The Small Carpathians Wine Route. The biggest one and all year round.
In Slovakia we officially have six wine-producing regions: Small Carpathians wine region, South Slovak wine region, Nitra wine region, Central Slovak wine region, East Slovak wine region and –Tokaj wine region. Although each of them is very interesting and it will be our pleasure to take you there, let us introduce the Small Carpathians Wine Region in more details. Because it is the largest one and because three former free royal cities are part of it that gained this status in the 17th century precisely because of production of excellent wine. At the same time, the Small Carpathians region attracts with engaging events throughout the whole year. You can find the list of events on the link: http://mvc.sk/sk/podujatia/kalendar-podujati/
Let´s see where it is worth to be taken within the Small Carpathians Wine Region.
We start in Bratislava
You can visit the Museum of Viticulture in the historical centre of the capital city. The number of wine shops is constantly increasing in Bratislava and except world brands you can find here also domestic jewels. But you will find the cellars of wine producers only in Rača and Vajnory. And their wines are really delicious. Particularly the Blaufränkisch (Frankovka) about which rumours say that neither Maria Theresa could resist it.
The life-size model of wine-producing town: Svätý Jur
The taste of wine from Svätý Jur was praised already by Matej Bel in the 18th century. However, not only the unique taste of these wines but also the image of the wine-producing town has been preserved to these days. The buildings of the historical centre of Svätý Jur are literally museum pieces which were preserved in untouched form. The chateaus on the main street hide the most famous cellars.
In Pezinok to the City wine shop
Pezinok is the centre of the Small Carpathians region and written records about viticulture in this town date back to 1295. The first vintage festivals which are popular even nowadays were held already that year. The city wine shop offers really a wide range of wines, but we definitely recommend the possibility to get right to the producers of wines and taste the results of their work together with them.
Slovenský Grob. Try to resist the roast goose!
Although there are more geese in Slovenský Grob than wineyards, wine is drunk here in large quantities – just thanks to geese. You must definitely not miss it as a companion to this autumn roast delicacy, but be aware: If you want to be 100% sure that you will be served in any of the local restaurants, you better make a reservation well in advance.
Stylish wine tasting in Modra
For Modra wine is an equivalent similarly to the world famous majolica. You can experience wine tastings of local wine-producers in local cellars or taverns and – similarly to Pezinok – unforgettable vintage festivals are organized here every second autumn.
Castles, chateaus and Trnava
You should definitely not miss the Red Rock Castle (Červený Kameň) which is proud to have the largest cellars along the Small Carpathians Wine Route. And you should also make a stop in the wine shop of the Smolenický castle, particularly during wine tastings and wine auctions. When you get to the finish line in Trnava, we recommend to park your car only after having visited Suchá nad Parnou. With regards to local family wineries this will definitely be more than only a compliment to the local native František Hečko and his novel Červené víno (Red wine).
A ride for which you need a driver:)
The Small Carpathians Wine Route is really worth it. And not only on the November Day of open cellars. Whether you choose to taste Welschriesling (Rizling vlašský), Riesling (Rizling rýnsky), Grüner Veltliner (Veltlínske zelené), White Burgundy (Burgundské biele), Blaufränkisch (Frankovka modrá), St. Laurent (Svätovavrinecké), Müller-Thurgau, Grüner Silvaner (Silvánske zelené), Leányka (Dievčie hrozno), Chardonnay or Blue Portuguese (Portugalské modré), it is definitely going to be a wild ride. We will take care about the driver and the car.
