In the scenic hills of Slovakia’s Small Carpathian wine region lies a place full of charm, character, and history—VIAJUR Winery. This boutique winery is where tradition and innovation come together in the most inviting way. The story begins back in 1580 with Katarína Pálffy, a remarkable woman whose vision and resilience helped turn the vineyards of Svätý Jur into something truly special. Today, her legacy lives on in the very cellars she once oversaw, now lovingly restored and brought to life with a fresh, modern spirit. At VIAJUR, you are not just tasting wine—you are experiencing a beautiful journey through time.
On a shore excursion from Riverside Luxury Cruise Lines’ The Mozart, we found ourselves spending an unforgettable afternoon in Slovakia. The itinerary included a stop in the charming royal town of Svätý Jur—home to VIAJUR Winery, a boutique estate where history, craftsmanship, and modern winemaking converge.
AT THE HELM
At the helm of VIAJUR is Tomáš Dilong: a winemaker whose journey began far from the iconic vineyards of Svätý Jur. Raised in Orava—a northern Slovak region with no viticultural tradition—Tomáš first explored fermentation through childhood afternoons spent helping his grandfather make currant and raspberry wines. Though his origins were modest, his path was anything but.
After completing grammar school and studies in accordion at a music conservatory, Tomáš’s life took a turn when he earned a scholarship to study oenology in New Zealand. There, he immersed himself in one of the world’s most progressive wine scenes. For nine years, he learned the craft from the ground up, gaining experience in both vineyard work and cellar operations. The intensity and innovation of the New Zealand wine industry shaped his philosophy: that wine is a living dialogue between land, climate, and human touch.
Upon returning to Slovakia, Tomáš brought this global perspective home, eventually taking the lead at VIAJUR Winery. Nestled within the historical walls of the Pálffy Manor, he now directs the estate’s revival with a modern vision. At VIAJUR, Tomáš merges tradition with science, championing low-histamine, vegan wines that remain deeply expressive of their terroir. Under his leadership, the winery produces approximately 120,000 bottles annually—crafted using sustainable, organic methods and state-of-the-art technology.
Tomáš is especially passionate about varietals like Jurassic Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and the native Dunaj, all of which thrive in the unique soils and microclimates of the Little Carpathian region. His commitment to biodiversity, purity, and thoughtful winemaking is a tribute to the land and to the legacy of Katarína Pálffy, who first defined Svätý Jur as a wine destination centuries ago.
For Tomáš, winemaking is more than a profession. It is an ever-evolving craft, a cultural inheritance, and a way to share Slovakia’s soul—one glass at a time.
“Wine has always returned the energy I put into it, many times over,” says Tomáš. That dedication is evident in every bottle, crafted with precision, passion, and respect for terroir.
VINEYARDS WITH SOUL
VIAJUR’s five hectares of vineyards sweep across sun-drenched terraces above Svätý Jur, with southern and southwestern exposures ensuring optimal sun and cool night breezes. The sandy-granite soils are perfect for Riesling, the estate’s signature grape. The resulting wines—Riesling Liebling and Riesling Jurský—are radiant expressions of the land. Vegan, low-histamine, and crafted with elegance, each sip speaks of place, passion, and purity.
CELLARS OF CHARACTER
VIAJUR’s wine production is divided into three cellars, each offering a distinct charm. The Tank Cellar retains its original 16th-century brick vaults but now gleams with stainless steel tanks and high-tech temperature controls. Here, precise fermentation meets historical reverence.
In the Sect Cellar, sparkling wines are crafted using the traditional champagne method. From riddling racks to long bottle aging, this space is where patience and elegance converge. The oldest of the cellars, it hums quietly with centuries of effervescence.
The Barrel Cellar is a sensory haven. Aromas of oak and acacia mingle with the earthy scent of the historic well, which naturally regulates humidity. Barrels of various sizes cradle the wines as they evolve. A touch of magic? The cellar also doubles as a tasting room with a film presentation, The Four Seasons, that elevates your sipping experience.
BEYOND THE GLASS
But VIAJUR is more than a winery—it is a lifestyle destination. Stay in the Pálffy Manor House, where four unique apartments await. Whether you choose the historical suites named after Katarína Pálffy and her lovers, or opt for the sleek Imperial Suite, expect luxury layered with Slovak charm.
Complete the experience at ARTE Restaurant, where Head Chef Jirka Zajíček crafts imaginative dishes using fresh, local ingredients. His playful, modern takes on familiar flavours redefine vineyard dining.
A PLACE TO RETURN
VIAJUR is not just a winery. It is a love letter to the past, a nod to the future, and an experience that lingers long after the last glass is poured. Come for the wine. Stay for the story. Return for the feeling. Visiting this extraordinary estate is made even more special by the journey itself—river cruising offers an intimate, immersive way to explore places that ocean liners simply cannot reach. From the gentle pace to the rich cultural stops along the way, voyages like those aboard The Mozart open doors to destinations steeped in history, where stories like VIAJUR’s come vividly to life.
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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