Falstaff celebrates Slovak wine: Hundreds gather to honor the year’s best.
The Falstaff Wine Gala at the historic Old Market Hall in Bratislava was a resounding success. Hundreds of guests and dozens of winemakers came together to celebrate the finest in Slovak viticulture — and the very best among them took home the coveted Falstaff prizes.
For one evening, Bratislava transformed into the heart of the Slovak wine world. Falstaff, the leading magazine for wine and gastronomy, hosted its first-ever grand tasting of Slovak wines, coinciding with the launch of the inaugural Falstaff Wine Guide Slovakia and the official award ceremony honoring the country’s most exceptional producers. With more than 400 guests, 25 top wineries, and nearly 120 handpicked wines, the event proved that Slovakia has firmly earned its place on the international wine map.
The festivities began at three o’clock in the afternoon, when the doors opened to VIP guests and members of the trade. Shortly thereafter, Slovak wine expert Edita Ďurčová led the first masterclass — an engaging session on sparkling wines and the art of choosing the perfect glass. Interest was so high that all seats had sold out in advance. Participants left not only with newfound expertise but also with a small keepsake as a reminder of the experience.
Later in the evening, world-renowned Belgian wine critic Christophe Heynen took the stage for the second workshop, titled “How to taste fine wines from around the world”. His charismatic delivery and vast knowledge of global wine tasting captivated the audience, making it one of the evening’s most talked-about highlights.
The grand finale came with the announcement of the winners, showcasing the very best of contemporary Slovak winemaking: Château Belá, Slobodné Vinárstvo, Nichta Winery & Vineyards, Víno Mrva & Stankom, and Juran z Modry.
The Falstaff Wine Gala not only celebrated outstanding craftsmanship but also underscored the growing global recognition of Slovak wine. The event created a vibrant platform for discussion, discovery, and appreciation — proving that the country’s wineries have both the tradition and the innovation to captivate wine lovers far beyond its borders.
Cheers to all who joined us in tasting the future of Slovak wine.
