September 3, 2026
September is exactly the month when the weather, landscape and calendar are all on your side in South Moravia. The vineyards turn golden, the grapes are ripening, wineries are getting ready for the grape harvest, and afternoons are still warm enough to spend outdoors with a glass in hand. Autumn is already making its presence felt in the evenings, but that is just another good excuse to move on to the next wine cellar.
But South Moravia has long been about much more than “just” touring wine cellars. You can easily spend several days here enjoying stylish cafés, walks with off-the-beaten-track views, swimming in a flooded quarry, cycling and unforgettable dinners – all without spending hours in the car. That is exactly the kind of route we have focused on.
Mikulov: A Grape Harvest Festival with a Traditional-Costume Parade
Say “South Moravia” and Mikulov is probably the first place that comes to mind for many people. A Baroque château, Svatý kopeček hill, a café on every corner – at times, you might feel as if you were on holiday somewhere far beyond the Czech Republic.
But in recent years, Mikulov has been evolving gastronomically as well – and we are not talking about wine alone. For excellent coffee, stop by 48°16°, Momo or Moji. Brunch lovers should head straight to Popie's bistro, which attracts fans of creative breakfasts from all over the surrounding area. For artisan bread, visit the new Kvasinky bakery – although you probably will not leave with just a loaf of bread. For lunch or dinner, try Ryzlink restaurant, connected to Fučík Winery, or Vinařství Radosti, where, alongside wine and local cuisine, you will also find a thoughtfully designed modern interior.
If September still brings warm weather, head to Janičův vrch – a flooded limestone quarry known mainly to locals and still something of a secret among tourists. The water is crystal clear, and the swimming season lasts until mid-September. If you are more drawn to the underground, Na Turoldu Cave is the largest cave system in the Pálava region, with stalactites, seven levels of passages and a piece of history hidden beneath the hill on the northern edge of the town.
The highlight of the season? The Pálava Grape Harvest Festival, taking place this year from 11–13 September. One of the largest wine festivals in Moravia, it features a traditional-costume parade, tastings of hundreds of wines and live music.
Pálava: Holiday Atmosphere and Sustainable Gastronomy
Limestone hills, views over vineyards, the Nové Mlýny reservoirs and surrounding villages – this is Pálava. Most visitors head for Děvičky Castle, but if you want to escape the crowds, make your way to Sirotčí hrádek and Stolová hora. Use Klentnice as your starting point, or approach the hills from the other side via the village of Bavory.
Both villages are home to some real gastronomic gems. In Klentnice, there is Café Fara, which has been serving guests for more than fifteen years. Its kitchen is based on honest local ingredients, often sourced from nearby farms and its own garden. Bavory also puts a strong emphasis on local produce. The newly opened Malý Pán concept brings together a farm, kitchen, garden and accommodation all under one roof.
Do not miss Pavlov either, a village just above the Nové Mlýny reservoirs with a completely different – almost Mediterranean – atmosphere. There is no need to hurry here: stroll through the village square, enjoy a glass of wine with a view and let the day unfold at its own pace.
When you get hungry, stop at Marináda viniční dům for their famous buchtičky se šodó – sweet yeast buns with vanilla sauce. And if you enjoy informal gastronomic experiences, keep an eye on the calendar of Plenér Winery. Throughout the season, they organise pop-up events featuring interesting gastro projects from across the Czech Republic, right in the local wine-cellar alley.
Modré hory: Away from the Crowds – and into a Chocolate Factory
Want to discover the wine-growing part of South Moravia in a different way than through Mikulov and Pálava? Head to the Modré hory region. Bořetice, Kobylí, Vrbice and Čejč may not be the first places that come to mind when planning a trip, but they have plenty to offer.
Start at the Slunečná lookout tower in Velké Pavlovice, which offers beautiful views across a landscape filled with vineyards. Just a short walk away you will also find Restaurace André, whose atmosphere will transport you to Tuscany. In Bořetice, stop at Dvorek for coffee or a weekend brunch; in Kobylí, explore the Stezka nad Vinohrady trail; and in Vrbice, take a look at the iconic wine cellars built up to seven levels high. One of them is home to Kafé Sklep, serving specialty coffee and homemade desserts.
But South Moravia is not all about wine. In Čejč, you will find the Herůfek bean-to-bar chocolate factory, which also collaborates with Sabina Keltnerová, Gault&Millau Pastry Chef of the Year 2026. Nearby, in Čejkovice, the Sonnentor Herb Paradise is well worth a visit, producing herbal teas and spices. Whether you prefer chocolate or herbs, both places offer guided tours of their production facilities.
Lednice–Valtice Area: UNESCO Heritage, Endless Exploration and the Highest-Rated Restaurant in Moravia
Set aside a full day for the Lednice–Valtice area. Start in the château park in Lednice and gradually explore the buildings scattered throughout the surrounding landscape – Janův hrad, the Minaret, the Temple of Apollo, Pohansko hunting lodge, the Temple of the Three Graces, Rendez-vous and the Border Chateau.
The latter is home to Essens, the highest-rated restaurant in Moravia. Under the direction of chef Otta Vašák, the restaurant focuses on Czech cuisine presented as a six-course menu, with a strong emphasis on using its own ingredients and supporting small local farmers and suppliers. For 2026, Essens received 3 Gault&Millau Toques.
For lunch in Lednice, head to Pivovar Lednice, where you can enjoy Czech classics alongside craft beer straight from the tap, or visit the legendary U Tlustých restaurant. For an afternoon coffee – and perhaps a little something sweet – stop at Knoll: Na kávu a pohárek or at Coffee Square, which roasts its own coffee.
And then? Although neighbouring Valtice is often overlooked, it has a charm of its own. The château garden is peaceful and free of crowds, with plenty of quiet corners where you can simply sit and relax after a full day of exploring. If a stroll through the gardens is not enough, head up to the Reistna Colonnade. From the viewing terrace at the top, you can see parts of Moravia, Austria and Slovakia all at once. For lunch, settle in at Zlatá Terasa restaurant, and for coffee, try Cafe Hostina.
Because South Moravia is not just about wine. Everyone can find something here to enjoy.
