Susan: What was your first impression visting our hotel?
Klára: I just thought ‘wow’ because the view from the roof terrace up here is amazing. And there probably aren't many places in Prague with such a fantastic view!
Susan: That's right. You created the wine card for The Cloud One Hotel, how did you start? What inspires you when you start curating the wine?
Klára: The most important thing is the customer's wish. The goal for you was to showcase Czech wines and I'm quite proud that so many wines are now on offer, which is rather unusual I would say. It was a challenge to select the best wines, but in the end the collection turned out very well and everything from the north to the south of our country is on the list, so that the menu represents the diversity of Czech wines perfectly.
Susan: I've already tasted a few of the wines and I have to say they're pretty good. Are you originally from Prague?
Klára: No, I am from the north-east. Actually you can find some vineyards down there but it’s more connected to beer than wine, which is why I had a kind of longer way to the wine business.
Susan: But for sure you can give us some inside knowledge…
Klára: When I was preparing the wine list, I was thinking about people who come here and perhaps don't have that much time to travel to South Moravia, where 95% of the vineyards are located. But there are vineyards in Prague too, even near the Prague Zoo! But that's not the only thing, there are other historic villages and wine towns that can be reached in about an hour's drive from Prague that are well worth a visit.
Susan: I’m surprised that you can find vineyards in Prague itself.
Klára: There are actually 18 of them, but most of them are not that big. However, you can find really good wines at five of them!
Susan: Interesting, since generally Prague is more associated with beer than with good wine. Since you mentioned it: If you come here as a tourist and don't have much time on site, what would you recommend doing?
Klára: The great thing about the city is that many things are within walking distance. So don't just walk along the main streets, because there are so many beautiful squares and impressive architecture away from the main roads. And we were lucky that the city wasn't destroyed during the war. Therefore don't forget to look up - not only down. And for those who have a little more time: Check out smaller pubs in Prague's neighbourhoods and feel the atmosphere of Prague.
Susan: Which wine should you definitely try? Do you have a favourite or preferred wine?
Klára: This is one of the most difficult questions for a sommelier, to choose just one wine! But the Prague wine we have on the list is a Riesling from a really beautiful region and it's probably my favourite grape variety.
Susan: How did you decide to become a sommelier? It sounds very difficult for me - I like wine - but tasting it and having this special feeling for wine is certainly not easy.
Klára: I studied the theory of culture and then I suddenly ended up with wines because they are really a cultural staple. So I finished my final paper on wine and then ended up working as a sommelier in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Susan: Thank you very much for your time AND your wine - cheers!