There are few sights that capture the spirit of the Czech wine harvest quite like bare feet treading through freshly picked grapes. In Boršice, in the Uherské Hradiště district of South Moravia, grape stomping is a colourful tradition that brings together wine, folklore and community.

As the grape harvest begins, baskets and crates are filled with freshly picked grapes, ready for their transformation into wine. But before modern winemaking takes over, there is an opportunity to experience a much more traditional part of the process: grape stomping by foot.

A tradition with a long history

Before mechanical grape presses became commonplace, crushing grapes by foot was a simple and effective way of releasing their juice. People would step into large wooden tubs or vats filled with grapes and gently crush them under their feet.

Today, the practice is less about necessity and more about celebrating the heritage of winemaking. In places such as Boršice, it remains a lively part of local wine and folklore events, where traditional costumes, music and regional customs add to the atmosphere.

The sight of young women treading grapes barefoot is particularly associated with harvest celebrations. It is a playful and photogenic reminder that wine is not simply a drink here — it is part of the region’s identity and cultural heritage.

Boršice: where wine meets folklore

Boršice lies in the Uherské Hradiště area of South Moravia, a region known for its vineyards, wine cellars and strong folk traditions. Here, wine culture is closely connected with village life, seasonal celebrations and local customs.

The grape harvest, known as vinobraní, is one of the highlights of the wine calendar. It is a time when vineyards become especially lively, families and friends come together, and visitors can discover the traditions behind the bottle.

For travellers, experiencing grape stomping offers a different perspective on Czech wine. Instead of simply sitting down for a tasting, you can see — and sometimes even experience — one of the traditional steps that has connected generations of winemakers with their vineyards.

From grapes to glass

Of course, stomping the grapes is only the beginning. Once the juice is extracted, it starts a much longer journey before eventually becoming the wine poured into a glass.

South Moravia is home to a wide variety of grape-growing areas and wine styles, from crisp white wines to aromatic varieties and increasingly distinctive low-intervention and natural wines. The region is also particularly associated with varieties such as Pálava, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc.

Visiting during harvest season is therefore an ideal way to understand the connection between the landscape, local traditions and the wines produced here.

A reason to explore beyond Prague

If you are travelling through Czechia and looking for an experience away from the country’s major cities, Boršice and the surrounding Uherské Hradiště area offer a chance to discover a more intimate side of Czech culture.

Follow the vineyards, visit a local wine cellar, meet the people behind the wine and, if you are lucky enough to visit during harvest celebrations, watch the grapes being crushed the traditional way.

You may leave with a little grape juice on your feet — and a much better understanding of what makes Moravian wine culture so special. 🍇

Visit Boršice during the harvest season and experience Czech wine traditions where they belong: among the vineyards, the wine cellars and the people who keep them alive.

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