The VOC Znojmo Wine Classification
In 2009, the Znojmo wine subregion established VOC Znojmo (Vína Originální Certifikace)—the very first terroir-based wine classification system in the Czech Republic, modeled directly on the French AOC and Austrian DAC concepts. Rather than categorizing wines solely by grape sugar content at harvest (the traditional Germanic Must Weight system), the VOC label guarantees that the wine typifies the soil, microclimate, and cultural tradition of the Znojmo region.
The classification strictly focuses on three flagship white grape varieties that achieve world-class expression in the local loess and granitic soils:
- Veltlínské Zelené (Grüner Veltliner): Vibrant, peppery, and crisp with nuances of bitter almond, white radish, and garden herbs.
- Ryzlink Rýnský (Riesling): Elegant with piercing acidity, aromas of linden blossom, apricot skin, and pronounced minerality.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Expressing exuberant aromas of gooseberry, blackcurrant leaves, ripe peach, and flint smoke.
The Historic Wine Cellars of Chvalovice
Only 4 kilometers north of Stará Celnice lies the village of Chvalovice. Here, along the picturesque "Sklepní ulička" (Cellar Lane), centuries of winemaking heritage come to life. Dozens of family-owned cellars are dug deep into sandy clay banks, lined with natural sandstone bricks that harbor the characteristic black mold (Cladosporium cellare), which regulates humidity and temperature naturally without artificial air conditioning.
Many of these cellars welcome visitors for informal tastings directly from the barrel, paired with home-smoked speck, pickled sausages (utopenci), and freshly baked crusty rye bread.
Moravian Culinary Pillars
Traditional Moravian cooking is rich, grounding, and intimately tied to agricultural rhythms. Whether dining at the casino's restaurant bar or exploring rustic taverns across Znojmo and Chvalovice, travelers will encounter hearty dishes designed to accompany local wines and beers:
- Moravský Vrabec (Moravian Sparrow): Despite the name, this dish consists of succulent roasted pork shoulder chunks seasoned with garlic and caraway, served with braised white cabbage and fluffy potato dumplings.
- Svíčková na smetaně: Braised beef sirloin in a rich, velvety root-vegetable cream sauce, topped with wild cranberries, a lemon wheel, and bread dumplings.
- Znojmo Pickles (Znojemské okurky): Famous across Europe since the 16th century, these crisp pickled baby cucumbers are cured in a secret sweet-sour brine infused with mustard seeds, dill, and coriander.
- Šulánky s mákem: Hand-rolled potato gnocchi tossed in melted Moravian butter, dusted heavily with sweet ground blue poppy seeds and confectioner's sugar.
"The autumn harvest season brings 'Burčák'—partially fermented fresh grape must bubbling with natural yeasts. Consumed by the pitcher in September and October, it represents South Moravia's most celebrated seasonal indulgence."
The Nighttime Hospitality Blend at Stará Celnice
ADMIRAL Stará Celnice bridges these regional gastronomic traditions with modern casino hospitality. After spending the day sampling boutique wines at local vintners, guests can return to the lounge to enjoy curated selections of regional Moravian vintages poured alongside Czech pilsner and cocktails, pairing an authentic taste of the land with late-night gaming leisure.