Wine Culture and UNESCO Gems Lednice Valtice Area and Mikulov

Explore the romantic ruins of Sirotčí hrádek, a medieval castle dating back to the 13th century, perched atop a steep hill with views over the surrounding vineyards and countryside. Once a royal hunting lodge and later a fortress, the castle is steeped in legends and offers a glimpse into the region’s turbulent history. Take time to wander among the remains of fortress walls, towers, and courtyards while enjoying breathtaking vistas. Nearby, Stolová hora (Table Mountain) rises with its distinctive flat top, offering panoramic views and a striking silhouette that dominates the Pálava landscape. This area introduces the Pálava Hills, a protected region renowned for its limestone cliffs, vineyards, and diverse ecosystems, and recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve celebrated for its natural beauty and rich history.

One of the highlights of our tour will be a visit to Lednice, a picturesque town at the heart of the UNESCO-listed Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape. Together, we will take a leisurely walk around the stunning Lednice Castle, built predominantly in the elegant Neo-Gothic style, featuring distinctive Tudor Revival details. The castle’s origins date back to the 13th century, originally constructed as a Renaissance hunting lodge before its 19th-century Neo-Gothic transformation. We will explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and greenhouses, enjoying views of exotic plants and tranquil ponds. From a distance, you will see the iconic Lednice Minaret, a striking Oriental-style tower rising above the park, as well as several Moorish-style water pavilions and reservoirs that add unique charm to the landscape. There will be opportunities to use restrooms and visit nearby cafes or refreshment spots. This peaceful stroll offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and architectural beauty.

Discover the charming historic town of Mikulov, renowned for its Baroque and distinctive Renaissance architecture, rich Jewish heritage, and the magnificent Mikulov Castle. The town is notable for its location near the former Iron Curtain border. Stroll through the picturesque main square, past the chateau, and along quaint streets steeped in history. See the monumental Dietrichstein Tomb and the ruins of Kozí hrádek, a small medieval fortress that once served as a strategic lookout. Enjoy sweeping views of the sacred Holy Hill, known for its historic Way of the Cross. If open, climb the lookout tower of St. Wenceslas Church for a stunning panorama of the town and surrounding vineyards. Visit the local tourist information center with restrooms, refreshments, and the option to purchase excellent wines from local grape varieties. Free time is also available for photos, coffee, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.

A visit to a popular winery is a must on our tour, and Vinařství U Kapličky perfectly fits this role. The family-run winery in Zaječí, renowned for its premium wines made from estate-grown grapes. The estate offers a picturesque setting with vineyards, a chapel, and a wine cellar, providing a perfect spot to enjoy local wines and the serene countryside.

Nearby, on the hilltop Kalvárie (262 m), stands the Dalibor Lookout Tower. Completed in 2012, this 11-meter-high stone tower offers panoramic views of the Pálava Hills, Nové Mlýny reservoirs, Lednice-Valtice Area, and beyond to Austria and Slovakia. The tower is named after Dalibor Babáček, the winery's founder. Adjacent to the tower is the Chapel of St. Urban, built in 2007, housing a wooden statue of the patron saint of winemakers. The site is accessible year-round and offers benches for relaxation.

Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, local refreshments, and restrooms at the winery.

Nestled in the heart of the Nadzahrady vineyards near Velké Pavlovice, the Slunečná Lookout Tower rises 18.6 meters high, crowned with an observation deck 15 meters above ground. Built in 2009 as part of a Czech-Slovak cross-border initiative, this unique tower is designed to mimic the shape of a grapevine bush, symbolizing the region’s deep-rooted winemaking heritage. Climb 75 steps to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pálava Hills, the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, nearby wine villages, and on clear days, even Vienna and the distant Alps. Visitors can enjoy paved paths leading to the tower, perfect for cycling, and relax in nearby wine cellar-inspired buildings offering refreshments, souvenirs, and a tourist stamping point.

Our long journey through the enchanting South Moravian region will continue in Vrbice, where the traditional wine cellars were built in the 16th century. These historic underground cellars, carved into the local loess soil, offer a unique glimpse into centuries-old winemaking traditions. You will have the chance to explore atmospheric corridors lined with oak barrels and taste authentic Moravian wines directly from the source.

The village is also home to the Church of St. Giles (sv. Jiljí), built between 1913 and 1920 in a distinctive Neo-Romanesque style. The church’s impressive 36-meter-high tower dominates the village skyline, adding cultural and architectural depth to the visit. The warm hospitality of local winemakers creates an inviting atmosphere to savor the flavors and stories of the region. Refreshments may be available on site.