TOP modern wineries of Znojmo sub-region

History seamlessly integrated with modernity

The old architectural styles seamlessly coexist with modern projects, often merging together and the contrast creatse an impressive interplay. One such example is the Enotéka, situated just a few metres away from the Rotunda of St. Catherine and the castle.

Znojmo's Enoteca of wines was conceived by the renowned architectural studio Chybík+Krištof. They ingeniously designed it on the grounds of a 19th-century brewery, incorporating technical buildings from the socialist era. This unique transformation carefully preserves traces of the original structures, acknowledging the historical and political context. In fact, the architects even incorporated an extension from the communist 1970s into the reconstruction, thereby preserving the city's architectural narrative.

Adjacent to the meticulously restored brewery, the Enoteca proudly continues Znojmo's captivating architectural legacy. While preserving the outer walls, they ingeniously integrated dark wood seating in boxes at different levels within the snow-white, austere interior. The Enotéka's asymmetrically spaced windows offer stunning views of the 800+ year old Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral, enhancing the delightful ambiance while you savour wines and coffee. Inside, the tasting room ensures an undistracted sensory experience. The self-service by the glass system allows you to indulge in tasting wines from the Znojmo wine region in small, customised batches of your preferred choice and strength (with over a hundred samples available!).

A winery in the middle of the city, where they didn't spare any ideas

Making wine in the heart of the city? In a 15th-century Renaissance house above a historic labyrinth? In the royal town of Znojmo, where a wine-making guild was founded in the 13th century, it is possible. Studio ORA has made the dream of the Nešetřil Winery come true. A trio of architects created the Wine House - a place where wine is produced, tasted and sold. Under one roof, you can feast, hold events and even stay overnight in the suites. 

Dedicated to gastronomy and wine sales, the Winebar Cottage is decorated with cruciform arches and a distinctive cross-shaped chandelier - the cross as a leitmotif permeates the entire interior. The passageway with the Wineshop is not only the main entrance and the crossroads of all operations, from where you enter the accommodation as well. It is the place where you look under the winemaking 'hood' and see the ceramic vats built into the ground to age the wine. If you walk further into the courtyard, you will discover a wonderful space inviting you to sit down. It is dominated by the picturesque weathered stone wall of the former Kapucín monastery. You can also enjoy a glass of wine and the view from the roof of the pavilion, which is an observation deck and an attractive extension of the courtyard. The exterior is dominated by wood, concrete and steel - materials that age with grace. The cellars with the winery's main production areas are entered through a secret door in the façade of the extension. The cellars are directly connected to the famous Znojmo underground. You will also see this part during guided tastings and tours of the winery. 

Wine and summer cinema at Lahofer

Chybík+Krištof, apart from the Znojmo's Enotéka, also took charge of the prestigious Lahofer winery near Dobšice. The award-winning Building of the Year 2020 seamlessly blends with the natural landscapelandscape , mirroring the undulating terrain. The colonnade of arched ribs follows the rhythm of the surrounding vine rows, embracing the wine motif within the interior. A monumental concrete wave connects the production room in one elevated section and the tasting room in the other, with an outdoor amphitheatre nestled in the U-shaped space between them. You are welcome to visit LAHOtéka for a tasting or perhaps attend an outdoor concert from their cultural calendar.

Wine wellness area at the entrance to the national park

Eight kilometres from Znojmo, within easy reach of the Austrian border, lies the winery Hnanice. The wine-growing area is set in a picturesque vineyard environment, a short walk from the beautiful valley of the river Dyje in the Podyjí National Park. The author of the design of the buildings and outdoor spaces is Bořivoj Srba from Arch21. The main building consists of two parts. One is a wine production facility, the other is a luxury hotel with a restaurant and wine shop. The original load-bearing skeleton structure allowed for the variability of the interior spaces and the creation of a facade sensitive to the surrounding landscape in the form of stone cladding. The tasting and restaurant areas are connected to a roof terrace with impressive views of the surrounding landscape with forests and vineyards. Natural materials - stone, wood, textiles - predominate in the modern interior.

The complex of buildings and the design of outdoor areas is aesthetically designed to complement the exceptional natural environment of the place - landscaped greenery, bathing biotope, pond... Guests relax in the wellness and sports area. In addition, the area dedicated to wine is an ideal starting point for cycling. Stop for lunch and rest while exploring the beautiful nature and climbing the local hills. 

Two friends' Winery: Where wine meets humor

You can also take a stroll from Dobšice or Znojmo to the Piálek and Jäger winery in Nový Šaldorf. The face of the winery are two friendly winemakers, who created the new design of the tasting cellar, with the help of architexts, by themselves. Kamil Piálek, known for his flair for painting, taking charge of most of the interior design. When you visit, you'll be captivated by the prominent use of wood and pure materials like glass, granite, marble, or concrete on the ceilings. Don't forget to look up and admire their unique texture. During the concrete pouring, leaves found their way in, leaving behind a beautiful impression. Initially, the builders were concerned about this unexpected effect, but to their delight, Piálek and Jäger appreciated it as an embodiment of nature. This is nature! And that's what this wine project has been about from the start.

Traditional elements, like the gabled roof and classic portal, blend harmoniously with modern touches, such as the "rusty" corten sheet and glass doors. Inside, you'll be charmed by the prevalent motif of circles, drawing inspiration from the wine grape. The glass circles in the floor offer a unique view from the bar down to the cellar and back. No sharp corners, even the bar is in a semicircle. Both winemakers have a great sense of humour, bringing laughter to all who visit. However, their wine is no joke; it is also served in Michelin-starred establishments. Stop by for a drink during a road trip or at an event, like the popular June Cellar Food Fest. 

You don't have to put your head on the chopping block for organic wine

Better to go to the family-run organic winery Špalek in Nový Šaldorf. The modern temple of winemaking was built in 2022 by architect Tomáš Havlíček of the Flying Engineers, for whom this was not the first winery building. The modernly conceived traditional pressing plant in the surroundings of the historic cellars respects their morphology. In the words of the owners, "We tried to make it fit in with the surroundings and correspond with the existing winery buildings, despite its modern character." There is a tasting room, an office, a generous storage room on the ground floor and accommodation in the attic. 

The building also houses the entrance to the original sandstone cellar. This makes the wine cellars in Nový Šaldorf in the Znojmo region unique - they are around 10-15 metres deep and dug into sandstone that was once the seabed. The sandstone is very solid, so the local cellars are self-supporting and do not have to be vaulted. In addition to the wine, you will be continuously surprised with gastronomic experiences in Špalek.

Within sight of the entrance gate of Podyjí National Park

At the edge of the village of Havraník seek the Thaya winery, rewarded with The winery of the year 2023. It was named after the nearby river Dyje, known as Thaya in German. The confident design of the estate was crafted by the architectural studio Jakub Cígler architekti. The former granary is its centerpiece, surrounded by other structures, evoking the essence of a classic Moravian village. The roofs of the halls mimic the undulating waters of the Dyje River and the surrounding hills. Every detail embodies harmony, with Austrian wood and Czech bricks "bobrovky" playing key roles.

The gracefully undulating roof smoothly transitions into an artificial hill above the tasting cellars and apartments. The recreational courtyard pays homage to the ancient tradition of Franconian courts, where wine was processed in mediaeval times. At the Apri restaurant, you can savor local wines paired with outstanding cuisine. Their kitchen revolves around local ingredients and traditional recipes, but with a modern twist. Try game from local forests or local fish, seasoned with herbs grown within the winery premises. And what wines await you here? The winery's enologist says: "We nurture wine like a child. We don't shape it strictly and sternly, but we guide it by hand to mature into perfection." You can also taste it every day at Saturday guided tastings, Saturday Wine & Tapas or when pairing it with food - for example, in the Valentine's Day or saint Martin's manu.

Where to eat along the way

During your trip to Podyjí National Park and the renowned Šobes vineyard, make sure to pause at the Vyhlídka restaurant at Vinice Hnanice. In Znojmo, indulge in a delectable snack and delicious coffee at Balance coffee & wine, enjoy a fantastic brunch at půlnapůl, and savour a hearty lunch at the ReZtaurace, located next to Enotéka. For wine and food go to Slepičák on the oldest square in Znojmo called Slepičí trh (Chicken market). Those fairs took place here in the Middle Ages, today you can enter Znojmo Underground from here. If you're interested in seeing an example of Art Nouveau in Znojmo, visit the charming Svět cinema on Havlíčkova Street. While there, refresh yourself at the Bistrograph and admire the captivating illustrations by Matúš Maťátko adorning the walls.

What else to explore along the way

Recharge and soak up positive energy in Podyjí - the sole national park in South Moravia. While in Popice, visit the birthplace of Charles Sealsfield or embark on a journey through the Iron Curtain era.