Château Valtice; Valtice, Czech Republic

I recently had the opportunity to to visit Château Valtice. It is family run by Antonín Št’astný and his two sons, Marek and David. Château Valtice is located in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic, and is one of the oldest wineries in the country.

The vineyard is also primarily the largest grape grower in the country, with over 630 hectares (1,556 acres). They grow approximately 30 varieties, and produce over 170 different wines.

Tours and tastings are available in the Castle Cellar A.D. 1430 under the Valtice Castle. The unique Castle cellar is from 1430 and one of the oldest and largest wine cellars in the Czech Republic. Wines can be purchased in the Wine Barn vinoteque (“Vinařská stodola”) and Wine Emergency (“Vinařská pohotovost) shop in the winery area.

I was not able to take a tour, but did visit the tasting room at the winery. The server spoke English well, which helped me a great deal, but when it comes to tasting wine, that would not have mattered.

The tasting room has a beautiful rustic wood and brick interior.

A selection of twelve wines were available to taste on the day of my visit. Of those I chose the following:

• 2022 Rulandské Šedé, Oranžové víno (Pinot Gris, Orange Wine) – This is considered a semi-dry wine, but I found it very refreshing for my typically dry preference. The wine is considered “orange” because of the color obtained from the additional time that the skins remain on the grapes during fermentation. This also provides a bit more tannins and for me an even better flavor than a fully white Pinot Gris.
• 2022 Neuburské Pozdní Sběr (Neuburger, Late Harvest) – This was my first time trying the Neuburger variety, which originated out of Austria. This is a full-bodied white wine, with notes of topical fruit and some minerality. It’s very refreshing and one that I could sip on anytime.
• 2023 Sylvánské zelené, Premium Collection (Sylvanian Greens) – This wine has won several awards, including a gold medal at the renowned international wine competition Berliner Wine Trophy. It is a dry wine, a bit higher acidity, but well balanced. It is an easy drinking variety, also new to me.
• 2022 Merlot, Premium Collection – This Merlot is one of the best I have had in a while. It’s medium-bodied, a bit higher in acidity than expected with nice tannins. Flavors of dark fruit and chocolate.

All of the wines were wonderful. I wish I had more time to try many more of them. Unfortunately, these wines are not available in the United States.

With so many different varieties and wines being produced, the tasting room shop area has a unique way of displaying the wines. Each one is displayed along with many details about the wine, including the ventage, sugar, acidity, alcohol, village, tract,, awards, and a map showing the growing region.

Château Valtice holds many types of events, engages in various wine related outreach opportunities, and has a venue available for hosting private parties and events. Given more time, I’d definitely take a full tour and try as many wines as possible.

Château Valtice, Vinařská 407, 69 142, Valtice, Czech Republic