BOHEMIA SEKT Expands PIWI Vineyards: 7.2 Hectares of Calardis Blanc Planted in Milovice, South Moravia

Key facts: BOHEMIA SEKT, the largest sparkling wine producer in the Czech Republic, is planting 7.2 hectares of the fungus-resistant PIWI variety Calardis Blanc in Milovice, South Moravia, in April 2026. The company has grown PIWI varieties since 2009, currently cultivates 32 hectares of them, and plans to add roughly 8 more hectares next year. PIWI varieties require significantly less chemical protection than traditional grape varieties.

South Moravia, Czech Republic, 14 April 2026 – BOHEMIA SEKT is currently carrying out the next stage of its new vineyard planting programme, part of a long-term strategy to increase the share of more resilient PIWI varieties, which require less chemical protection. Specifically, the company is planting the Calardis Blanc variety on 7.2 hectares near the village of Milovice, close to Pavlov in the South Moravian wine region.

"We see PIWI varieties as an important part of the future of viticulture and winemaking. They bring significant benefits both in terms of environmental friendliness and economic efficiency. At the same time, we see great potential in them for producing high-quality Moravian sparkling wines," explains Petr Ptáček, Viticulture Manager of the BOHEMIA SEKT Group.

Why Is BOHEMIA SEKT Planting PIWI Varieties?

The gradual expansion of vineyards planted with PIWI varieties is a natural step in responding to the changing conditions in viticulture while maintaining the grape quality that customers have come to expect. The BOHEMIA SEKT Group has been growing PIWI varieties since 2009, and they currently cover a total of 32 hectares of its vineyards in South Moravia. Over the coming year, the company plans to expand this area by a further 8 hectares or so.