Meaning
Wine made from light grapes.
Cultural Background
In Moravia, white wine is often served in 'sklípky' (cellars). It's common to drink it while singing traditional folk songs. The hospitality is legendary. While Bohemia is beer-focused, Prague has a thriving wine bar scene where 'bílé víno' from around the world is celebrated alongside local varieties. Slovakia shares a very similar wine culture with the Czech Republic. The phrase is 'biele víno' in Slovak, nearly identical and used in the same social contexts. The 'Heuriger' culture in Austria is the direct cousin of the Moravian 'sklípek'. They share many white wine varieties like Grüner Veltliner (Veltlínské zelené).
Order by the 'deci'
In Czechia, wine is often ordered by deciliters. 'Dvě deci bílého' means 0.2L of white wine.
Watch the endings
Remember that 'víno' is neuter. Using 'bílý' (masculine) is a very common giveaway that you are a beginner.
Meaning
Wine made from light grapes.
Order by the 'deci'
In Czechia, wine is often ordered by deciliters. 'Dvě deci bílého' means 0.2L of white wine.
Watch the endings
Remember that 'víno' is neuter. Using 'bílý' (masculine) is a very common giveaway that you are a beginner.
The 'Na zdraví' rule
When drinking bílé víno with Czechs, always look them in the eye when clinking glasses.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'bílé víno' in the genitive case.
Chci sklenici ______ ______.
After 'sklenice' (a glass of), you must use the genitive case.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
'Víno' is neuter, so the adjective must be 'bílé'.
Match the Czech phrase with its English translation.
Match the pairs:
These are the most common variations you will use.
Complete the dialogue in a restaurant.
Číšník: Co si dáte? Vy: ______ ______ ______, prosím.
'Jedno' is the neuter form of 'one', matching 'víno'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Bílé Víno
Sweetness
- • Suché (Dry)
- • Polosuché (Semi-dry)
- • Sladké (Sweet)
Serving
- • Sklenice (Glass)
- • Karafa (Carafe)
- • Láhev (Bottle)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChci sklenici ______ ______.
After 'sklenice' (a glass of), you must use the genitive case.
Select the correct option:
'Víno' is neuter, so the adjective must be 'bílé'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the most common variations you will use.
Číšník: Co si dáte? Vy: ______ ______ ______, prosím.
'Jedno' is the neuter form of 'one', matching 'víno'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsMostly, yes. However, it can also be made from red grapes if the skins are removed immediately (this is called 'klaret').
Say 'Sklenici bílého vína, prosím.'
Veltlínské zelené and Ryzlink vlašský are among the most common and beloved.
Yes, in a restaurant or bar, saying 'jedno bílé' is very natural and common.
This is the genitive case, used after quantities like 'sklenice' (glass) or 'láhev' (bottle).
It varies. House wine is cheap, but high-quality 'přívlastkové' wines can be quite pricey.
Generally no, it's considered a bit of a faux pas. It should be chilled in the fridge instead.
It is a mix of white wine and sparkling water, very popular in summer.
In moderation, many Czechs believe it aids digestion, especially after a heavy meal.
Say 'suché bílé víno'.
Related Phrases
červené víno
contrastred wine
růžové víno
similarrosé wine
vinný střik
specialized formwine spritzer
suché víno
specialized formdry wine
