Some wine experiences stay with you long after the last sip, and discovering Carpate Diem Winery in the peaceful village of Šenkvíce, Slovakia, was exactly that—an unexpected and delightful surprise. Tucked into the rolling hills of the Little Carpathians, this charming family-run winery is doing something truly special: crafting wines that are not only beautifully balanced and full of character, but also organic and histamine-free. Yes, wines that are as gentle on your body as they are pleasing to your palate.
Founded in 2012 by the Fitz family, Carpate Diem has quietly grown into a must-visit destination for those who appreciate sustainability, innovation, and the kind of warm, genuine hospitality that makes you feel like part of the family. It is a place where every bottle tells a story—and every visit feels like a toast to something meaningful.
ROOTED IN PASSION
The Fitz family’s journey into winemaking began much like many great love stories: quietly, passionately, and with deep personal meaning. Their first vintages were crafted purely for pleasure, shared among friends in a modest stone cellar in a part of Šenkvíce known as Kozare.
By 2013, a vineyard was planted just above the cellar, and the intimate tastings became more frequent—and more in demand. Today, that very space continues to host guided tastings, offering a glimpse into the winery’s soulful beginnings.
FROM CELLAR TO MODERNITY
As interest in their wines grew, so too did the need for space. In 2016, the Fitz family made a decisive move by acquiring the historic NUPOD fruit and vegetable warehouses—an industrial complex designed by celebrated architect Emil Belluš.
They began transforming it into a sophisticated winery equipped with modern technology, elegant tasting rooms, and a sleek wine shop. The doors officially opened in 2020, marking a new chapter in the Carpate Diem story—one where innovation and tradition coexist beautifully.
A SENSE OF PLACE
Carpate Diem cultivates 13 hectares of vineyards in the heart of the Malokarpatská wine region, specifically around Šenkvíce and the town of Modra. These vineyards are managed through integrated protection methods, with zero tolerance for herbicides, insecticides, or harmful chemicals. Instead, natural treatments from Bioka are used to support the vines’ health.
The vineyards’ varied altitudes and soils lend remarkable complexity to the wines. A highlight came in 2018, when the winery celebrated its first harvest from the Šnauda locality in Modra—4.6 hectares of promise realized in every glass.
ORGANIC BY NATURE
Although Carpate Diem formally entered the EU’s organic certification process in January 2021, their methods have always been rooted in sustainable, organic principles. For the Fitz family, organic is not a marketing strategy—it is simply the right way to treat the land.
Currently in the final stages of the three-year certification process, Carpate Diem’s wines will soon carry the official EU organic symbol. Until then, their commitment speaks for itself through careful vineyard management, hand-harvesting, and minimal intervention in the cellar.
THE HISTAMINE-FREE DIFFERENCE
Where Carpate Diem truly stands apart is in its natural production of wines with extremely low histamine levels. This discovery was made not by design, but by testing—an organic outcome of their pure winemaking philosophy. Certified laboratory analysis confirmed that their wines are safe even for individuals with histamine intolerance (HIT).
With histamine values under 0.5 mg/l in most bottles, these wines open the door for enjoyment to those who may have previously avoided wine altogether. As winemaker and technologist Peter Fitz explains, “It is just normal wine—elegant, expressive, and gentle on the body.”
METICULOUS FROM VINE TO GLASS
The process at Carpate Diem is intentional at every stage. Grapes are hand-selected and cooled immediately upon harvest to preserve freshness. The must is never sulphurized; instead, it is clarified using natural grape tannins and temperature control.
Fermentation is carefully monitored and halted when necessary via cross-flow filtration—never with additives. Wines are matured in stainless steel tanks under nitrogen, then bottled in a sterile environment to maintain purity. Stabilization is done on a wine-by-wine basis, with only minimal sulphur dioxide used. For fining, the winery uses bentonite clay—no synthetic agents, no shortcuts.
TASTES THAT INSPIRE
Each Carpate Diem wine is an expression of clarity, balance, and place. These are wines that speak fluently of Slovakia’s Little Carpathians while offering a refined drinking experience that fits effortlessly into the modern lifestyle.
For those curious to explore, the winery’s current offerings include:
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Devin – vibrant and floral, with notes of white peach and acacia
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Moravian Nutmeg – aromatic, slightly spicy, and perfect for food pairing
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Grüner Veltliner – fresh, peppery, and classic
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Traminer Brunner – exotic, with lychee, rose, and ginger
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Donauriesling – crisp acidity and citrus purity
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Cuvée Barrel – complex, rounded, and wood-kissed
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Muller Thurgau – light, fruity, and easy to love
MORE THAN A WINERY
At its heart, Carpate Diem is a philosophy: to seize the day, enjoy life, and raise a glass to good health. With their uncompromising approach to organic farming, transparent winemaking, and inclusivity for those with histamine intolerance, this family-run winery is shaping the future of wine in Central Europe.
For the discerning sipper, the mindful imbiber, and the wine lover in search of something genuinely new—Carpate Diem is more than worth the journey.
A MEMORABLE EXCURSION
This unforgettable discovery of Carpate Diem Winery was part of an enriching shore excursion with Riverside Luxury Cruises aboard The Mozart. Nestled within a curated itinerary of culture, cuisine, and refined experiences, our visit to this family-run gem in Šenkvíce offered a meaningful connection to the land, the people, and the pure pleasure of truly conscious winemaking. As we sipped histamine-free Grüner Veltliner among the vines and listened to Peter Fitz speak passionately about his craft, it became clear—this was not just a wine tasting, but a rare invitation into the heart of Slovak viticulture.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].
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