Vino Zlomek & Vavra: Nurturing Wine Heritage in the Czech Republic

Set in the Czech town of Borsice, Vino Zlomek & Vavra is managed by two families—the Zlomek brothers, Libor and Radek, and the Vavra brothers, Tomáš and Petr. Their families, originally bonded by the friendship of their musician fathers, Josef and Bohuslav, eventually reunited after years apart to follow in their fathers’ footsteps as viticulturists, prompting their return to Borsice.

The region, spanning 117 municipalities, boasts diverse natural conditions that yield a rich varietal composition. The local white wines, for instance, offer an intriguing palette of aromas and spiciness, enhanced by the minerals in the fertile soils, while the slow maturation process of Moravian wines preserves a unique and distinctive character.

Breaking away from generations of traditional Moravian winemaking, the family decided to diversify with Perlito—a fizzy, fruit-infused beverage gaining popularity for its lower alcohol content (often referred to as NOLO or No & Lo Alcohol). To streamline operations, reduce costs, and ensure consistent quality, the winery turned to Petainer’s 30L Hybrid Kegs. This marked their first experience with kegging and delivered significant time savings, expert technical support, and notable sustainability benefits.

The Challenge: Mixing Tradition, Innovation & Sustainability

Before adopting kegging solutions, Vino Zlomek & Vavra faced several hurdles that hampered production and growth. Up until this point, everything had been bottled by hand—a labor-intensive process that was less than ideal for expanding production. They needed a method that could protect the delicate carbonation of Perlito while preserving the fresh flavors of their fruit wines, all without disrupting traditional processes. Their key challenges were:

• Introducing a New Product Category: Perlito—a lightly fizzy blend of wine and fruit juices—demanded a packaging method that could protect its carbonation and maintain its fresh taste.
• Limited Packaging Options: Traditional glass bottles were cumbersome for on-tap service, especially at events or venues that require quick, efficient dispensing.
• First-Time Kegging: Having never kegged their beverages before, the winery needed comprehensive, hands-on guidance to ensure a smooth transition from manual bottling to an automated or semi-automated kegging process.
• Sustainability and Cost Concerns: Repeated bottling not only increased labor and transport weight but also added to the carbon footprint. The winery sought a lightweight, recyclable alternative to lower overall costs and reduce emissions.

The Solution: Petainer’s 30L Hybrid Keg

To address these challenges, Vino Zlomek & Vavra selected Petainer’s 30L Hybrid Keg—a packaging solution that seamlessly integrates with their existing operations. By choosing a product manufactured locally in the Czech Republic, the winery minimised shipping times and costs while ensuring that the transition into kegging was as smooth as possible.

Petainer’s technical team provided step-by-step support, covering everything from sanitization to managing the CO₂ levels essential for Perlito’s refreshing fizz. This comprehensive solution allowed both traditional wines and the innovative Perlito to transition effectively from bottle to keg. Key benefits of the solution include:

• No Costly Return Loop: The one-way design means the kegs are shipped directly to the customer and then recycled, eliminating the expense and hassle of returns.
• Seamless Integration: Compatible with existing tap systems, the kegs require no expensive new infrastructure.
• Flexible Ordering: Small minimum orders allowed the winery to test the market before scaling up.
• Operational Efficiency: With simplified handling and maintenance, the kegs reduce both labor and logistics costs.

Results: Operational Efficiency, Cost Savings & Market Expansion

Adopting Petainer’s one-way kegs has yielded significant benefits for Vino Zlomek & Vavra. The switch to a more modern packaging system has improved various facets of their operations:

• Reduced Labor & Faster Turnaround: No more repetitive bottling tasks—kegging accelerated production and freed staff to focus on crafting new Perlito flavors.
• Lighter Transport & Lower Emissions: Hybrid Kegs weigh a fraction of the equivalent number of glass bottles. This saves on freight costs and shrinks the winery’s carbon footprint.
• Increased Appeal for On-Tap Service: Restaurants and event venues now enjoy swift, fuss-free pours—ideal for Perlito’s bubbly texture. The “one-way” design eliminates the hassle of returns or cleaning cycles.
• Pathway to Further Automation: Buoyed by initial success, Vino Zlomek & Vavra is planning to install a fully automated Hybrid keg filler—again with Petainer’s support—solidifying kegs as a core part of their packaging strategy.

The Petainer team is always available to assist us every step of the way so that we can benefit from the product in the best way possible

Vino Zlomek & Vavra

Conclusion: A Future of Sustainable, Modern Wine Service

By partnering with Petainer, Vino Zlomek & Vavra has demonstrated that even a family-run winery with deep traditional roots can embrace modern technology to drive growth. The successful transition from traditional glass bottling to using 30L Hybrid PET kegs not only supports sustainability and cost savings but also opens new opportunities for on-tap service and market expansion. Their experience highlights the versatility and eco-conscious design of Petainer’s solution—proving that innovative thinking and heritage can indeed go hand in hand.