Vizovice
A small historic town renowned as the home of Vizovická Distillery, producing the famous Slivovitz plum brandy for over two centuries. Visitors can tour the distillery and learn about traditional Czech spirit production in this picturesque wine-growing region.
Things to do
- Vizovická Distillery Tour — Visit the historic distillery where Slivovitz has been produced since 1664, featuring production facilities, aging cellars, and a museum documenting two centuries of traditional plum brandy craftsmanship.
- Slivovitz Tasting Experience — Sample different varieties and ages of Slivovitz directly at the distillery shop, learning to distinguish between premium vintages and understanding the regional significance of this spirit.
- St. John the Baptist Church — Explore this Gothic church in the town center dating back to the 14th century, featuring original architectural details and serving as a landmark of Vizovice's medieval heritage.
- Vizovice Town Square Walk — Stroll through the historic town square surrounded by renovated Renaissance and Baroque buildings, shops, and cafes that reflect the town's preserved architectural character.
- Local Wine Region Exploration — Discover the surrounding wine-growing region with visits to small local vineyards producing white wines, particularly Veltlín and Müller-Thurgau varieties typical of East Moravian viticulture.
- Moravian Wine Cellars Visit — Tour traditional underground wine cellars carved into the hillsides near Vizovice, where local winemakers age and store their products in centuries-old storage spaces.
Food to try
- Slivovitz Plum Brandy — The signature spirit of Vizovice, traditionally served as a digestif or used in regional cooking, representing centuries of local distillery expertise and cultural pride.
- Moravian Pasties (Moravské Koláče) — Traditional sweet and savory pastries filled with cheese, potato, or fruit, commonly enjoyed with Slivovitz or as a local bakery staple throughout the region.
- Goulash with Bread Dumplings — A hearty traditional Czech stew served with soft bread dumplings, representing classic Moravian comfort food found in local restaurants and family establishments.
- Trout from Local Streams — Fresh freshwater trout prepared simply with lemon and herbs, showcasing the region's natural water resources and traditional fishing heritage.
- Plum-Based Desserts — Local bakeries create plum cakes, strudels, and preserves celebrating the abundant plum harvest that supplies the famous distillery.
Local customs & good to know
- Distillery Protocol — Respect the distillery's tour schedules and dress code; Slivovitz is treated as a serious cultural product rather than casual alcohol, and guides appreciate genuine interest in traditional production methods.
- Local Hospitality Customs — When invited to local establishments or homes, small gifts like wine or pastries are appreciated, and accepting offered Slivovitz is considered polite recognition of local pride.
- Market and Shop Hours — Many local shops and attractions close on Sundays and have limited afternoon hours; plan distillery visits and shopping for Wednesday through Saturday mornings for best availability.
- Czech Language Appreciation — Learning basic Czech greetings and attempting to pronounce 'Vizovická' (vee-zo-VEET-skah) demonstrates respect and typically earns warmth from locals proud of their town's heritage.
Nearby
- Zlín — 12 km
- Velehrad Basilica — 25 km
- Kroměříž (South Moravia) — 29 km
- Luhačovice — 31 km