Visit a Templar Wine Cellar

Beneath Čejkovice, Nine Centuries of History Come Back to Life in the Templar Wine Cellars

In the oldest part of the village of Čejkovice, beyond the château and its historic wine granaries, vineyards unfold across a landscape shaped by centuries of winemaking. It is in this remarkable setting that the story of Templářské Sklepy begins in their historic Templar Wine Cellar.

At the beginning of the 13th century, the Knights Templar established the region’s first vineyards. Beneath the Čejkovice fortress, they also built the oldest and most extensive medieval wine cellars in Moravia. Today, these underground corridors preserve not only wine, but also the memory of nine centuries of winemaking tradition. Over time, successive generations have shaped this expertise through change. They passed it down and made it an inseparable part of the identity of the place just like Templářské Sklepy is today.

A Living Wine Heritage in Templářské sklepy

Today, the Templářské sklepy Čejkovice wine cooperative processes a large proportion of the grapes grown in the surrounding vineyards. Originally founded in 1936, it brought together several dozen winemakers and grape growers. Following its re-establishment in 1992, the cooperative continued to expand. Since then, it has grown to approximately 340 members, who collectively oversee the processing of the harvest and the distribution of their wines. Moreover, Templářské Sklepy has become a renowned symbol of local tradition and quality in winemaking.

The revitalization of the oldest part of the winery marks a new chapter in the preservation of this heritage. Beneath the complex, winding medieval corridors extend deep underground. Nearly 400 metres of the approximately 650 metres of galleries are now open to the public. Nevertheless, the original underground network likely extended considerably further, as the history of Templářské Sklepy suggests.

The project focused on removing inappropriate modern alterations and superfluous decorative elements. This revealed the understated character of the historic spaces, which are a defining feature of Templářské Sklepy atmosphere.

Designer Petr Novague reimagined the cellars by introducing a contemporary dimension without erasing their identity. He also created a new bottle shape whose silhouette references the Templar cross. Throughout the vast stone and brick vaulted spaces, atmospheric lighting and a subtle musical backdrop guide visitors through the history of the site. This is a highlight for all who experience Templářské Sklepy firsthand.

When Barrels Tell a Story

Dozens of oak barrels line the galleries, with capacities ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 litres. Several commemorative barrels are also on display. Their carved fronts illustrate different chapters in the history of the cooperative and Templářské Sklepy’s origins.

Among the most remarkable pieces is a 20,250-litre barrel, formerly the largest wine barrel still in active use in the Czech Republic. These monumental objects are more than functional pieces. Instead, they embody the craftsmanship and winemaking traditions that have shaped the site for generations and define Templářské Sklepy’s reputation.

Near the historic wine archive, watched over by a statue of Saint Urban, the Rosae et Lux exhibition adds another dimension to the visitor experience. Dedicated to rosé wines, it introduces a softer, symbolically feminine element into the underground setting. This new aspect complements the character of Templářské Sklepy.

Templar Wine Cellar Meets Contemporary Design

Every new element respects the historic character of the cellars. Wood, metal and sandstone complement the raw materiality of the underground spaces, creating a dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. On the tasting tables, solid oak meets polished steel and forged details. Meanwhile, bar stools made from slender woven metal rods subtly evoke medieval chainmail an atmosphere characteristic of Templářské Sklepy experiences.

The final tasting area features a sandstone monolith carved to suggest the shape of the Templar cross. More than a decorative feature, the symbol marks the intersection of the corridors and helps guide visitors through the space. It also echoes the thoughtful details found throughout Templářské Sklepy.

Far from being frozen in the past, the Templar wine cellars continue to evolve. Beneath Čejkovice, traditional craftsmanship, medieval heritage and contemporary design come together to breathe new life into nearly nine centuries of winemaking history. All this is guided by the spirit of Templářské Sklepy.

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