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.

Kraví Hora in Bořetice invites to wine and relaxation

In the Bořetice family winery Kraví hora you will not find cows grazing in the meadow, only one cow in the logo. But the real meadow is not missing. Architect Ondřej Bořil designed comfortable facilities for every visitor from cyclists to families with children. In the design wine cellar you can enjoy a variety of wines from Kraví Hora. For guided tastings, there is the Rotunda with an impressive atmosphere, where you can go for an reserved or public tasting.

The minimalist interior and ubiquitous grey concrete warms up the wood with beautiful artwork. The brick elements refer to the traditional cellars. There's one surprise for you - a self-service wine dispenser where you can sample a dozen of the winery's local samples from a pre-loaded card. Adjacent to the wine bar is a large meadow with covered seating. There are bike racks for cyclists, and children are welcome to entertain themselves with football, petanque or archery.

A bistro that beats any restaurant

In Čejkovice, the wine lover does not know where to go first. A lover of timeless design and minimalist interiors knows - to the Škrobák family winery. From the outside, the elegant dark facade contrasts artfully with the surrounding greenery. Wine tasting here invites you to enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape thanks to the maximum openness of the entire building. The Škrobák family opted for a distinctly modern look for the winery and the combination of wine and gastronomy. The basement is where the wine production takes place, the ground floor is dedicated to wine tasting and gastronomy, and upstairs you can spend the night in the boutique hotel. The wine bistro pairs fine wine with carefully prepared food made with local ingredients. The backdrop of a stylishly clean environment promotes the ultimate dining experience.

The clean, minimalist interior was designed by ID_arch, a studio known for its distinctly modern approach and meticulous craftsmanship. Architect Ivana Dombková has thought of every detail and played with the contrast of tradition and modernity - wood as a basic element is subtly combined with luxurious black and modern materials and technologies. This corresponds with the winemaking family's vision of looking at the traditional wine craft from a new perspective.

Wine shop Baraque pod Slunečnou in Velké Pavlovice

Baraque is the French form of the dialect word barrack. This is what the Machovskis called the old farmhouse where they started with wine. They longed for a French-style winery in the middle of the vineyards, so when they moved from the "barrack" to a new production hall in Velké Pavlovice right next to the vineyards, the name Baraque brought them here. In the neighbourhood there is the representative Baraque Wine Gallery. Its design came from the pen of architect Radim Vrána from OK Atelier in Břeclav.

The cozy tasting room offers, besides local wines, selected coffee and other local delicacies, also a luxurious view of the region from panoramic windows. The snow-white plaster of the rounded building is dominated by a distinctive orange roof with spectacular "jagged" edges. The interior breathes with cleanliness. The dark tiles are softened by the ubiquitous light wood and the abundance of plants. The winery with a certificate of Cyclists Welcome is a popular stop on bike tours of the Blue Mountains, and there are outlets for charging electric bikes. There is a path around the winery with a connection to the cycle path to the Slunečná lookout tower.

And now, for the grand finale – for a relax to Velké Bílovice

The family winery Skoupil approached Hua Hua Architects with a brief: to build on the local tradition of wine cellars, using traditional materials and shapes and working with them in a way that would not disturb the 'genius loci' and would have a contemporary feel. The result is the wine bistro Cellar 38 with boutique accommodation. The concept brings a change in the perception of the classic wine cellar. The character of the wine bar and the generous opening to the street is a visually appealing spectacle for passers-by looking in from the outside. In addition, this winery also treats guests to zen-like views across the surrounding vineyards - from all the hotel rooms as well as the restaurant and wine bar with garden. The main circulation axis of the building is a circular staircase descending from the ground floor to the cellar and providing access to the above-ground accommodation. The interiors, full of natural materials with a long service life, refer to local traditions. Details with wine symbolism leave you in no doubt as to what the building is dedicated to - the most impressive of the wine bottle motifs are the spectacular chandeliers.

Thanks to its location on the wine trail, Cellar 38 is the perfect base for hiking and cycling. The restaurant offers modern gastronomy combined with traditional Moravian cuisine and local wines. It is open seasonally and also during local wine events and music evenings throughout the year.  

Where to eat along the way

In some of the wineries from our article - such as the Baraque wine gallery in Velkopavlovice or Wine bistro Škrobák. 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.