Wine & Food Festivals

From big autumn grape harvests to small, specialized village food events and competitions, these events combine incredible tastes with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Here is your ultimate guide to the finest food and wine celebrations you should not miss.

The Grand Autumn Celebrations: Vinobraní (Wine Grape Harvests)

Autumn is the absolute peak season for culinary travel in Southern Moravia. The air smells of pressed grapes, and the entire region turns into one large outdoor celebration.

1. Traditional Wine Harvest Festivals (Vinobraní)

The historic autumn harvests are the biggest and most famous Moravian Tuscany wine and food festivals of the year. Towns like Kyjov and the surrounding historic villages come alive with large wooden market stalls, open-air concerts, and endless wine tasting opportunities.

• What to expect: These festivals are famous for historic parades, regional food markets, and massive amounts of Burčák (the delicious, partially fermented grape juice available only during September and October).
• The Vibe: It is incredibly lively, filled with positive energy, and offers the perfect chance to see the region celebrating its most important product of the year.

2. Saint Martin’s Wine and Roast Goose (Svatomartinská vína)

Around November 11th, a completely different kind of food festival takes over the region. This date marks the official opening of the first wines of the current harvest (Svatomartinské víno), which are highly anticipated for their fresh, young, and fruity character.

• The Culinary Feast: Local restaurants and wine cellars host dedicated feasts featuring traditional slow-roasted goose served with red and white cabbage and potato dumplings. It is a hearty, comforting autumn celebration that perfectly pairs rich food with crisp young wine.

Seasonal Food and Specialized Culinary Gastronomy

While wine is the undisputed king, the local food culture gets its own independent spotlight throughout the spring and summer months.

3. Local Food and Apricot Festivals

Southern Moravia is blessed with fertile soil and a warm climate, making it perfect for growing fruit. In mid-summer, several villages host specialized food events dedicated to local harvests, most notably apricots. During these sweet festivals, you can taste everything from fresh apricot dumplings dusted with gingerbread to artisanal fruit jams, pies, and locally distilled fruit brandies.

4. Village Guláš and Crackling Competitions

For a deeply authentic and non-touristy experience, look out for small-scale village food competitions. Locals regularly gather to compete for the best homemade gulas cooked in large cauldrons over open fires, or the best pork cracklings (škvarky). These events are casual, incredibly friendly, and offer a raw look into real Moravian village life.

Cellar Events and Modern Food Trucks

If you prefer a mix of traditional locations with modern gastronomy, the region has plenty to offer.

5. Open Cellar Weekends (Otevřené Sklepy)

While the famous “Open Cellars” are technically decentralized tasting days rather than classic festivals, they undoubtedly belong to the core of Moravian Tuscany wine and food festivals culture. Dozens of small family cellars open their doors simultaneously, allowing you to walk from cellar to cellar, talk directly with the winemakers, and taste small bites of local smoked meats and cheeses.

6. Modern Food Truck and Wine Pairings

In recent years, a modern wave of gastronomy has arrived in the region. You will frequently find boutique food festivals that pair high-end street food, like artisanal burgers, pulled pork, or modern bistro snacks, with premium local wines from progressive young winemakers. It is a fantastic bridge between old-world traditions and contemporary culinary trends.

Plan Your Culinary Journey

Because many of these celebrations are tied to specific harvest dates or seasonal traditions, the exact weekends change slightly every year. To ensure you do not miss a single bite, make sure to check our updated Event Calendar before planning your trip.

Attending any of the unique Moravian Tuscany wine and food festivals is more than just a culinary trip; it is an entry ticket into the local way of life. Bring an empty stomach, an open mind, and a love for honest, homemade hospitality.