Gurdau Winery by Aleš Fiala

Founded in 2012, Gurdau Winery emerged from a greenfield site in Kurdějov, Czech Republic, with its first vineyards planted the same year on the gentle slopes above the village. Just a few years later, in 2016, the idea of constructing a winery house was born—an idea that would evolve into a contemporary and context-sensitive architectural statement by Aleš Fiala.

A Winery Rooted in the Landscape

Rather than situating the winery within the village, the decision was made to place it at the heart of the vineyard, offering the most efficient and logical solution in terms of logistics and operations. However, building in open countryside—a relatively new concept in the region—demanded a thoughtful approach to how the structure would interact with its natural setting.

The resulting form takes inspiration directly from the terrain: a gentle, sweeping curve nestled within the landscape, subtly mimicking the waves of the surrounding hills. Rather than dominating the land, the building becomes a part of it. The design prioritizes minimal visual impact and maximum environmental integration, achieved through careful placement and a green roof that blends with the vineyards and terrain.

Over 150 trees and shrubs were planted to surround the structure, enhancing its connection with the landscape and supporting long-term ecological enrichment. In some areas, this greenery grows through strategic openings in the roof, adding a poetic quality that will evolve and strengthen with time.

Structure, Materials, and Spatial Logic

The winery is organized across two levels. The underground floor houses the production and storage functions—wine making, barrel aging, and archiving—ensuring ideal thermal conditions and a discreet operational footprint. The ground floor, in contrast, is devoted to public-facing activities: wine tastings, retail, and social events. Two guest apartments also allow for overnight stays, further enhancing the winery’s offering for visitors and wine enthusiasts.

Materials were chosen with durability and tactility in mind, as well as a commitment to craftsmanship. Exposed concrete, glass, and metal form the structural and visual foundation, while oak and acacia wood introduce natural warmth and refinement. Every detail, from the finish of the joinery to the rhythm of the fenestration, is carefully considered and executed to a high standard.

A Space for Contemplation and Connection

More than a place to make and sell wine, the Gurdau Winery is envisioned as a welcoming destination—somewhere guests can slow down, enjoy the architecture, and connect with the landscape. The terraces open to sweeping views across Kurdějov, offering a perfect backdrop for quiet reflection, conversations, and, of course, wine tasting.

The architecture encourages a gentle rhythm of movement—walking through the production areas, lingering in the tasting room, stepping out onto the terraces. This experiential quality is central to the design ethos, with the building offering not just function but a sense of atmosphere and emotional resonance.

A New Chapter for Czech Wine Tourism

Completed between 2020 and 2022, Gurdau Winery represents more than just a new architectural landmark—it is a symbol of the Czech Republic’s growing wine culture and its ambition to create thoughtful, world-class wine destinations. The design does not impose; instead, it invites. It reflects a contemporary approach to rural architecture that honors tradition, sustainability, and the experience of place.

Aleš Fiala’s design for Gurdau Winery is a compelling example of architecture in harmony with nature—one that elevates the everyday act of tasting wine into a sensory and spatial journey.

Photographs: BoysPlayNice