World-Renowned Wine Experts Set to Explore the Rich Potential of Moravia and Bohemia’s Finest Wines!
“Bringing such a large group of Master of Wine title holders to Czechia is a historic event. These individuals set the direction for the global wine market and represent its highest authority. We have been working toward this visit for years because their expert opinions can fundamentally change the perception of our wines internationally. We believe that experiencing our wines, winemakers, and landscapes firsthand is the best way to showcase Czechia as a modern wine-producing country,” states Lubomír Maťák, director of the National Wine Center.
The Master of Wine title, awarded by the British Institute of Masters of Wine since 1953, is the pinnacle of wine education and a top professional qualification. Obtaining this title requires years of intensive study, showcasing practical and extensive knowledge in oenology, viticulture, and international trade, along with passing challenging exams, including blind tastings of wines from around the world.
Due to the rigorous standards, only about 420 elite experts from 30 countries hold this prestigious title. They serve as judges in international competitions, advisors to global merchants, critics, and authors of influential professional literature, influencing global trends.
The visit is initiated and hosted by Lenka Sedláčková MW, who is the only Czech holder of this esteemed title to date. Among the guests from nine different countries are notable figures from the industry, including the former president of the Institute of Masters of Wine, Sarah Jane Evans MW; independent consultant Jane Masters MW; American export market development consultant Lisa Granik MW; and wine critic Bryce Wiatrak MW. This exceptional delegation will also be accompanied by prominent British journalists and content creators specializing in wine, gastronomy, and travel, such as Aleesha Hansel from Channel 4’s “Sunday Brunch,” Jane Clare from the One Foot in the Grapes project, Urvashi Roe, who writes for London Unattached and MSN, along with representatives from the Metro UK newspaper.
“The visit by these renowned professionals is a unique opportunity to showcase Czechia not only as a land of quality wines but also as an appealing tourist destination. Winemaking connects our beautiful landscapes, traditions, gastronomy, and the stories of the people who give each region its character. In this respect, personal experience plays an irreplaceable role. When you meet a specific winemaker, taste their wine, and walk through the vineyard, you can share that experience in a more engaging way. Through events like Masters of Wine, Czechia can attract more international visitors and show them not just the well-known wine regions but also unexpected places where quality wine is produced—and that may pleasantly surprise them,” says František Reismüller, Director of the Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism.
“Wine tourism has tremendous potential in the British market, which is why we have been focusing on this topic long-term in collaboration with specialized partners, the media, and tourism representatives. The involvement of prestigious British media will help introduce Czechia to both the general public and industry professionals, strengthening its position as an attractive destination for wine tourism, gastronomy, and authentic regional experiences,” adds Katarína Hobbs, Director of CzechTourism’s Foreign Representative Office for the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The program aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Czech and Moravian winemaking, placing a strong emphasis on expert masterclasses, terroir, and sustainability topics. To kick off the visit, representatives from various ministries and CzechTourism will greet the guests at the Černín Palace in Prague. From there, the expert delegation will journey to Bohemia and Moravia to visit key wine regions, from the Kutná Hora region through the Mikulov region, Velkopavlovicko, and Slovácko to Znojmo Region.
During the five-day program, experts will engage in a series of thematic masterclasses on typical grape varieties, such as Ryzlink vlašský, Veltlínské zelené, and Pálava, along with field tastings highlighting PIWI varieties, low-intervention wines, and natural wines. The program will also include visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the National Wine Salon of the Czech Republic in Valtice, and a showcase of Czech and Moravian sparkling wines and traditional effervescent wines. The trip will wrap up with a discussion focusing on expert feedback regarding Czech winemaking and a presentation of naturally sweet and fortified wines.
The aim of this initiative, which involves key government and industry institutions, is not just to gain temporary media attention but to foster lasting relationships with the industry’s global elite.
“New trends in wine are driven by those who experience the region personally, understand its story, and begin advocating for it. This is exactly why we decided to bring the world’s most respected experts to Czechia. We believe their personal experiences will have a lasting impact on how our winemaking is perceived abroad and will unlock new opportunities for exports and tourism concerning Czech wines,” concludes Lubomír Maťák.
Media Contacts:
Dagmar Fialová, Marketing Director, National Wine Center, o.p.s.
+420 720 820 921
[email protected]
Kateřina Martykánová, PR Manager
+420 602 576 870,
[email protected]
