The task was clear. Capture the wine year in 15 wineries in the Little Carpathian region. That sounds relatively simple. I usually photograph winemakers. This time we also shot documentary videos, thanks to which viewers learn something about the craft. And because we had activities divided between different wineries, it didn't happen to us that everything looked the same. In addition, each winery has its own manuscript.
We documented this unique project for Slovakia for the Bratislava region and the local tourist organization. We took pictures all year round and even the pandemic did not stop us. Sometimes the Slovak government threw sticks at our feet, when it changed the conditions of entry in various ways, but we Czechs will always find a way.
On the way, over hills and mountains. Winding roads through Pezinská Baba. For the last few weeks, I've been driving the same route at half speed, because there are so many wildlife on the road. The current situation with overpopulated game is pain mainly for winemakers. It destroys the crop every year. It is said to be mainly due to the politics around hunting associations, which are plagued by corruption and laziness. Therefore, in Slovakia you will see vineyards mostly fenced with electric wire.
Beyond mountains, streams and borders. Only in Slovakia. There is the landscape of the Little Carpathians. A place where with vineyards, as far as the eye can see. Viticulture has a long history here, which was cut off by communism. Literally stone by stone, young winemakers are rebuilding what the communist killed. And they win. We photographed the documentary mainly in Modra and Svatý Jůr.
In the document you will find, for example, Marek Rariga and his great rieslings, Fedor Malík with the production of sparkling wines, or Michal Pavelka, who will show that vineyards can also be sprayed naturally. More information and great tips on what to do in the Little Carpathians can be found at https://malekarpaty.travel/sk/
Once a month you will explore original stories, look behind the scenes and probably learn something new.
© 2024 Marek Dvorak / Photography