Historic and Elusive Moravian Wine

Moravia is more than just the section of land that takes up 30% of the whole Czech Republic, bordering the Niederösterreich region of Austria, Slovakia in the east, and Bohemia in the west. The rich history of the land has a story dating back to the 2nd century, and is known as a traditional region in Central Europe that served as the center of a major medieval kingdom, known as Great Moravia. In the 20th century, Moravia became part of the modern state of Czechoslovakia and subsequently of the Czech Republic after the fall of communism.

It’s history of wine making is as captivating as its change in borders and rulers. Emperors dictated plantings of vines in designated areas, and sent wine as gifts to other royals in celebration of births and sacrifices to harvest gods. Monasteries helped establish large vineyard areas during the 13th century with grape varieties imported from France and Germany. And in 1309, viticultural and wine making regulations were established and the vineyards around Mikulov and Valtice were documented to become the oldest preserved register of the Liechtenstein vineyards. The vineyards and wine culture in the 17th-20th centuries saw destruction, replanting, and advancement in wine academies and wine making, all bringing us to this point of progression in Moravia becoming one of the most elusive, interesting wine regions today.

Moravia is now known as the Czech Republic’s predominant wine country, producing 96% of the country’s wine. It’s rolling countryside studded with gothic castles boasts a fairy-tale aura, and it is difficult not to get sucked into the history. Especially when they house The Czech National Wine Center and the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic inside one of these gothic castles in Valtice. And while drinking in history is an amazing experience, it would not be worthwhile if the wine wasn’t quality. Moravian wines are not only winning international competitions, but also defining unique characteristics setting them apart from wines of the world.

However with 44,000 acres of vineyard, Moravian wines are still mostly elusive to the North American market. But they are beginning to gain international recognition, with coverage in popular publications such as the New York Times, and The Telegraph as well as specialist bloggers like Travel Squire, CleverDever Wherever, and DuVine. And of course I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the good people who write The Taste of Prague, who helped spark our love of Moravian wines initially!

We feel lucky and honored to have been able to experience this culture and their delicious wine, and are passionate to bring these elusive old world wines to you so you too can taste a part of history.