6 Slovakia Wine Regions you need to visit

Although Slovakia is a small country there are many Slovakia wine regions. The majority of them are located in the southern part near the border with Hungary and closer to the capital city Bratislava.

This article with introduce each of the 6 regions, its characteristics, and important winemakers. The regions are further divided into 40 wine-growing regions and 603 wine-growing villages.

The most common grape varieties you can find in Slovakia are St. Laurent, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Welschriesling. 

Little Carpathians Wine Region

Situated north of Bratislava near the border with the Czech Republic and southeast with the infamous town Čachtice linked with the lady Bathory. Among the most significant cities and villages are Rača, Svätý Jur, Limbach, Modra, and Pezinok. All of these places are easily accessible from the capital city. You can also attend a National Wine Salon in Bratislava if you are very curious about wines. History of the wine-making goes back to ancient times when Celts, Romans, and Moslem Germans were present in the area. Notable wines include Veltiner greens, Rizling Walnuts, Silvian Greens, Frankovka blue, Blue Portugal, and modern European Chardonnay.

Wine to try: Devin black currant wine, Devin rose currant wine, Pereg black currant wine

South Slovak Wine Region

North of the Danube lies the hottest corner of Slovakia. Thanks the weather growing season lasts 2 weeks longer. It has ideal conditions and soil (mostly loess, clay, and limestone) to be part of the Slovakia wine regions. It is further divided into 8 parts and 3 wine regions: Štúrovský, Strekovský and Hurbanovský. All are easily accessible from Slovakia and Hungary. Some vineyards also belonged to the bishop of the Basilica of Esztergom. Notable wines include Rizling Walnut, Riesling, Muller Thurgau, or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine to try: Mrva & Stanko Cabernet Sauvignon rosé, Château Belá Cabernet Sauvignon

Nitra Wine Region

A warm and dry climate is typical for this wine region. The soil has high skeleton content as well as minerals. The ancient roots allowed this region to make wines that even Great Moravian princes or the Queen of England tasted. The most important towns with wine-making traditions are Nitra, Topolčianky, Sereď, and Vráble. Chateau Topolčianky is the most famous in Central Europe, established in 1933. The region also boasts the production of ice wine, a testament to its long and typically dry autumns. When you plan your visit to the region, make sure not to miss exploring the majestic mountains such as Považský and Pohronský Inovec, as well as the Tríbeč Mountains.

Wine to try: Traditional black currant wine from Topolčianky, Ice wine Neronet 2013

Central Slovak Wine Region

Central wine regions consist of 7 smaller regions, and it covers the banks of river Ipeľ to Cerová Highlands. The terrain has soil made of sandstone, clay, volcano, and loam with some hills. The climate is not as hot as in the southwest but more moderate and dry. The majority of wines, around 80% are white, and the rest 20% are red. The most famous are Riesling, Gruner Veltliner, Muller-Thurgau, Red Tramine, Pinot Blanc, and Frankovka Blue.

Wine to try: Noria Jeruzalem Repa Winery, Chardonnay battonage Karol Csernus

East Slovak Wine Region

The list of Slovakia wine regions continues with the second smallest one that starts in Moldava nad Bodvou and continues in three regions: Vinné, Sobrance, Kráľovsky Chlmec. You can easily reach these places from Košice by train or bus. Or you can rent a car and merge your visit with the Tokaj regions nearby. The soil is mostly volcanic because of the Vihorlat mountains. The climate is balanced with 7-8 0C degrees difference between day and night temperatures. Wines to taste in this place include Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, or more spicy varieties like Silvian Greens, or Muller Thurgau. 

Wine to try: Fundus Regius Rhine Riesling Extra 2021

Tokaj Wine Region

The smallest wine region continues to be Hungary. It consists of a couple of small villages like Čerhov, Veľká Tŕňa, Malá Tŕňa, Černochov, Bara, Viničky, and Slovenské Nové Mesto. You can reach the place easily in 1 hour by train or bus from Košice. There are also some bikeways for those who enjoy exploring the terrain on 2 wheels. Thanks to the volcanic soil, long, dry, and sunny autumns the mold of Botrytis cinerea comes to life with Cibeba. Tokaj wines come in three varieties: Furming, Yellow Muscat, and Lipovina. Macik Winery is the most known owned by the family whose business dates back to 1995. Besides wine tastings, and exploring wine cellars they also offer accommodation. (For more information about Tokaj wine region check this article.)

Wine to try: Tokaj Macik Tokaj selection 5 putňovy 2006, Ostrožovič Tokaj selection 4 putňový 2003, Viničky Tokaj Sweet Indigenous wine 2012