Moravia's long and wining roads

Everyone knows about Czech beer, but it has a thriving wine culture too. Most of this is in Moravia, in the rolling hills south-east of Brno.

The climate is ideal for grape varieties that ripen late. Grüner Veltliner, Müller Thurgau, Rheinriesling and Pinot Gris are among the most common here.

There are countless wine villages and towns, from small places consisting of essentially one street of small wine producers, such as Hnanice...

...to large centres such as Mikulov and Valtice. Both have grand, very visitable chateaus. Mikulov's has one of the biggest wine barrels in the world in the cellar - sadly, no longer in use. Perhaps it could make a unique Airbnb?

In Valtice's equally fine chateau, you can sample 100 of the country's most prominent wines in the cellars' Salon vin.

Perhaps best to get a taxi home.

Znojmo's Enotéka [Wine Bar], in the historic centre, is another chance to sample local wines from a temptingly long range of dispensers. If you stay in one of the lovely historic central hotels, you only have a short walk back to bed.

It's possible to visit many of the wineries. One of my favourites is Špalek on the outskirts of Znojmo, a family-run business that does vibrant tours and tastings.

Špalek has been run by the same family for generations, but there are many new wine producers springing up too. Another one I like is Thaya, also not far from Znojmo.

The whole Podyjí and Znojmo region is great for walks and bike rides, and you can build in visits to as many or as few wineries as you like en route. There's a whole website devoted to this pleasant combination of activities: Cyklisté vítáni.

Cheers!

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