Want to taste Czech wine without joining a tour group?
This self-guided South Moravia wine tour is a ridiculously easy day trip from Brno. I visited three excellent wineries near Popice, all accessible by train, and walked through vineyards between them.
Practical Information
- Best for: Wine lovers, walkers, anyone who wants a relaxed day out of Brno
- Total time: Allow 5-6 hours, including tastings
- Difficulty: Easy walking, mostly flat
- When to go: April-October for best weather; September for harvest season
This was one of my favourite things to do in Brno. Two things I love – wine and walking – combined with Czech wines I’d never tried before. The views across South Moravia didn’t hurt either.
Why Visit Wineries Near Brno?
Czech wine flew under my radar until I stayed in Brno. South Moravia produces 96% of the Czech Republic’s wine, with white varieties like Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay dominating the landscape. The region’s mild climate and low rainfall create ideal growing conditions.
Czech reds have higher acidity and lower alcohol than their European counterparts. Common varieties include Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt.
The Route: Three Wineries You Can Walk Between
This 85-minute circular walk connects three wineries around Popice village, all within easy reach of the train station. I visited:
Apart from the initial stretch from Popice station, you’re walking along country roads and through vineyards. No car needed means you can taste freely.
Getting from Brno to Popice by train
- Journey time: 35 minutes
- Frequency: Every 1-2 hours
- Service: Regional S3 train
- Cost: Check current prices on Czech Railways
The trains are comfortable with table seating. When you arrive at Popice, cross to the village side using the footbridge.
Sonberk Winery
Walk from station: 30 minutes
From the footbridge, continue straight and follow the road around to the right (the railway line will be on your right). Turn left at the bus shelter where you’ll see the winery sign. Follow the long driveway up.
Important: Don’t trust Google Maps here. It sent me through locked farm gates, and I had to backtrack.
Sonberk Winery is in an award-winning building designed by architect Josef Pleskot, with views across the Pálava Hills. The terrace wraps around the building, perfect for watching vineyard workers whilst sipping wine.
Tastings: By the glass (price depends on vintage) or sets of 5-6 wines
What I tried:
Gotberg Winery
Walk from Sonberk: 30 minutes
Head back down Sonberk’s driveway, turn right at the first junction onto a paved track with vineyards on your right. Watch for the Gotberg sign, turn right and follow the incline left to the modern hillside building.
Established in 2003, Gotberg’s building won “Best Industrial Building of the South Moravian Region” in 2009. Another terrace, another view of the Pálava Hills and Nové Mlýny Reservoirs.
Tastings: By the glass or six-wine set
I had a glass of Rose Merlot on the terrace. Delicious.
Zidek Winery
Walk from Gotberg: 15 minutes
Follow the path back to Popice (aim for the church steeple) and pick up signs for Židek.
Zidek is the most traditional of the three wineries. Guided tastings of 10-12 wines take place in the cellar, but you must book ahead by phone or email.
Return to Brno
Walk to station: Under 10 minutes from Židek
Walk downhill from the winery, turn left onto Popice’s main road, and you’ll see the station.
Catch the train from the opposite platform (village side). When I went back, it was quicker to take the next train to Šatčice and catch the fast IC service to Brno from there.
Planning more time in Brno?
Check out my Brno itineraries or the best things to do in Brno.
Happy travels!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.