As December rolls in and the weather starts to show signs of winter, the highly anticipated traditional Czech markets light up the city of Brno, lift the spirits of the people and bring the festive mood around. The traditional markets offer locals and expats a variety of Christmas goods, including holiday decor, handmade hats, jewelry and let’s not forget the most sought-after traditional beverage; ”svařák” (or as we know it in English, mulled wine).
From the warm fuzzy holiday feeling, it gives you when you drink it to the aroma it emanates of cinnamon and spice, I think most people can agree that hot wine is one of the most popular items at the markets, for the way it basically captures Christmas in a cup.
I sat down with Vinařství Petratur’s Brno Cottage Manager, Vladi Kratochvílová to learn more about the secrets behind their delicious offerings of hot wine and traditional Moravian Punch, being sold at the Brno Christmas markets this year.
Where did the name “Vinařství Petratur” come from?
Vinařství in English means winery and Petratur is the wine maker’s last name. The winery is family run with traditions dating back to the 18th century; it was officially founded in 1934. Today, the winery is run by father and son: Zdeněk and Tomáš Petratur. The family duo compliments each other in the business and together have been quite successful in producing high-quality wine.
“While the winery is family-run and homemade, the wine engineers are professionals who for many years studied the art of winemaking,” explains Vladi. There are six main wine sub-regions in the Czech Republic, each region has different elements in the soil which adds to the unique flavor of the wine.
Vinarstvi Petratur, for example, is located in the south-eastern part of the Czech Republic, in Slovácko. Unlike many Moravian sub-regions, the vineyards in Slovácko grow in a soil with clay components, helping to retain water in the vines even during dry summers. This results in high-quality, bold wines. “Once you try our wine and either like it right away or develop a taste for it, you will love it for the rest of your life!,” Vladi explains.
What ingredients go into making your delicious traditional Moravian punch?
Vladi shared the secret to the basis of a great Moravian punch: high-quality wine that’s made with love! The winery stands out for their line of high-quality products, as they try their best to keep their wine offerings as organic as possible. “There’s a lot more thought that goes into the creation of punch than you would think, „Vladi explains.
“Each year the type of wine used in the punch is different. You really need to experiment with different wines to see how they taste after they are cooked.” Aside from wine, Božkov rum and other spices are added to create a unique flavor. The quality is also evident in the fact that the winery does not water down their products for the Christmas markets. ” “The wine is great on its own so there is no need to add water.”
What kind of wine do you offer at your cottages in the Christmas markets? “We offer something for everyone!”, Vladi states. The winery has its own brand established in 2007, called Lucanus. The Lucanus line is a special cuvée (or blend) of different grapes that is created by both winemakers.” Together, both father and son puts their ideas into the wine and create these amazing blends that are really popular among our customers,” Vladi explains. 
The unique Punč Point stall for the first time in the Czech Republic! For the first time this year, Vinarstvi Petratur has a very special and unique stall – the Punč Point! It is situated at the U Mamlasů house (right at the Freedom Square, see map) and it is a shop opened to the street. This is the only one stall of that type within the whole Czech Republic! Visit the website of Punč Point, www.puncpoint.com (UPDATE, September 30: Link was removed – server not found), and choose your favorite punch for this Christmas from the rich list.
Here is a list of a few of the special punches that we recommend you to try when visiting Vinarstvi Petratur‘s stalls: – Tradiční Moravský Punč – the classic taste of the traditional punch, a mixture of red wine, spices, sugar, liquor, fruits and a secret ingredient. – Bílý Punč Amaretto – attractive suggestion: white wine mixed with almond liqueur, almonds, spices, etc. Yum! – Rumovy Punč – delicious mixture of red wine, rum, fruits spices, and emotions! – Švestkový Punč – a pleasant combination of flavors! Red wine, dried plums, spices and plum liqueur.
Vinarstvi Petratur have also two classic stalls this Christmas! Try one of their delicious beverages besides GalerieVaňkovka and at Zelný trh. Go and check it! Na zdraví!! Cheers!!
Looking to get away this holiday season? Vinarstvi Petratur offers beautiful accommodations, wine tasting and food and wine pairing! A traditional Czech breakfast is included in the package which includes špek (Czech bacon) tvarůžky (cheese) and škvarková pomazánka, a homemade spread! For more details check out their website: www.vinarstvipetratur.cz
