It’s hard to imagine any destination could claim to be prettier than Tuscany.
Take it from a Californian: Not even the famous Napa Valley comes close.
But does exploring more of the world ever get old?
That’s a hard no, even more so if wine is involved.
Whether it’s iconic cities you’re looking to check off your wishlist or hitting the road with an open mind and no agenda, some of the biggest surprises often come from places we least expect.
The Czech Republic (also referred to as Czechia) is a beautiful country, and 99% of the time, your gateway into this European gem will be through the fabulous city of Prague.
And like many countries across the globe, there is far more to see than the most notable city.
In this case it’s Znojmo, the Czech Republic’s ‘Tuscany’, brimming with vast vineyards and charming streets in Czechia’s South Moravian region.
More Beautiful Than Tuscany?
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which I gotta say, makes me question my last relationship.
What was I thinking?!
Don’t worry, though; you’re in good hands.
My travel track record is a lot more impressive than my dating record, and I’ve already circled Znojmo as a potential next getaway, realizing that mid-30s adulting and wine go hand in hand.
What should be questioned is the claim recent travelers have made by saying the unknown city of Znojmo is prettier than Tuscany.
According to the Tourist Authority South Moravia, they say, “We swear to you that you cannot take more beautiful pictures of rolling landscapes anywhere else in the world.”
Tuscany, of course, is Italy’s most famed wine region and one of the most popular wine destinations in the world.
As you can imagine, picture endless rows of vineyards and all the charm Italy can muster.
It’s tough to beat by any standards.
Znojmo has flown under the radar as a major wine destination, but its stunning beauty, affordability, and locally produced decadent wine may just top Tuscany after all.
It’s quite honestly postcard-worthy and that’s exactly what you’ll be sending your friends and fam once you fall in love with this place…because, well, shipping a bottle of wine back home isn’t exactly cheap.
Forget Two Buck Chuck, It’s 60 Cent Wine Time!
We’ve all scoured supermarket aisles and made the shameful decision to grab the cheapest bottle (or box) of wine on the shelf.
You will no longer have to look over your shoulder to see if anyone is judging what’s in your shopping cart.
If you’ve splurged on a trip deep into Europe, it’s time to treat yourself.
Savor in Czechia’s most renowned selection of wine without any worries of going over budget.
Glasses of local wine can be found for about 60 cents a pop, a far cry from anywhere in the States.
One such place is Enoteka, a recently converted wine bar.
But for slightly more, it’s safe to say wine glasses are easy to find under $1 throughout the region, including the vineyards themselves.
While the full-tasting experience costs a bit more, you can enjoy a world of flavors for the same price you would spend on a single decent bottle back home or in Tuscany.
According to WineTourism, expect to pay between $16 – $30 for wine tasting events in the area’s most popular wineries.
But hopheads can rejoice too! Beer has been a staple in Znojmo for hundreds of years.
Znojmo Brewery alone dates back to 1720, where you can still experience a glimpse back in time as the attached medieval castle still stands and is open to the public.
Historic Small Town Charm And Subterranean Splendor
Zjonmo is the opposite of Prague in the sense that the finer things in life are what’s so grandeur. No massive city squares, crowded Christmas markets, or insane nightlife scene.
The town is teeming with old-world allure, Europe’s quintessential cobbled streets, and timeless architecture, all while overlooking vast vineyards, a reminder that wine was invented in Europe.
Don’t skip the Znojmo Castle, but more surprisingly what lies below. No, it’s not mega-sharks swimming under Znojmo like that new horrible Netflix movie.
It’s a maze of centuries-old tunnels, 17 miles long, open to the public and ready to be explored.
While you’ll never grow tired of countless hours perusing charming streets (and tunnels) and sipping wine, getting here is another story.
Flying into Brno is easiest being just an hour away. You could also fly into Prague and book a 3-hour long RegioJet journey. It’s worth it!
Tip: Plan a fall trip to witness the rolling hills transformed into magical autumn colors and score cheaper hotel rates.
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