateau surrounded by a large garden is a real pearl of Moravian architecture. Cimburk Romantic castle ruins, situated high above the Koryčany Dam, is a unique example of the Luxemburg castle architecture. Many interesting events and programmes are held there in summer. 68/69

38 SLOVÁCKO THE BEST 5 PETROV PLŽE 7 POLEŠOVICE 9 PRUŠÁNKY AND NECHORY The complex of historic wine cellars on the western edge of the Petrov village stands out by the unique ground plan and character. The Plže 6 VELEHRAD cellars are reminded already in the 15th century; built by the wine-growers only with the help from neighbours and families. The cellars were dug into the hillside and they don t have other aboveground parts, they are usually around 3-metre-wide and the length reaches 15 or sometimes 20 and more metres. The layer of soil above the cellar helps to maintain favourable inside climate, important for the quality of wines. The cellars composed streets with two village greens, which serve as the social centres. The oldest and most valuable cellars are in the upper part of the complex. The Baroque style of the white cellar facades with a blue socle and Slovácko ornaments creates the exceptionally valuable complex that was in 1983 declared to be the first rural preservation zone in the Czech Republic. The wine-growing village lies southwest of Uherské Hradiště on the border between the mountain ranges of Dolnomoravský Úval and Chřiby. The oldest mention about the local vineyards dates back to 1454, the modern times know the local cultivation station, which bred the most popular local variety Moravian Muscat. The dominant feature is the Baroque church of St. Peter and Paul. Another point of interest is the Cross of Conciliation by the dirt road in Grejty, which dates back to the 16th century. Every year on Easter the winetasting is held, the traditional events also include Closing the Vineyards in August, wine blessing and the Emperor s Feast in October. Also the Prušánky wine-growing village between Hodonín and Břeclav has its small village of wine cellars. It is called Nechory, lies about a kilometre from the village under the vineyard of the same name and is so big that is divided into Upper and Lower Nechory. The admired village with 450 wine cellars, square and several streets is the so called Dolní (Lower) Nechory. Significant spiritual centre is at the same time one of the most significant pilgrimage places in the Czech Republic. According to the legend it was the seat of the Great Moravian archbishop St. Methodius. In 1205 the first Cistercian monastery in Moravia was established there. It got a name Veligrad according to the village nearby from its founder Moravian margrave Vladislav Henry. A hundredmetre long five-nave basilica, once the biggest church in Bohemian lands, is decorated by many paintings, standards and valuable gifts from pilgrims from the whole world. Among the artistic jewels you can find the carved Baroque choir pews and organ from the mid 18th century. The pilgrimage complex includes the cloister garth, lapidarium and chapel of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. In 1927 Pope Pius XI declared Velehrad to be the Basilica Minor and in 1985 Pope John Paul II granted it the Gold Rose, valuable gift, which is found only in French Lourdes, Mexican Guadalupe and Polish Čenstochová. The main pilgrimage is held on July 5, the Day of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. 8 TUPESY 10 MILOTICE A village lying on the foothills of the Chřiby Mountains between Uherské Hradiště and Buchlovice got famous for pottery and ceramics. The ancient tradition is reminded by one of the oldest local houses where you can find the permanent exhibition of the farmer dwelling with exhibits of the Tupesy ceramics. In the new workshops you can get familiar with technology of the present ceramics production and you can even try turning the potter s wheel, modelling and painting cups and other products with colourful glaze according to your fantasy. The architectural pearl of Milotice is the Baroque chateau, once a residence of the Serény Family. A tour through the stylish interiors is accompanied by the seasonal exhibitions in the chateau orangery and horse stable; you can also visit the chateau wine shop or the French garden and pheasantry with arbour. The Baroque sites can also be found in a village nearby, especially the church of All Saints and many sculptures. Held in Milotice every year with the exception of years when the Slovácko Year in Kyjov is held is the Festival of Kyjov Dolňácko. The event takes place in the chateau garden and in the complex of wine cellars Šidleny that lies about 2 km southwest of the village below the Náklo Hill. Held there are also traditional feats and wine-tasting. 70/71

39 SLOVÁCKO THE BEST 11 STRÁŽNICE 13 VELETINY 15 VLČNOV Strážnice was a rich market town, protected by the water castle. Only the bastions by the Veselská and Skalická Gates were preserved from the original medieval fortification. You can also visit the chateau with a unique collection of folk music instruments or the Town Museum with a model of Strážnice at the time of its biggest glory. One of the reasons why Strážnice is so popular among tourists is the open-air-museum of a village in south-eastern Moravia. It includes a set of wine-growers structures with...to TOP IT ALL Bata Canal The technical and nature site was built on the Morava River between thanks to J. A. Bata for cargo boats and irrigation. Since 1995 the Canal has been used for tourist boating and the trips along the Canal, and discovering interesting places is one of the most popular summer activities in the region. The Canal is navigable in the length of 65 km from Kroměříž as far as to Hodonín; there are many boat hire places and regular sightseeing trips available. Bata Canal Information Centre Zámecká 2, Veselí nad Moravou Tel.: abk@batacanal.cz, original furniture, equipment and vineyard, the only local exhibition of its kind. Held in the museum are many events including the annual traditional June international folklore festival. You can see the environs of the town along the 18 km long Route through the Strážnice Vineyards. The Strážnice Vintage Festival held on the beginning of September is getting more and more popular THE WHITE CARPATHIANS The area with preserved precious nature and landscape has been for many centuries sensitively cultivated in the harmony of human work with nature. The White Carpathians (Bílé Karpaty) Protected Landscape Area, listed among the UNESCO biosphere reserves, have many well preserved valuable localities, for example beautiful meadows in the Čertoryje Nature Reserve or the large meadows with small groves and numerous protected rare species of flora and fauna in the Jazevčí Nature Reserve. The highest peak of the White Carpathians is Velká Javořina (970 m). Veletiny lied on the ancient road from Brno through Bzenec to Uherský Brod and further through the Starý Hrozenkov defile to Hungary. The many century long tradition is documented by the village symbol with vine leaves, grapes and winegrowing knifes. The preserved picturesque complex of fifteen wine huts used to be a detached group of buildings outside of the village. The huts are press rooms without cellars, where wine-makers used to press grapes, store wine barrels and the tools for work in vineyards. The Búdy huts are protected as the rural architecture site and are among the oldest preserved structures of its kind in the region. The village still keeps the cultural traditions and old customs alive. Regularly held are the Three Kings carol-singing, the Shrovetide parade in costumes, and the unique tradition of Carrying Mary and New Summer on the Passion Sunday or visiting of little Queens on the Whitsunday VRACOV The town in the flat countryside between Kyjov and Strážnice got famous thanks to the traditional Slovácko Feast with a wreath and drake, held annually on the third weekend in October and with more than 400 participants in folk costumes it probably is the biggest traditional feast in the country. It also includes wine-tasting in the Habánské wine cellars. The unique town between Uherské Hradiště and Uherský Brod got famous by the biggest complex of preserved wine-growing structures in the Czech Republic in the Kojiny quarter. You can see the wine huts from outside, however, after the previous arrangement you can taste the local wine in a pleasant authentic atmosphere in a private wine cellar of one of the local wine-makers. You can also see the ethnographic exhibition in the farmstead No. 57 that documents living and farming at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Annually on the last weekend in May the oldest and most famous Slovácko folklore celebration is held the Ride of Kings. The parade of royal retinue with many riders on the decorated horses has unrepeatable atmosphere. The event is full of beautiful folk costumes, renowned Vlčnov scones and wine-tasting in Kojiny SUDOMĚŘICE Vineyards on the southernmost slopes of the White Carpathians around Sudoměřice are found only several tens meters from the state border with Slovakia in the locality called Staré Hory, circa 3 km from the village. Just behind Sudoměřice you can see the wine-growing complex Starý Potok, a street with about thirty wine cellars, which was established in the former brook-bed. The local sites involve the functionalistic church of the Christ the King and a tippler on the Bata Canal nearby. Technical structure in the typical Bata style from 1939 served for reloading of lignitic coal from the railway wagons to the river boats, which transported it to the power station in Otrokovice. Today the tippler serves as a look-out tower; it is possible to arrange a tour through interiors with a guide. Next to it is a dock with a boat hire and refreshments /73

40 SLOVÁCKO THE BEST 17 THE MORAVIAN MUSCAT ROUTE WIND MILLS 19 UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ Every year in spring and autumn all cyclists and wine lovers are welcomed to the one-day trip By bike through the vineyards of the Uherské Hradiště region. The event starts in the morning on the main Masaryk Square in Uherské Hradiště and the route leads on the cycling routes around the wine cellars, which are of course wide open and offer tasting of local wines. One of the ways is the 25 km long Moravian Muscat Route that introduces the participants to the history of breeding of Moravian Muscat in Polešovice, it will teach them how to recognise individual varieties and will offer them many beautiful panoramic views over the vineyards. The 18 THE PINOT BLANC ROUTE The event called By bike through the vineyards of the Uherské Hradiště region will introduce you to the history and secrets of wine-growing in this region. At the start everybody gets a map of the route, a glass, wine funnel and a lottery coupon; the main prize is a party with friends in a wine route leads through Kunovský Forest to Kostelany nad Moravou, Nedakonice and Polešovice, where Moravian Muscat was bred. Then it continues through Vážany, Tučapy and Boršice to Zlechov and through Staré Město it returns to Uherské Hradiště. cellar. The cyclists can choose among the Moravian Muscat Route, the Blatnický Roháč Route and the Route for Families with Children and the 45 km long Pinot Blanc Route. A circuit route, starting and ending in Uherské Hradiště, will lead the participants to the locality where this Burgundy variety does well. It leads through Staré Město, Zlechov, Tupesy, Velehrad, Jalubí, Traplice, Dolina, Kudlovice and Babice. The programme includes tours through the streets with wine cellars and vineyards, in the evening everybody can enjoy the fun programme in the historic centre of Uherské Hradiště. KUŽELOV One of the very few preserved wind mills stands on the crest of the White Carpathians. For more than a century it had served to the farmers from Kuželov, Hrubá Vrbka and other villages to mill grain. STARÝ PODDVOROV Accessible wooden hypostyle mill of German type from the 19th century is found west of Starý Poddvorov. BUKOVANY MILL A new bricked wind mill with a stylish hotel complex serves also as a museum, gallery and lookout. Uherské Hradiště has always been the natural centre of Slovácko (Moravian Slovakia), the region famous for its original folklore, dulcimer music, excellent wine, beautiful folk costumes and many folk traditions. The dominant feature of the main Masaryk Square is the Baroque Jesuit...TO TOP IT ALL The Modrá Open-Air -Museum The open air museum that represents an ideal model of Slavonic fortified settlement from the 9th century stands on the site of a former Great Moravian village near Velehrad. Tvarožná Lhota Museum dedicated to the biggest fruit tree in Europe serviceberry. You can admire its beauty along the serviceberry nature trail, its healing effects you can experience on the September Serviceberry Picking in Travičná or on the Serviceberry Festival in February. church of St. Franz Xaver, found opposite to it is the Hotel Slunce, the only preserved Renaissance house in the town. During the reconstruction a number of original interesting architectural details were found and the courtyard was turned into a modern shopping centre. You can also visit the Slovácké museum, with a permanent exposition of traditional culture in the region. Many events are held in the town every year, for example the Slovácko celebrations of wine and open monuments or the Summer Film School, the second biggest film festival in the Czech Republic. The vineyards with wine huts and burgess wine cellars in Mařatice quarter are worth visiting. The Topolná Open-Air -Museum Interesting complex of traditional rural architecture with a permanent exposition of fishing and laundry. The complex includes also the smithy, beam balance well and orchard with old fruit tree species. Mikulčice National cultural memorial, a large settlement from the times of Great Moravian Empire and one of the possible seats of the dukes with archaeological exposition and a sightseeing tour. 74/75

41 SLOVÁCKO WHICH WAY AND WHERE 10 MOST SIGNIFICANT TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN SLOVÁCKO A WEEK IN SLOVÁCKO Bata Canal unique canal on the Morava River from Kroměříž to Hodonín. Sightseeing boat trips, boat hire, regular boat transport. More information can be found at page 72. Buchlov and Buchlovice Early Gothic castle on the crest of the Chřiby Mountains, in the town below is the Baroque chateau in the style of Italian villa with a large garden. The White Carpathians Protected Landscape Area and UNESCO biosphere reserve. The highest peak of South Moravia Velká Javořina (970 m), cycling and hiking routes, nature trails. More information can be found at page 72. Petrov Plže picturesque complex of wine cellars at the edge of Petrov village, in 1983 declared to be the first rural preservation zone in the Czech Republic. More information can be found at page 70. Mikulčice National cultural memorial, a large settlement from the times of Great Moravian Empire and one of the possible seats of the dukes with archaeological exposition and a sightseeing tour. Nechory picturesque village of wine cellars with a square and several streets near the wine-growing village of Prušánky. More information at page 71. Milotice Baroque chateau complex with French park and pheasantry. Found west of the village is the wine cellar colony Šidleny. More information can be found at page 71. Strážnice open-air-museum of south-eastern Moravia, chateau with park and exposition of folk music instruments, former Jewish ghetto with a ritual spa, synagogue and cemetery. More information can be found at page 72. Velehrad significant pilgrimage place, alleged seat of the first Great Moravian archbishop St. Methodius. More information can be found at page 70. Uherské Hradiště historic centre with several churches, permanent exhibition in the Slovácko Museum dedicated to the traditional culture in Slovácko. In Mařatice quarter a complex of imposing burgess cellars with vineyards. More information can be found at page 75. No wonder that many visitors like to come back to Slovácko. The Slovácko wine-growing subregion is so large and varied that you can hardly see all places of interest in a week especially when we want to include into our programme also wine-tasting, sightseeing tours and some of the many cultural and folklore events. 3rd day Uherské Hradiště Kostelany (ranch) Polešovice (vineyards, wine cultivation station) Bzenec (wine cellars) Hýsly (look-out) Osvětimany Chřiby Cimburk castle Bohuslavice (vineyards, wine cellars) Bukovany (wind mill) Kyjov (wine cellars, museum) 4th day Kyjov Svatobořice-Mistřín (wine cellars) Mutěnice (wine cellars) Starý Poddvorov (wind mill) Prušánky (wine cellars) Mikulčice (Great Moravia Memorial) Hodonín 5th day Boat trip on the Bata Canal chateau Milotice Ratíškovice (museum) nature site Drifted sand (nature route) EXTENDED WEEKEND ON A BIKE THROUGH SLOVÁCKO 1st day: Uherské Hradiště Staré Město Modrá Velehrad Tupesy Buchlovice Polešovice Uherský Ostroh Veselí n. M. 2nd day: Veselí nad Moravou Blatnice pod Svatým Antonínkem The White Carpathians Kněždub Tvarožná Lhota Radějov Strážnice Petrov Plže Hodonín 3rd day: Hodonín Starý Poddvorov Mutěnice Dubňany Milotice Kyjov Vracov Bzenec Uherský Ostroh Ostrožská Nová Ves Uherské Hradiště Route length: 150 km The circuit route leads through vineyards and around famous local wine cellars as well as to many museums, castles and chateaux and other landmarks. If you want to visit them, you would have to shorten the route. The most interesting places include chateaux Buchlovice and Milotice, Aircraft museum in Kunovice, Slovácko Slavín cemetery in Kněždub, open-air-museum in Strážnice and Masaryk museum in Hodonín. Fit cyclist can prolong the way to the Buchlov castle and wind mill in Kuželov. 1st day Uherské Hradiště (historic centre, Slovácko museum and gallery) Mařatice (wine cellars) Topolná (open-air-museum) Kunovice (Aircraft museum) Hluk (fortress) Vlčnov (Kojiny wine huts) Uherské Hradiště 2nd day Uherské Hradiště Staré Město (Great Moravia Memorial) Modrá (museum) Velehrad (complex with the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary) Buchlovice (museum, chateau) Buchlov (castle) Tupesy (Museum of ceramics) Boršice (wine cellars) Uherské Hradiště 6th day Hodonín (historic centre, Masaryk museum, zoo) Petrov (wine cellars Plže) Radějov Travičná (look-out, chalet) Lučina (swimming) Tvarožná Lhota (serviceberry museum, nature path) Strážnice (fortification wall, open-air-museum, chateau, mill) 7th day Strážnice Kněždub (Slovácko Slavín) Kuželov (wind mill) Blatnice pod Svatým Antonínkem (pilgrimage destination, wine cellars) Ostrožská Nová Ves (swimming) Uherské Hradiště 76/77

42 SLOVÁCKO WHAT AND WHEN THE STRÁŽNICE VINTAGE FESTIVAL The festival of wine and folklore is the biggest event of its kind in the Hodonín region. Awaiting you are tasting of wine and halffermented wine in the houses around the square, knight tournaments for children and adults, fair, performances of music bands, folklore ensembles, choirs, parades in costumes through the town and other entertainment. Even the youngest visitors can really When and where: Strážnice, September enjoy themselves and try the grape processing, from picking to pressing. MAY WINE EXHIBITION The wine exhibition held in the cellar under Sokolovna presents the white and red wines of local wine-makers in a wide spectrum of varieties. The event is suitable for When and where: Bzenec, May experts and lovers of quality wines as well as for eager laics; the pleasant atmosphere is accompanied by the dulcimer music. CLOSING THE MOUNTAIN The ancient winegrowing tradition held in various places in South When and where: various places Moravia usually on the last Saturday in August; it means closing the vineyard, nobody else than the wine-grower can enter it until the grape picking. ST. JOSEPH S WINE EXHIBITION WINE CELLARS OPENING THE MUTĚNICE WINE DAYS THE BZENEC VINTAGE FESTIVAL St. Joseph s winetasting, wine exhibitions and other events take place around March 19, when all Josephs celebrate their name day. Wine and local specialities, often you will be offered also fruit spirits and brandies for tasting. Spring opening of cellars is not only a start of a new wine-growing season, but it also is the encounter of men choirs in the complex of Kyjov cellars connected with singing, winetasting and friendly atmosphere. The event starts with a parade from the main square, the main programme takes place in Šištót. There are five vineyard sites around Mutěnice: Vyšicko, Mutěnská hora, Úlehle, Hraničky and Dubňanská hora. Traditional events include wine-growing days with closing the mountain, visiting wine cellars and wine-tasting. The renewed festival follows up one of the oldest traditional events of its kind in Moravia. You will see a parade through the town, the open air folklore ensemble performances and fun programmes in the House of Culture. The exhibition of local and foreign wines certainly belongs to this wine region. When and where: various places (Strážnice, Kyjov), March, When and where: Kyjov, March When and where: Mutěnice, the first weekend in September, When and where: Bzenec, September WINE-GROWERS DAY RHINE RIESLING GALLERY SLOVÁCKO CELEBRATIONS OF WINE AND OPEN MONUMENTS The Wine-growers Day is annually held Petrov, just as the Easter Wine Exhibition and Wine Blessing in December. Lovers of wine have a unique chance to see the complex of historic wine cellars in Plže; you can enjoy winetasting and tours to wine cellars as well as shows of folk trades. When and where: Petrov Plže, the first Sunday in August, The only specialised exhibition of Rhine Riesling in the Czech Republic introduces more than 250 wine samples every year. The exhibition is a part of the Bzenec Fair, a month later it is also held in Prague. When and where: Bzenec, August The most significant event of its kind presents the diversity of traditional folklore in Slovácko. The event is held in the open historic monuments of the royal town Uherské Hradiště, but the programme is regularly extended to other towns and villages in the environs. The historic town centre turns into one big stage presenting tens of folklore ensembles, dulcimer music bands When and where: Uherské Hradiště, beginning of September and brass bands; all that with tasting of wines, half-fermented wines and local specialities. 78/79

43 WINE REGION INFORMATION CENTRES THE ZNOJMO Tourist information centre Znojmo Obroková 10, Znojmo, tel.: Visitors and information centre Znovín Znojmo, a.s. Louka Monastery, Znojmo, tel.: Wine-growing information centre Ampelos Vrbovec, wine cellars, tel.: Visitors and information centre NP Podyjí Čížov Šumná, tel.: Tourist information centre Moravský Krumlov Smetanova 167, Moravský Krumlov, tel.: Town cultural and information centre Miroslav Nám. Svobody 13, Miroslav, tel.: Cultural and information centre in Ivančice Palackého nám. 9, Ivančice, tel.: Cultural and information centre town Dolní Kounice Masarykovo nám. 2, Dolní Kounice, tel.: Tourist information centre Hrušovany, Nám. Míru 22, Hrušovany nad Jevišovkou, tel.: THE MIKULOV Tourist information centre Mikulov Náměstí 1, Mikulov, tel.: Tourist information centre Lednice Chateau nám. 68, Lednice, tel.: Tourist information centre Pasohlávky Pasohlávky, tel.: Tourist information centre Valtice Nám. Svobody 4, Valtice, tel./fax: THE VELKÉ PAVLOVICE Tourist information centre of the Brno City, p.o. Mečová 5, Brno, tel.: Tourist information centre Hustopeče Dukelské nám. 23, Hustopeče, tel.: Information regional centre Austerlitz Palackého nám. 1, Slavkov u Brna, tel.: info.austerlitz@infos.cz, Information centre Velké Pavlovice Hlavní 9, Velké Pavlovice, tel.: infocentrum@velke-pavlovice.cz, Regional tourist information centre Židlochovice Masarykova 100, Židlochovice, tel.: eva.stiborova@zidlochovice.cz, THE SLOVÁCKO Tourist information centre of Bata Canal Zámecká 2, Veselí nad Moravou, tel.: abk@batacanal.cz, Information centre of the Hodonín town Národní tř. 36, Hodonín, tel.: info@muhodonin.cz, Tourist information centre Břeclav Nám. T. G. Masaryka 3, Břeclav, tel.: info@breclav.org, Information centre of the Kyjov town Svatoborská 26, Kyjov, tel.: info@mukyjov.cz, Educational and information centre the White Carpathians, Bartolomějské nám. 47, Veselí nad Moravou, tel.: , visbk@bilekarpaty.cz, Tourist information centre Strážnicko Předměstí 3, Strážnice, tel.: straznicko@c.box.cz, www. straznicko.cz Town information centre, Masarykovo nám Uherské Hradiště, tel.: mic@uherske-hradiste.cz Region Slovácko association for tourism development, Masarykovo náměstí 21, Uherské Hradiště tel.: , info@slovacko.cz, For Národní vinařské centrum, o.p.s., Zámek 1, Valtice, produced by Agentura Bravissimo, Znojmo, tel.: Texts: Eva Obůrková. Translation: Lucie Šebelová Resources: Vilém Kraus, Historie vinařství na Moravě (History of wine-growing in Moravia), Foundation Partnerství, Photographs: Jan Halady, Vít Mádr, Marek Matula, Michal Solařík, Pavel Krška, Jiří Eisenbruk, Vít Obůrka, Luboš Vitanovský, Roman Soukup, Aleš Jedounek, Jiří Sláma, Petr Lazárek, Jan Vondra, Petr Vokurek, CzechTourism, JMM Znojmo archive, Radix Publishing House archive, Znovín Znojmo archive, MÚ Bzenec archive, archive of the National Institute of Rural Culture Strážnice, Bravissimo archive. Photographs of historic documents were used from the publication of the Moravian Wine Bank History of wine-growing in Moravia. Maps: SHOCart Zlín s.r.o. Published with the kind support of the Wine-growers Fund.

44 Our edition will lead you through wine-growing Moravia: CZ, EN, DE, PL, RU CZ CZ CZ, EN CZ CZ, EN, DE, PL, RU CZ, EN, DE, PL, RU CZ