Explore wine and contemporary architecture in the Velké Pavlovice sub-region

Embracing the Old Hill's Legacy in the New Winery

The Hustopeče region is renowned for its vineyards, almond orchards, and apricot groves. Studio POParch has situated the new winery, Starý vrch (Old hill), within the apricot orchard in Hustopeče. As they like to say at the winery, you'll be welcomed amidst the apricot trees and bid farewell beneath the almond trees. Their vineyards are surrounded by hundreds of these fruit-bearing beauties.

This wine-growing area serves as an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of nature. Architect Podešva’s design, featuring a concrete skeleton and gently curving forms, harmoniously blends with the natural terrain. Natural stone and oak wood evoke a sense of purity, while the backdrop of lush greenery imparts the cozy ambiance of a private garden. Inside, warm tones of wood, dark stone floors, and refined black metal accents adorn the public space, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

The tasting room extends to a partially shaded terrace overlooking the garden, with a gentle descent of a few steps. Outdoor seating under the apricot canopy provides a perfect retreat from the sun allowing for a serene and private experience.

A noble experience at Vinařství Václav

Before you depart from Hustopeče, a visit to Václav (Wenceslas) Winery is a must. From the street Na Hradbách, the building seamlessly aligns with the classic Moravian cellar alley. However, as the locals say, once you step inside, you'll witness a harmonious blend of the old and the new, where historic cellars coexist with modern architecture. Designers from MOMO interior studio and Magda Stolková have masterfully incorporated contemporary materials like concrete, with timeless elements. An exquisite entrance portal, crafted from forged black metal with embedded wine bottles, greets you as you enter. The tasting room itself is a work of art, juxtaposing raw concrete with the inviting warmth of a domestic fireplace.

At the heart of the winery stands a striking spiral staircase, connecting three dimensions - the cellar, the tasting room, and the cozy apartments on the first and second floor. Thanks to glass panels between the floors, you can even gaze up at the sky directly from the cellar. Adding to the ambiance are artworks by sculptor and carver Jiří Netík, paying homage to the patron saint of the country, St. Wenceslas, who had a fondness for both making and enjoying wine.

Gurdau Winery: Where the Future Has Already Arrived

The winery's name is derived from the German name of the village Kurdějov, where this unique destination for wine, culinary, and architecture enthusiasts was born amidst the vineyards overlooking the village church. The winery is a testament to minimalism and the embodiment of pure elegance, mirroring the same principles that define their exceptional local wines. You can savour these wines on the terrace with breathtaking views of vineyards, charming barns, picturesque meadows, and the fairytale-like church.

Architect Aleš Fiala found inspiration in the undulating surrounding landscape and integrated concrete into the design, which complements the softened wood and extensive glass surfaces. The generously sized terrace an extension of the main social area, offers an idyllic setting to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you. As you step inside, you will be captivated by the striking levitating fireplace, designed elegantly as a wine bottle. The interior is adorned with distinctive features, with a futuristic impression enhanced by the vegetative roof cover and trees seemingly growing from the concrete core of the building.

Gurdau Winery offers a delightful array of gastronomic pop-up events, and their local head chef, boasting experience from a Michelin-starred restaurant, sets the culinary standard exceptionally high. As for accommodation, an interesting twist occurred - the luxurious apartments were actually created due to an unintentional mistake made by the workers, who inadvertently extended the house by an additional 6 meters beyond its original plan.

And now, for the grand finale – a visit to the baroque granary for a wine experience like no other!

Have you ever had wine in the cellars of a duke? If not, conclude your architectural journey with style in the heart of Velké Pavlovice, in the cellars of František of Lorraine. Here, you can  taste grape varieties bred directly in Velké Pavlovice. The Lotrinský cellars will lead you through architecturally alluring spaces, blending historic cellars with a modern touch. The ambiance of the long, illuminated corridors will be the perfect closing chapter to your wine adventure.  Overseeing the conviviality in the main hall stands the patroness of these cellars – a sculpture of the Goddess of Wine, carved by Italian artist Roberto Merotto during a carving symposium.

Less than 500 metres away, you can recharge or spend the night at the Lotrinský Hotel. EA architects undertook the ambitious transformation of a deteriorating baroque granary into a charming hotel with a restaurant. Local artisans played a pivotal role in revitalising this precious 18th-century technical monument. They crafted customised interior furnishings and an impressive fountain in front of the snow-white granary entrance. The technical facilities were placed in a new building next to the historic structure, placed partially  underground, with an apricot orchard on the rooftop, ensuring a harmony with the historical landmark. Within the former granary, which now houses a baroque-style restaurant, you'll have the choice between traditional and unconventional dishes, or perhaps even sample one of the delectable creations crafted by a local pastry chef.

Where to eat along the way

In addition to the wineries featured in our article, you can also explore other options along the way, such as the Baraque Wine Gallery in Velké Pavlovice. Beyond the wineries, your taste buds will be delighted in the Amande Restaurant or Mandlárna in Hustopeče. During the summer season,you can savor delectable dishes from the blue food truck "Mezi Řádky" above Němčičky,where you can also enjoy local wines. In Velké Pavlovice, you will receive warm hospitality, along with wine and delicious food at the André Pension and Restaurant, which boasts a charming Tuscan-style ambiance.

What else to discover along the way

In Hustopeče, visit the lookout tower located amidst the almond orchards and explore the Almond Trail. In Kurdějov, seek out the fortified Church of St. John the Baptist known for its underground passages (which interestingly lead to the municipal wine cellar!). Consider taking a break at the Němčičky Arboretum or at Ovčí terasy. In Velké Pavlovice, immerse yourself in nature at the Slunečná Lookout Tower, designed like a vine bush. If you have extra time, you can explore the Biocentrum Zahájka as well.