Czechia Set to Welcome the Esteemed IWINETC 2025 Wine Tourism Conference!
The Premier Wine Event of the Year in Europe
Mark your calendars for the IWINETC 2025, happening on 26-27 March! This event is one of the foremost gatherings in the world dedicated to wine tourism, bringing together over 200 industry professionals from 45 different countries. Attendees will gather to exchange insights, forge new business connections, and stay updated on the latest trends in both wine and tourism.
“The fact that IWINETC is being hosted this year in Mikulov presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase that Czechia is not just a beer country, but also a destination rich in unique wines and experiences,” explains František Reismüller, Director of the Czech Tourism Authority – CzechTourism.
He adds, “Wine tourism is crucial for promoting domestic tourism. We can observe this trend in countries like Italy and France, where local producers offer about 400 wine tours and tastings for every 1 million inhabitants annually. Australia, Portugal, and South Africa follow closely behind, with Portugal being particularly illustrative due to its dedicated efforts to develop wine tourism in recent years, establishing itself as a leading destination for this type of tourism.”
“South Moravia stands as the heart of Czech winemaking, and Mikulov serves as its emblem. The IWINETC conference will allow us to present our region to international experts, who will leave with an appreciation for the world-class wines we produce here. This is a unique opportunity for us and our partners to elevate our region as a prime wine destination on the international stage,” adds Martina Grůzová, Director of leading tourism destinations.
“South Moravia embodies the essence of the Czech wine industry, and Mikulov is its symbol. By hosting the IWINETC conference, we will share our region’s offerings with foreign experts, ensuring they recognize our capability to produce high-quality wines. This event serves as a remarkable avenue to promote our exceptional wine destination globally,” emphasizes the Director.
Since its inception in 2009, the conference has consistently united professionals, including tour operators and media focused on wine tourism and culinary travel. Its three core goals are to provide advanced educational sessions through plenary and panel discussions, to foster business connections during networking events, and to showcase the Czech Republic as a premier destination for wine tourism intertwined with gastronomy. The event is complemented by excursions to wineries and other fascinating wine-related locations.
This year’s agenda includes lectures, panel discussions, an extensive tasting of Czech wines, and B2B workshops. Attendees can anticipate exhibit stands featuring not just Czech wine destinations but also representatives from various domestic wineries and associations. As an international event, IWINETC will also showcase international stands, followed by media trips and specialized fam trips through the wine regions of South Moravia, Central Bohemia, and Ustecký regions.
Rising Interest in Wine Travel in Czechia
Wine tourism in Czechia is on the rise, drawing increasing numbers of visitors from abroad. Within the country, the culture surrounding wine is a key attraction, particularly in South Moravia. Here, local vineyards beautifully blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary culinary trends. However, wine tourism isn’t restricted to Moravia; regions like Bohemia also offer enticing experiences, including Mělnice, Litoměřice, and Velke Žernosky in Ústí nad Labem. Even the capital offers unique wine experiences, such as visiting the St. Clare’s Vineyard in Troja and the vineyards at Prague Castle. Popular wine events, such as local exhibitions, harvest festivals, and open cellar days, often combine wine tasting with culinary delights and music.
Some of the most visited wine destinations in the country include the renowned South Moravia, particularly the Mikulov wine sub-region and Velkopavlovické sub-region. Recently, nearly 26% of domestic visitors and 42% of foreign tourists in the region indulged in gastronomic experiences or wine consumption. This is a notable increase compared to the previous year’s 27% of locals and almost 43% of foreigners, and the 29% domestic and 41% foreign travellers recorded in 2019. Additionally, the historic city of Znojmo is also famed for its rich wine history and annual vintage harvests, attracting countless visitors.
Across the board, Czech wine regions are celebrated not only for their wineries and time-honored events like vintage and wine festivals but also for offering authentic experiences such as touring traditional cellars, exploring modern wineries, and strolling through picturesque vineyards.
Visitor Profile in Wine Regions
Local wine regions primarily attract domestic tourists, especially from major urban centers like Prague, Brno, and Ostrava. These visitors often seek weekend getaways that include wine tastings, events, and cellar visits.
“Czech consumers tend to enjoy wine with meals on special occasions rather than during regular lunches, a habit that contrasts with French culture. However, we are seeing a growing trend of wine consumption during barbecues,” says Project Manager Patrik Kubát from the National Wine Centre.
He adds, “Consumers are seeking inspiration to explore new wines, varieties, and wineries. The uniqueness of certain wine-village traditions and cellar atmospheres present a remarkable charm that has yet to be fully discovered by many.”
What locals appreciate the most about their wine is its integral connection to national heritage, its unique and varied flavors. Foreign visitors, in turn, are drawn to the high quality of Czech wines, the warmth of local hospitality, and the rich traditions that enrich their wine experience.
According to research conducted by the Wine Fund, 55% of Czech consumers are currently more inclined to select specific varieties of white wine, with the remaining 45% unconcerned about wine color.
“We have long supported wine tourism, a commitment reinforced by law. Each year, we create a calendar of wine events—a staggering number—and publish wine maps while participating in other initiatives. We are thrilled to support the IWINETC conference, as our wine regions can offer remarkable experiences, which we’re proud to showcase globally,” states Zbyněk Vičar, Director of the Wine Fund.
Wine tourism is not only essential for promoting local wines; it also serves as a significant economic driver for the regions. Studies indicate that visitors to wine destinations typically spend more than average on accommodation, gastronomy, and associated activities.
For instance, in 2024, foreign visitors accounted for up to 30% of patrons at select Moravian wineries, with the highest numbers hailing from Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and Poland. This trend underscores that a quality wine selection can significantly entice travelers, even outside the peak tourist season.
