Czechia is set to become the center of the global wine tourism industry as the International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) 2025 arrives in Mikulov on March 26-27.
For the first time, the prestigious event will take place in the heart of Czechia’s wine country, offering a unique opportunity to highlight the region’s best wines and wine tourism experiences to an international audience.
Each year, IWINETC brings together more than 200 industry professionals from over 45 countries, including tour operators, wine producers, hospitality experts, and travel journalists. The conference serves as a key platform for networking, education, and showcasing top wine destinations, and Czechia’s growing reputation as a wine tourism hub makes it a fitting host for the 2025 edition.
Czechia’s Wine Scene Steps into the Global Spotlight
František Reismüller, Director of the Czech Tourism Authority – CzechTourism, emphasized the significance of hosting IWINETC 2025 in Czechia.
“The fact that IWINETC is taking place in Mikulov is a great opportunity to show the world that Czechia is not only a country of beer but also a top destination for wine tourism. We believe this event will enhance Czechia’s reputation internationally and attract even more visitors to our wine regions,” he stated.
Czechia has long been overshadowed by well-known wine destinations like France, Italy, and Spain, but its winemaking tradition dates back centuries. Today, regions like South Moravia produce world-class wines, offering visitors a blend of history, culture, and immersive wine experiences.
The Mikulov wine sub-region is at the heart of Czechia’s wine country, where rolling vineyards, charming wine cellars, and modern wineries create the perfect setting for an international conference dedicated to wine tourism.
IWINETC 2025: A Blend of Education, Networking, and Wine Experiences
IWINETC 2025 will feature:
- Plenary sessions and expert panel discussions on global trends in wine tourism
- B2B networking events, allowing industry professionals to form new business connections
- A grand tasting event featuring Czechia’s best wines, giving attendees a firsthand experience of the country’s finest vintages
- Exhibition stands showcasing Czech wine regions and winemakers, as well as international wine tourism destinations
Additionally, excursions to local wineries and specialized fam trips will allow attendees to explore South Moravia, Central Bohemia, and Ústecký wine regions, further highlighting Czechia’s rich wine tourism offerings.
South Moravia: The Heart of Czech Wine Tourism
The South Moravian region, particularly Mikulov, has long been recognized as the center of Czechia’s wine industry. The area’s wineries are known for producing high-quality white wines, particularly Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Welschriesling.
Martina Grůzová, Director of the South Moravia Tourism Authority, noted the conference’s impact on promoting the region internationally:
“South Moravia is the heart of Czech winemaking, and Mikulov is its icon. The IWINETC conference gives us a chance to present our region to international experts and show that we can produce world-class wines.”
In addition to its vineyards and wine tastings, South Moravia offers visitors a rich cultural experience, with historic castles, charming wine villages, and traditional wine festivals.
Czech Wine Tourism Is on the Rise
Wine tourism in Czechia is gaining significant momentum, with both domestic and international visitors increasingly seeking authentic wine experiences.
- In 2024, nearly 42% of foreign visitors to South Moravia participated in wine-related activities.
- Tourists from Austria, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia are among the most frequent visitors to Czech wine regions.
- The Znojmo wine sub-region is another key attraction, hosting one of the country’s most famous historic wine festivals.
Beyond South Moravia, Bohemian wine regions such as Mělník, Litoměřice, and Velké Žernoseky also offer visitors unique wine travel experiences, proving that Czechia’s wine tourism industry is expanding beyond its traditional heartland.
A Bright Future for Czech Wine Tourism
Hosting IWINETC 2025 reinforces Czechia’s commitment to developing wine tourism as a major draw for international visitors. The event will not only bring global recognition to Czech winemakers, but also position Czechia as a must-visit wine destination.
Zbyněk Vičar, Director of the Wine Fund, highlighted the economic benefits of investing in wine tourism:
“We support wine tourism because it is both an economic driver and a way to promote Czech wines internationally. Events like IWINETC help showcase our wine regions to the world.”
Wine lovers, tour operators, and industry professionals can expect an unforgettable experience at IWINETC 2025, where they’ll discover the best wines of Czechia, explore picturesque vineyards, and engage with the world’s leading wine tourism experts.
