~ TRADITION ~

The history of viticulture in the Uherské Hradiště region stretches back for centuries. Archaeological finds of pruning knives and vine seeds confirm that vineyards existed here as early as the time of the Great Moravian Empire (833–907). The first written record, however, dates to 1220, when Cistercian monks, originally from France, Bavaria, and Bohemia, founded the Velehrad monastery. Thanks to their knowledge and diligence, viticulture and winemaking quickly flourished. The monks not only planted vineyards but also established orchards, farms, cabbage fields, fishponds, and mills, significantly contributing to the development of agriculture across the region. Besides the monastery, vineyards were also owned by municipalities and local inhabitants.

The increasing quality of wine led to higher demand not only from nearby cities like Olomouc, Kroměříž, and Brno, but it was also exported over longer distances – for instance, to Vienna, Budapest, and Prague. In 1595, Roman Emperor Rudolf II issued sealed letters to local municipalities, supporting wine quality control and safeguarding winemaking privileges.

However, the promising development of the industry was severely interrupted by the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648), one of the most devastating conflicts in European history. Vineyards lay fallow, cellars were plundered, and the population perished not only on the battlefields but also of famine and epidemics. It is estimated that the Czech lands lost about 30% of their total population during this time. Not surprisingly, real recovery did not come until the 18th century. Advances in cartography and land surveying led to the creation of the first detailed maps, documenting not only vineyard areas and property boundaries but also the earliest classification of vineyard sites by quality.

Riesling has deep roots in the Uherské Hradiště region, dating back to the Middle Ages. However, due to the colder climate of that period, earlier-ripening varieties were preferred. It only rose to prominence in the 19th century, much like in many other renowned European regions. Records from 1843 show that Riesling already dominated local vineyards and managed to retain its position even during the difficult era when European vineyards were devastated by previously unknown diseases and pests.

A fundamental turning point in its cultivation occurred in 1948, when the communists took over the government in Czechoslovakia. Sweeping agricultural changes caused by forced collectivization led to the nationalization of vineyards and wineries, which were merged into agricultural cooperatives. In the drive to increase production and efficiency, old vineyards with narrow planting spacings were uprooted, smaller plots were consolidated into larger land blocks, or vineyards were relocated to more accessible sites better suited to mechanization. The varietal composition was also reshaped. Preference was given to varieties with higher yields, earlier ripening, and lower site requirements. As a result, after 1989, Riesling in the Uherské Hradiště region had been reduced to just one-third of its former area.

Closer to the present

Closer to the present

The fall of the totalitarian regime brought winemakers not only entrepreneurial freedom but also the chance to reconnect with their long-interrupted roots. Yet this turning point came at a time when 20th-century technological progress was at its peak. Moreover, centralized management had disrupted intergenerational continuity and weakened young people's trust in traditional values. As a result, the wine business entered a period of profound transformation that touched every aspect of the industry.

In their effort to stand out from the competition, many producers fully embraced experimentation with newly bred and foreign grape varieties – often without sufficient knowledge of their suitability for local conditions. New vineyards were designed to reduce labour demands while maintaining high efficiency and yields. This shift encouraged the expansion of heavy mechanization, which could handle nearly every vineyard task throughout the year. At the same time, the widespread use of synthetic pesticides, inorganic fertilizers, and irrigation systems became common practice, all in pursuit of complete control over the growing process.

These changes also significantly reshaped cellar management. Influenced by New World wine countries, modern oenological and technological methods were introduced, emphasizing not only production consistency but also speed and economic efficiency. The resulting wines were technically flawless yet often lacked individuality. Defined by intense fruit-driven aromas, cleanliness, and straightforward flavours balanced by residual sugar and acidity, they became products of high technological processing. Stabilization methods essential for long-distance transport and variable storage conditions became standard practice.

With short product life cycles and large-scale production, the focus shifted to rapid turnover. Wine assortments increasingly followed global consumer trends, and mass-market demand. A significant share of production moved into retail chains, where not only price but also packaging design proved decisive. Bottles began to compete for attention with numerous awards, catchy names, and environmentally appealing phrases – often serving more as marketing tools than genuine commitments to nature.

The current state of wine business is the result of decades of development shaped by innovation, market forces, and historical events. While these changes have brought greater productivity and broader availability, they also raise questions about identity, diversity, and sustainability. The solution is not to pit tradition against progress, but rather to find a meaningful balance between them.

For wine has always been more than just a drink for everyday enjoyment. It has been a way to pause, to listen, and to engage in dialogue. And it is precisely this ability to ask questions and exchange ideas that may hold the key to ensuring wine does not remain merely a product of consumption, but becomes a bridge between past and present – one that helps move us forward as human beings.