Agritourism “U Dvou Zvirat” is a family-operated farm in Satov, the Czech Republic, that transitioned into agritourism services in 2017. Established in 2012, the farm, situated near the Austrian border, offers a unique experience with its cellar complex, Painted Cellar, and the Garden fortress. The management, a family, decided to venture into agritourism to share the wine industry’s authentic labor experience and create a supportive community of guests.
Farm
The farm was established in 2012 and started agrotourism providing in 2017
Jihomoravsky county, Znojmo, Sklepni Street, 671 22, Satov, the Czech Republic
The farm is situated in Sklepní Street within the charming village of Satov, positioned approximately 6 km south of the district town of Znojmo. Nestled on the border with Austria, the area boasts a cellar complex with a combined length of around 130 meters, originating from the pre-First World War era. Satov itself offers additional attractions, including the distinctive Painted Cellar and the meticulously reconstructed Garden fortress from the 1930s, equipped with replicated original armaments and open for exploration. Beyond the village, visitors can embark on excursions to the historic town of Znojmo, founded in prehistoric times and granted Royal Town status in 1226. The Podyji National Park, home to Sobes, Znojmo’s oldest and most renowned vineyard, invites exploration of the picturesque landscape.
The management of the farm operates as family based.
The decision to develop agritourism services on the farm is rooted in the desire to offer the public an authentic glimpse into the labor involved in the wine industry. Additionally, the farm aims to foster a community of guests who, over time, can provide assistance to the couple in their later years, creating a supportive network through shared experiences and collaborations in agricultural activities.
Farm is providing facilities and engaging recreational, sporting, and cultural activities, the focus is on providing a holistic and comfortable stay. Additionally, for those with a penchant for the finer things, the establishment also caters to enthusiasts seeking accommodation coupled with the delightful experience of wine tasting.
The farm’s foray into agritourism services has been characterized by a predominantly positive evaluation. Despite encountering challenges inherent in the industry, the collective experience has been one of growth and adaptability. The farmers acknowledge that the dynamism of agritourism adds an element of challenge to their operations, but they view it as an integral and rewarding aspect of their business.
Regarding the advantages of multifunctionality, they emphasized the benefit of having guests who arrive with a keen interest in working and learning about their activities during their stay. This not only proves helpful at the moment but also serves as a source of motivation. On the flip side, dealing with individuals unfamiliar with the work poses a psychological challenge, as redirecting such guests appropriately becomes crucial to prevent any potential injuries or financial losses.
In the process of establishing services related to agritourism, they encountered a significant obstacle during the accreditation for a winemaking course—bureaucracy emerged as the foremost challenge. The intricate administrative procedures posed hurdles that needed to be navigated to ensure the successful implementation of the course in the realm of agritourism.
In the coming months, their focus lies on the development and launch of an accredited course. The primary goal is to successfully open and maintain the course, ensuring its quality and relevance.
The couple has not engaged in any form of educational services. They have not sought mentoring or subsidies to support their endeavors.
The services related to tourism offered by them include social farming experiences, opportunities for tasting local products, and engaging activities aimed at promoting local productions and fostering short supply chains. These offerings highlight their commitment to providing unique and immersive experiences for tourists.
If a farmer expresses interest in establishing agritourism, it is advisable for them to initially focus on preparing the necessary paperwork and carefully consider the conceptual framework for the agritourism venture. This meticulous preparation will lay a solid foundation for the project and help navigate potential challenges with bureaucracy.
Reflecting on the entrepreneurial journey within the realm of service differentiation in agriculture, there is a resolute stance that nothing would be altered in the current project. The existing strategy and structure seem optimal, indicating contentment with the current state of affairs.
Drawing from experience, a prospective agricultural entrepreneur venturing into agritourism should possess a blend of persistence and patience, especially when confronted with bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, a strategic focus on marketing is crucial; even with top-notch services, visibility is paramount to attract potential guests and ensure the success of the agritourism enterprise.
The Farms’ Charm project aims to develop learning materials to educate small and medium-sized farmers in possible ways of starting their agritourism activities which will help them not only diversify their incomes but also promote their farm products directly to consumers. All that while reviving the rural areas and local communities and promoting a sustainable way of tourism which is in line with the tendencies of slowing down and staying longer at one area.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. The content of this website reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
