Exploring Slovácko sub-region for exceptional wine and architecture

Love industrial style? Pop up in the Mill

The wine-growing village with the charming name of Hrušky hides unexpected architectural treasures and places for wine tasting with a fresh esprit. You must see the magnificent interior of the purely industrial-style Hrušky Mill for yourself. Concrete, bricks, metal elements, wood... beautiful. And rest assured, hunger and thirst won't be an issue here. While the mill's original purpose was replaced by a feed mill during the communist era, it has now been repurposed to host many new ones. Welcome to a bistro, wine bar and café.

Do you want to pack your bikes and ride the local cycle path? You can find accommodation just 70 metres from the Mill in Villa Hrušky. If there's anywhere perfect for relaxing over a local wine tasting, it's here. Enjoy wines from the Podluží region, carefully selected by the sommelier. In the evening you can play pentangue on the illuminated playground. The property also has a fascinating history, let us tell you about it. A colonnade with steel columns and the ubiquitous wood reminds you of the original farm building. Today's appearance was created by skilled craftsmen with architects Pelčák and Vořechovská. The garden beckons you to be active and is as well thought out as the buildings.

To Mikulčice for ancient history and hot modernity

The Slavic Fortified Settlement attracts visitors to Mikulčice to the ancient history of the Slavs in the locality of the famous Great Moravia. You will then enter the modern era through the local family winery Bartoník. The family builds on the legacy of their ancestors and the tradition of the ancient village. This tradition has inspired the production of small batches of wine and the expansion of the range to include other wine products such as wine desserts or Belgian pralines filled with wine jelly. 

In 2024, they opened a new industrial BARTONIK building with a showroom, café and tasting room. Design Atak is behind the interior design. It combines modern design with tradition. The space is conceived as a shop as well as a place for wine tasting and relaxing over coffee. The open layout of the space, complemented by design pieces, contributes to the overall harmony of the place. The space is dominated by elegant wooden shelving with red accents. Large windows let in natural light and friendliness. The outdoor seating area is equally comfortable and will delight cyclists who need to strenghten up themselves with coffee and wine dessert. The winery hosts various wine-themed events. Their cycling Tour de vineyard has become a legend. They are also the official guides through the cellar aisles. 

About three barns and colourful “luxfer” bricks

In the neighbouring Starý Poddvorov, pay a visit to the the Krásná hora winery. This time, on the contrary, you will find a snow-white neo-rustic complex - actually, three distinct buildings. To seamlessly integrate the new architecture  into the surroundings, architect Tomáš Havlíček from the the Létající inženýři studio envisioned it as a trio of barns with a gable roof. He set them so harmoniously within the original development that he received several architectural awards for them, including the 3rd prize for the best new building in a historic environment from the Za starou Prahu Club. Rumour has it that, for a while, more architects than wine connoisseurs flocked to the winery to marvel at its splendid design.

Tomáš Havlíček added a touch of late socialist Moravian village charm by integrating “luxfer” glass bricks into the architecture - a bold move that initially raised eyebrows among the client. However, when they witnessed the brilliant rendering, they were convinced. Specially crafted openings in the facade serve as portals, allowing the sun to illuminate the interior like enchanting stage spotlights.

For a truly indulgent wine experience, head to the second floor, where the main seating area awaits. Through a grand glass wall and a terrace, you'll be treated to lavish views of the surrounding vineyards. Krásná hora elevates the wine experience, offering an impressive selection of local varieties such as Pinot Gris or Noir, Gewurztraminer, and Merlot. It's a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.

To ensure your perfect visit to Krásná hora, it's advisable to arrange your trip in advance with the welcoming owners.

Tuscan oasis for Moravian day-trippers

During our wine-architectural journey, we arrive in Archlebov. While it may seem like a detour, we highly recommend making it your perfect ending point or even a separate trip. Dreaming of a holiday in Tuscany that hasn't come true just yet? Look no further than the SPIELBERG winery! There's nothing quite like it in all of Moravia. It's almost unbelievable that this place used to be a cultural house with typical socialist architecture back in the '70s. Now, it has transformed into a winery that captures the true Tuscan spirit, complete with charming arcades, wooden shutters, and terracotta pots…you almost expect to hear Italian from the staff. After all, the Moravian Tuscany region begins just a few kilometres away.

The creative mind behind this breathtaking complex is architect Ondřej Bořil. With an exquisite Tuscan influence, the surrounding buildings and gardens seamlessly blend into the enchanting landscape.  At the heart of the winery lies the Crystal Hall, adorned with refined crystal chandeliers that grace the space. During your visit, you'll have multiple delightful options for wine tasting. On a pleasant day, you can unwind in one of the comfortable loungers on the stone terrace. Alternatively, depending on the weather, you can choose the modern Degustarium, where you can immerse yourself in the legends associated with the local vineyards through a beautifully hand-drawn illuminated map. For more extended tasting experience and to savor the local specialty, Sautéed Fallow Deer in Red Wine, head to the traditional cellar.

A Slovak wine-growing area evoking a French château

The Skalák wine cellars can be found in Skalka near Kyjov on the edge of the Moravian Tuscany. The winery was named after a nearby rock, which is an exceptional phenomenon of the Chřiby Mountains. When you approach the site, you have the feeling that you are somewhere in France. Nothing resembles the ugly original buildings that once stood here. Accommodation with a restaurant, a kitchen and a peasant's quarters have been built on an almost original floor plan. Downstairs, they repaired the traditional vaulted cellar and added an auditorium, a hunting lounge, a production room and later other facilities including a wellness centre with an open-air sauna and hot tubs. 

There is a hospitable atmosphere of the Slovak region with everything that goes with it - folklore, history, culture, natural wines, traditional gastronomy. Because, as they say here, "Wine and food have been together since time immemorial." The area is a perfect oasis for weddings and larger events, but with accommodation right in the winery, it's also an ideal base for cycling and hiking among the vineyards and through the Chřiby hills. The surrounding area is rich in tourist destinations such as Milotice Castle, Buchlov Castle or the Strážnice open-air museum. 

To Milotice not only to the castle

The castle with its lavish baroque garden makes Milotice a popular tourist destination. Less than a kilometre from the castle is the former granary. This building is our next tip for lovers of wine, design and architecture. The B/V winery has placed its production and wine sales in the historic granary building. The former manor cellar under the granary is the oldest wine cellar in Milotice. The winery approached the architect Miroslav Korbička from Archtime with the reconstruction. He was also involved in the construction of the new shop and Enotéka. The mission was to create a building that respects the long history of the granary and at the same time reflects current trends in architecture. To create a space that is functional for wine production but also aesthetically appealing and in harmony with the surrounding landscape. 

They worked with the natural materials traditional to wine-growing regions, such as wood and stone. The wood on the ceiling plays beautifully with the tables in the form of minimalist cubes. Large panoramic windows and minimalist lines promote lightness and openness. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces has created a welcoming environment for visitors. The wine-tasting experience is complemented by the Enomatic system, which allows the self-tasting of dozens of wines. In addition, the winery organizes tasting dinners with wine pairing, tasting of Rieslings or sparkling wines. 

A wine area where water rules and steel dogs welcome you

A wine-growing area with a huge esprit has grown up by the Bata Canal. The name Dog in Dock suggests that boredom and ordinariness are not a threat here. A sculpture by sculptor David Černý greets you at the entrance. Three giant dogs made of steel play with imagination - from different angles you will only see two dogs at a time. 

The boat-shaped modular bistro standing on the canal bank was supplied by Koma Modular. It combines modern design with (multi)functionality and an emphasis on sustainability. The "container architecture" in a luxurious design offers a different experience on each floor. The ground floor serves food made from local ingredients and hosts wine tasting evenings with Dog in Dock. On the first floor you will find sanitary facilities and a seating area with glass windows for close contact with the surrounding nature. And the upper observation deck affords views of the canal and surrounding area. Wood and black play a prominent role in the elegant interior. During the season on the Bata Canal, Dog in Dock hosts barbecues, Sunday brunches, tastings and social events such as travel lectures, yoga classes or pub quizzes.

Where to eat along the way

In addition to the wineries themselves, you can rejuvenate your journey by dining in the beautiful interiors and exteriors of the Sonnentor café in Čejkovice or at the Yalla cocktail bar in Kyjov. If you're eager to extend your adventure beyond Archlebov and explore limitless possibilities, don't miss the opportunity to relish a fantastic meal at Bukovanský mlýn, Kyjov brewery, Pražírna (Roastery) Kyjov, or Prostě burger. 

What else to explore along the way

The Sonnentor herb paradise in Čejkovice now offers a brand new tour circuit. From there, take a leisurely stroll to discover the charming T.G.M. House,  once the residence of the family of Czechoslovak president Masaryk. Are you fan of lookout towers? The Súsedská lookout tower lookout tower in the Kyjov region near Hýsly is an architectural gem! At the Bukovanský mlýn, treat yourself not only to delectable Moravian-style cuisine but also enjoy entertainment for both yourself and the little ones. As you venture to the SPIELBERG winery in Archlebov, you'll find yourself within easy reach, perhaps even walking distance, of Ždánice, a small town with a big heart. At the local château, prepare to be fascinated, as it houses the captivating Vrbas Museum, far from any dull tour. Just on the outskirts of Ždánice, visit the observatory for a day of sun observation.