Where to Find and Taste Wine in Pilsen
While wine growers have their kingdom to the south in Moravia, Pilsen is the promised land for beer lovers. Few are aware, however, that, apart from the largest breweries in the country, one of the largest wine companies in the Czech Republic, Bohemia Sekt, calls Pilsen home. Even though Pilsen is the city of beer, and most people would prefer to go for a half-litre mug of Pilsner than a glass of wine, we understand that sometimes you just feel like enjoying the latter.
Wine bar Hrozen
You’ll find a cosy bar with an intimate and friendly atmosphere in Hrozen, which is located a few steps from the city square at Solní Street 9 (map). Here you can enjoy both bottled Moravian and foreign wines at a good price, and you can even participate in one of the regularly held wine tastings. Simply stated, this is an establishment that true wine lovers frequent. There’s also a small outdoor terrace in the courtyard, which makes for a nice place to sit during the summer months.
Vinotéka Merlot – Zastávka
Here you can literally stop by for a glass, or an entire bottle, and something good to eat at the wine shop and bar Merlot – Zastávka, located at Smetanovy sady 8 (map).This establishment specializes primarily in choice French wines and champagnes, which you can then pair with specialty items, such as oysters, foie gras, and various cheeses and smoked meats. They also have a pleasant outdoor seating area.
Osteria Martinská
If you’re a fan of simple Italian cuisine paired with Italian wine, head over to the restaurant Osteria at Martinská Street 7 (map). Here they sell the best spaghetti carbonara in Pilsen, affogato and, of course, they have a large wine shop full of Italian wines. Even here you can take a seat on their large, covered terrace.
Akademie vín (Wine Academy)
You can find a piece of Moravia in Pilsen at Skrétova 50 (map) in Akademie vín. Here in the family atmosphere of a Moravian cellar, you can indulge in some local barrel wine at a fair price. In addition, wine tastings are held here every week, where visitors can try five select bottles of wine as well as fantastic Moravian champagnes.
Na břehu Rhóny
A new concept for a wine bar has made its way to the well-known wine-making address of Bezručova 9 (map). At Na břehu Rhóny you can taste test and pour your own wine as if you were still at home. Here you can enjoy primarily wine from small wine growers in France, specifically from the valley of the Rhône river, while also ordering perfectly paired sides, such as quiche, soups, various pâtés and cheeses. Tastings prepared by talented chefs as well as cultural events are also held in this restaurant.
Vineria Symposio
You can visit the new stylish wine bar Symposio at Pražská 3 (map) for select, high-quality foreign wines. Here you can order various canapés and sandwiches with your wine in this cosy, low-lit, wooden interior. Most of the seating space at Symposio is indoors, however, a few tables and chairs can be found placed in front of the wine bar on warm-weather days.
Merum Italian Vines
Pražská Street is slowly becoming a wine street. At Pražská 41 (map) you can find a newly opened bar and shop, serving wine and delicatessens, under the name Merum. The owners, one of which is 100% Italian, have a passion not only for good wine, but also quality Italian food, meaning you can visit them for a glass, a cup of coffee, or even a bottle of fresh Italian olive oil. The suppliers are chosen in person, and they also hold wine tastings.
Trip suggestion: Bohemia Sekt
To visit the king of sparkling wine, head to Bohemia Sekt, which can be found a short distance away from Pilsen, in the town of Starý Plzenec (Old Pilsen). Embarking on the Bohemia Sekt tour, together with its wine tasting section, is definitely worth your time. And don’t worry if you aren’t able to make the drive, every half hour a bus or train goes from Pilsen to Old Pilsen. Once you arrive, Bohemia Sekt is located but a few steps from the station.
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