Exploring the award-winning wine and architecture of the Mikulov sub-region

Obelisk, timeless modernism with an Antique touch

The design of the winery draws inspiration from antiquity, seamlessly blending it into the broader context of the renowned Lednice-Valtice area. The architect duo Bainar from the AiD team was inspired by the buildings of Lednice-Valtuce area and skilfully connected the building's aesthetics and essence with Valtice, the Reistna colonnade, and the panorama of Pálava. Like a timeless part of the landscape, the winery nestles harmoniously among the vineyards, evoking a minimalist reinforced concrete structure supported by three rows of columns that effortlessly meld with the surroundings.

Most of the building is sunken into the ground, the pavilion's upper glass floor treats visitors to an awe-inspiring view of the vineyards, making it an ideal spot to savor local wine/panorama. The materials, including stone, oak wood, glass, steel, concrete, and corten, gracefully age in harmony with the natural surroundings. High ceilings add to the grand impression and the warm color palette, ranging from beige to brown, along with the wooden floors and ceiling marquetry by artist Natalie Perkof, evoke the Baroque ceilings of Valtice Castle while providing a cozy atmosphere inside. Apart from the usual opening time, it is possible to come to an events such as Brunch in the Obelisk, Open Easter wine cellars or The international day of Ryzlink.

Gotberg, where wine and architecture converge in splendor

The Gotberg Winery above Popice, crowned as the Best Industrial Building of South Moravia in 2009, attracts visitors with its exceptional wines and stunning views of Pálava from the open terrace. Get ready for a guided underground tasting experience! As you step into the tasting room, known as “Diamant,” you'll feel as you've been transported to a futuristic Hollywood movie set. The creative minds at Bukolsky architects ingeniously integrated the building with the landscape, artfully blending it into the hillside.

The exterior features a strikingly futuristic concept, with the production facility partially submerged into the ground and clad in sleek sandwich concrete panels, crowned by a pitched green roof. This creates a captivating contrast between the inviting warmth of wood and the minimalist austerity of concrete, paying homage to the rhythm of the surrounding vineyards.

The wine presentation takes place in the vault, which is the heart of the establishment. It evokes the traditional essence of a wine cellar but reimagines it in an ultra-modern concept, with a vaulted ceiling of reinforced concrete refracted in the form of a cut diamond.

Sonberk - amidst a flood of sun and wine

Sonberk, another pop winery nestled in the middle of the vineyards, has a similarly modern flair. Architect Josef Pleskot (AP Atelier) respected the surrounding landscape and the site's history, collaborating closely with the cellar master in its creation. The result is a building that reminds unassuming from distance, gradually unfolds in grandeur as you approach it. Even the broad access staircase conveys the wine house's friendliness and welcoming atmosphere, inviting you inside. The concrete production section, embedded in the ground, helps maintain natural thermal conditions. On the cellar master's advice, grapes are tied from the back of the upper section and fall down only with the help of gravity during processing. The cellar master also help designed the grape drying area for the straw wine, with a corrugated roof that not only gently sculpts the light but also provides ample ventilation, allowing the grapes below to dry perfectly on wooden frames. Harmoniously tracing the contours of the nearby Nové Mlýny Dam, the dominant roof adds a captivating touch to the winery's aesthetic.

Kolby winery near the Pouzdřanská step nature reserve

The name "Kolby Winery" draws inspiration from the nearby Kolby forest. This elegant and thoughtfully designed winery, a sibling of the Reisten winery, is seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings. In 2023, a dry warehouse was skilfully added to the premises by the talented ORA studio, while a renovated space now serves as a charming wine cellar. The original building and the extension seamlessly merge through a pre-set steel and wood structure, which will eventually be entirely covered with greenery, adding to the organic charm. A spacious terrace adjacent to the wine bar and the vaulted cellars in the basement  provide an inviting space for wine tastings. The warehouse is cleverly designed, partially nestled beneath the terrain. In the future, they are planning accommodation in charming cottages (no tramping, more like glamping) and reconstruction of the adjacent castle.

Reisten Wine Bar: A modern gem beneath a romantic ruin

At another enchanting winery, you can relish a glass of wine while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Nové Mlýny Dam. The renowned  ORA studio from Znojmo has worked its magic on a former warehouse in Pavlov, transforming it into an exquisite wine bar. The unassuming simplicity of the building, graced by a gable roof, beautifully complements the sophisticated interior within. ORA has artfully integrated natural materials and original design pieces, featuring motifs inspired by the world of wine.

Large French windows seamlessly connect the bar to a spacious tasting terrace, creating an inviting setting for wine appreciation. The intentionally simple interiors are thoughtfully designed to showcase the magnificent surrounding landmarks. Indeed, there's an abundance of captivating views to enjoy – from the breathtaking water reservoir to the vast vineyards, and  notably, the iconic ruins of Děvičky Castle, a beloved local attraction.

Sitting in the Červinka winery as a wellness moment

The building of the Vinotheque and Wine Bar of the Červinka Winery in Horní Věstonice is the result of cooperation with the Zlámal Studio in Brno. Aesthetically, it fits into the environment of the Pálava Hills, while providing visitors with a comfortable and inspiring space. You will feel the sensitive approach in every detail.

The building, elegantly set in a charming landscape, is designed with nature in mind. The façade combines stone and wood - a reference to the connection with the region and the wine tradition. The interior is dominated by warm wood tones, modern lighting and carefully selected details, such as barrels referring to the wine-making craft. A large tasting area equipped with comfortable furniture for the perfect enjoyment of a glass of wine invites you to take a long break. Large windows allow natural light into the interior, creating a pleasant atmosphere and guaranteeing spectacular views of the vineyards, the picturesque red roofs of the surrounding houses, all crowned by the Pálava Hills. Luxurious panoramas are also guaranteed by sitting outside on the terrace in armchairs and beach chairs. As the owners rightly say, this place is "the perfect break on your cycling tour" - stop for coffee, cider and relaxation. There are also wine tasting evenings with the winemaker throughout the year, as well as summer barbecue nights with music.

Volařík offers a wine panorama to tasting

The design for the construction of the family-owned Volařík Winery came from Bukolsky architects, but it was not implemented exactly as designed. The location of the winery within Mikulov is already luxurious, plus a large parking lot that will solve the Mikulov parking conundrum for guests. The large building houses the production and wine storage areas. For visitors, the biggest attraction is the terrace with a view of the local landmarks - Svatý Kopeček, Kozí hrádek, St. Wenceslas Church... and especially the castle, which you have in front of you in all its glory. There are always 11 samples of wine waiting at the reception, which you can enjoy inside in the pleasant tasting area. In addition to normal opening hours and events such as Easter or St. Martin's Day tasting, the winery is open in July during the Night Open Cellars Mikulov.

For Lednice wines or summer cinema in Eisgrub

The small winery Domaine Eisgrub focuses on smaller batches of high quality wines exclusively from grapes from Lednice and its surroundings. They will serve you refreshments from local farms or local vendors, take you on tours of tasting and the production technology. These use gravity principles - the most gentle way of processing grapes with minimal pump intervention, using the power of gravity. Processing starts on the upper floor and gradually moves by gravity to the containers on the lowest floor. The building by the architect Aleš Fiala impresses at first sight from the outside. And although it doesn't look like it from the outside, the technology is spread over five floors. 

The grey façade is softened by wooden elements and a deep red roof. The highly elegant interior again works with elements of grey and wood, the impression of luxury is underlined by black details, sophisticated lighting and padding on the wall by the benches with seating. Right at the bar, the glass 'windows' into the wine barrel cellar catch the eye as soon as you enter. In the attic there is apartment accommodation for guests. The location in the centre of Lednice is ideal for exploring the Lednice-Valtice area. Every month you can go for a tasting with the winemaker, during the year for international days of different varieties or for summer movie evenings with open-air screening in front of the winery.

Where to eat along the way

As you venture through the architecturally splendid wineries, you might find yourself craving a delicious meal. Don't miss the opportunity to savor culinary delights at Valtice's renowned establishments: Zlatá terasa restaurant or Café Hostina. In Mikulov, we highly recommend Kuk Bistro, the charming Pedro's Streetfood Bistro, or the delectable Víno Šílová Restaurant and Vican Wine.

What else to explore along the way

While touring Valtice, don't miss the chance to explore the opulent chateau and its adjacent park, the delightful herb garden and hundreds of metres of underground beneath the castle (which are also connected to wine!).  Just outside of town, a must-visit spot is the scenic Reistna colonnade, where you can take a leisurely stroll on the Barefoot Trail. If you're cycling, take a well-deserved break at the Portz Insel outside Sedlec, which serves as a bistro for cyclists during the summer months. Southeast of Mikulov, check out the renovation of the charming Baroque brick bridge Silent Island (Portz Insel). While traversing the beautiful Pálava region, consider making fantastic short stops. Near Mikulov, visit the Na Turoldu cave or the Kočičí skála (Cat’s Rock) natural monument. Near Klentnice, explore the ruins of the Sirotčí hrádek (Orphan's Castle), or discover the captivating ruins of Děvičky in Pavlov. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to visit the museum-architectural gem, Archeopark, or indulge in sports and relaxation at Nové Mlýny Dam. 

If you plan to hike the final stage between Popice and Pouzdřany, we highly recommend stopping at the confluence of the Jihlava and Svratka rivers before they flow into Nové Mlýny Dam. You'll find lovely bike paths for your journey. Then, head the opposite direction via the picturesque Pouzdřanská steppe and enjoy breathtaking views of the Palava hills. Continue your exploration via Popice and Gotberg/Sonberk.