The Burčák Walk in South Moravia: The Two Best October Autumn Walks

Head out for a wine walk in South Moravia. We compare the Pochod slováckými vinohrady (Walk Through the Slovácko Vineyards) and Putování slováckým vinohradem (Wandering Through the Slovácko Vineyard) in Mutěnice. A "burčákový pochod" (Federweisser wine walk) is not just a way to stroll through vineyards and taste what is currently fermenting in the cellars along the way. It is one of those events where you can experience South Moravia on a much deeper level.

Dirt paths, autumn vineyards, open cellars, traditional dulcimer music ("cimbálka"), something delicious to eat, and a glass of burčák (partially fermented wine) that tastes a little different at every winemaker's stand. Some go for the hiking, some for the wine.I have done these wine walks repeatedly, and to this day, I consider them one of the best ways to experience autumn in Slovácko. However, people often confuse two different events under the general term "burčákový pochod," which take place on two consecutive weekends in October.

The first is the Pochod slováckými vinohrady, organized by the Czech Tourists Club (KČT) Hodonín, which currently finishes at the Nechory wine cellars near Prušánky. The second event is Putování slováckým vinohradem in Mutěnice, widely known as the great Mutěnice wine walk.Both are well worth a visit, but each has a slightly different vibe. So, which one should you choose?

Two Wine Walks That People Often ConfusePochod slováckými vinohrady

• When: The first Saturday in October
• Organizer: KČT Hodonín (Czech Tourists Club)
• Location: Hodonín area and Podluží
• Finish line: Nechory wine cellars near Prušánky
• Vibe:More of a traditional hiking event
• Routes: Several distances, ranging from short trails to over 20 km
• Ideal for: Keen hikers as well as casual walkers

Putování slováckým vinohradem

• When: The second Saturday in October
• Organizer: The municipality of Mutěnice and local organizers
• Location: Mutěnice, Dubňany, Milotice, and surrounding vineyards
• Finish line: The "Búdy" wine cellar area in Mutěnice
• Vibe: A major wine and social event combined with walking
• Routes: Several color-coded trails of various lengths
• Ideal for: Those who want to combine a walk, open cellars, and a lively atmosphere

Dates, starting points, and route lengths may vary from year to year. Therefore, always check the current information provided by the organizers before you travel.

1. Pochod slováckými vinohrady: Hiking with a Finish Line in Nechory

The Pochod slováckými vinohrady is one of the traditional hiking events in South Moravia. It is organized by the Czech Tourists Club Hodonín, and its history dates back to 1977. Back then, 116 people took part in the first edition, and the route led from Dubňany through the Mutěnice and Bojanovice vineyards all the way to Mikulčice.

The routes changed several times over the following years. For a long time, the walk started in Rohatec and went through the surroundings of Mutěnice, which is perhaps why people still associate this specific walk with Mutěnice today. However, since the 36th edition, the event has moved further into the Podluží area, and its final destination has become the unique wine cellar colony of Nechory near Prušánky.

The advantage of having multiple starting points is the ability to choose a route based on your fitness level, the weather, and how much time you want to spend directly in the wine cellars. The shorter path from Dolní Bojanovice is ideal for a relaxed trip, while the longer option from Hodonín represents a proper, full-day hike.

What to Expect on the TrailThis event is still, first and foremost, a hiking affair. You can look forward to dirt paths and vineyard tracks, the autumn landscape of the Hodonín region, local villages, and wine cellars. While the terrain is not mountainous, a Moravian dirt road can transform after rain into something that will strip your white sneakers of their innocence once and for all.

There is no shortage of wine, burčák, and refreshments along the route, and especially at the finish line. The ultimate reward is Nechory, one of the largest and most fascinating wine cellar colonies in South Moravia. Located just a short distance from Prušánky, it consists of hundreds of wine cellars arranged into streets. At times, you feel as though you have walked into a separate winemaking village.

While it gets very lively at the finish line, you will still enjoy plenty of peaceful walking through the countryside along the trail itself. If you are looking for a combination of a genuine hike and a winemaking atmosphere, this event is the better choice.

2. Putování slováckým vinohradem: The Great Wine Walk in Mutěnice

A week later, it is time for the much more famous Putování slováckým vinohradem in Mutěnice. Most people simply refer to it as the Mutěnice burčák walk.

The event takes place regularly on the second Saturday in October and is one of the largest wine events in the region. It is not just a hiking trip; it is a blend of an excursion, open cellars, tastings, food, music, and a massive crowd of people who all share the exact same plan for the day as you.

The epicenter of the action is the Búdy wine cellar area in Mutěnice, located near the "Mutěnice zastávka" train stop. This is where the start, finish, and main program are usually situated.

Where the Mutěnice Wine Walk Leads

The routes can change from year to year.

For 2026, the organizers list four color-coded options ranging from approximately 2.5 to 12 kilometers in length. This means families with children, casual walkers, and those who want to hike a longer section through the vineyards can all find a suitable option.

The traditional longer path leads through the area between Milotice, Dubňany, and Mutěnice. It passes by well-known cellar complexes such as Šidleny near Milotice and Pod Dubňanskou horou before heading into Mutěnice. However, the exact layout of the trails is not identical every year, so you should follow the current map and color-coded signposts.

The map can usually be picked up at the tent marked "Start." Commemorative souvenirs and a returnable cup featuring the walk's logo are also typically available. In any case, bringing your own cup or glass is highly recommended—without a vessel for tastings, you would feel about as comfortable on a wine walk as you would on a hike without shoes.

Cellars, Burčák, and Dulcimer Music

The greatest experience is not any single viewpoint or landmark; it is the atmosphere of the entire trail. Winemakers open their cellars, offering burčák, young wines, and local food. In one spot, a traditional dulcimer band ("cimbálka") is playing; elsewhere, it’s brass music, and at other cellars, improvised seating pops up—seating that becomes significantly harder to leave than it was to sit down in.

Burčák tastes a bit different at every winemaker's stand. One is sweeter, while another is already more fermented and less innocent than it appears at first taste. This is exactly why I recommend sticking to smaller samples, eating continuously, and drinking plenty of water. Walking the miles helps, but it is no magic shield against the alcohol.

Do not expect a quiet stroll through lonely vineyards in Mutěnice. This is a highly popular event during which the areas around the cellars fill up with crowds. Those looking for peace should set out as early in the morning as possible. Those who want to enjoy the music, the hustle and bustle, and the social vibe will be in the right place.

Choose Pochod slováckými vinohrady if you:

• Want to walk a longer route.
• Prefer having several clearly defined distances to choose from.
• Are drawn to a finish line in the Nechory cellar colony.
• Want to combine a journey through the Hodonín and Podluží regions with a wine event.
• Prefer a slightly quieter atmosphere during the walk itself.

Choose Putování slováckým vinohradem v Mutěnicích if you:

• Mainly want to experience a major burčák celebration.
• Are drawn to open cellars and stops directly at the winemakers' stands.
• Want a shorter route that can be adjusted on the fly.
• Love dulcimer music, regional food, and a lively social atmosphere.
• Do not mind crowds and a busier environment.

And, of course, you can do the best possible thing: head to Nechory on the first Saturday in October and to Mutěnice the following week. That will have your autumn in South Moravia completely sorted.

What Exactly Is Burčák?

Burčák is partially fermented grape must—an intermediate stage between juice and wine. The yeast gradually converts sugar into alcohol, which is why its taste and alcohol content change constantly. It might be sweet in the morning and taste completely different by evening.Under the designation burčák, only a product made from grapes harvested and processed in the Czech Republic can be sold in the country. A beverage made from imported grapes must be labeled as "partially fermented grape must."

During the walk, you can taste burčák in various stages of fermentation. Do not let the sweet taste fool you—there is alcohol in it, even if you can barely feel it at first.

What to Pack for a Wine Walk

• Sturdy shoes you don't mind getting dirty: The routes lead along dirt, forest, and vineyard paths. They are comfortable when dry, but expect mud after rain. Leave your brand-new white sneakers at home if you have an emotional attachment to them.
• Layered clothing and a waterproof jacket: October mornings can be cold, but it warms up during the day, and wind often blows through the vineyards. A light raincoat or jacket will come in handy even during a brief shower.
• Cash: While some winemakers and stalls accept cards, definitely do not rely on it. Cash is still the safest bet in the cellar alleys.
• Water and light snacks: There are plenty of refreshments along the trails, but carrying your own water is essential. Burčák is not an isotonic drink, even if it tries to act like one during the walk.
• Your own cup or glass: Returnable cups featuring the walk's logo are usually sold at the Mutěnice event. However, your own tasting vessel will not go to waste on either walk.
• An offline map and a fully charged phone: The routes are usually marked, but with huge crowds or after a few stops, it is good to know exactly where you are. Take a photo or download the current walk map in advance.

How to Get There

If you plan on tasting, leave your car at home. It’s not just about the alcohol—parking is complicated and the access roads get congested during major events.

Pochod slováckými vinohrady

The easiest option is to take the train to Hodonín and choose one of the routes starting opposite the station. For starts in Dolní Bojanovice or directly in Nechory, check connecting bus schedules in advance, and especially your way back from the finish line.

Mutěnice Wine Walk

The Búdy area is located right next to the "Mutěnice zastávka" train stop, making the train an ideal choice. In previous years, some train connections were reinforced, but you cannot rely on this automatically. Check current timetables and any potential transport restrictions just before the event.

When traveling by train, expect large crowds, especially in the afternoon during the return peak. If possible, do not leave your departure to the very last connection.

Practical Information for 2026

Pochod slováckými vinohrady 2026

• Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
• Edition: 48th
• Routes: 6, 14, 15, and 23 km
• Start: Hodonín, Dolní Bojanovice, or Nechory
• Finish: Nechory wine cellars near Prušánky
• Organizer: Czech Tourists Club (KČT), Hodonín branch

Putování slováckým vinohradem v Mutěnicích 2026

• Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
• Edition: 50th
• Start time: From approx. 9:00 AM
• Routes: Four marked options, approx. 2.5–12 km
• Event Center: The "Búdy" wine cellar area in Mutěnice
• Trail Admission: Free of charge according to published information

Details are subject to change. A few days before your trip, remember to check the organizers' websites, the latest maps, transport updates, and the weather forecast.

Is a Burčák Walk Worth Visiting?

If you love South Moravia, autumn landscapes, and events that aren't just manufactured for tourists, then absolutely. A burčák walk is not a polished, quiet tasting in a silent cellar. It is loud, occasionally muddy, packed with people, and slightly chaotic after a few hours. But that is exactly where its charm lies.

You will walk through the very landscape where the wine is born, meet local winemakers, and taste burčák right where it is produced. Whether you choose the more hiking-oriented path to Nechory or the grand wandering in Mutěnice, you will gain an experience that belongs to autumn in Slovácko just as much as the wine harvest and open cellars.

Just bring good shoes, plenty of cash, and a bit of good judgment. After all, the last one is the hardest thing to find along the way.

Practical Links for Readers

• Pochod slováckými vinohrady – KČT official page: https://kct.cz/akce/pochod-slovackymi-vinohrady-3/
• History of the walk and Nechory details: https://obecprusanky.cz/pochod-slovackymi-vinohrady/
• Mutěnice Wine Walk official page: https://mutenice.cz/
• Slovácko Tourist Information: https://www.slovacko.cz/