Wine Season 2024-2025 in Slovakia

Autumn in Slovakia is associated with the grape harvest ("vinobranie") and winemaking. The Carpathian region is famous for its wines. After November 11, winemakers open their cellars for visitors, and it's the official start of wine sales in Slovakia.

The Little Carpathian Wine Route

The Little Carpathians wine route stretches from Bratislava to Trnava, with three historic royal towns—Pezinok, Modra, and Svätý Jur—in between, known for their high-quality wine since the 17th century. During November's Wine Cellars Open Day (November 11), producers open their cellars and wineries to visitors. In Bratislava, the Rača and Vajnory boroughs are famous for their local wine, especially Rača's Lemberger red wine (Frankovka). Svätý Jur, just a 5-minute drive from Bratislava, has a well-preserved historical center. The Cerveny Kamen castle in Častá village boasts the largest medieval wine cellars, including the impressive Fuggers' cellar. The final stop is Trnava, known as "Little Rome" or the "Slovak Vatican," where you can explore many ecclesiastical and historical sites.

Wine Festivals and Traditions

In the fall, wine festivals are held all over the region—in Rača, Svätý Jur, Modra, and Pezinok. One of the best is held in a small vineyard town—Pezinok. The Festival offers a chance to try delicious local wine with different traditional dishes—roasted goose, ducks, grilled chicken or pork with onions and cigánska mustard, potato pancake, and many others. The Festival is full of different live concerts, competitions, and exciting performances with traditional dances and music on the streets of Pezinok. It's also a great way to explore the medieval town of Pezinok and enjoy its architecture and famous places. This year, the Festival will take place on September 20-22.

Best Time to Visit

Wine season in Slovakia runs from September until December, smoothly flowing from grape harvest to new wine festivities and then to Christmas mulled wine time.