Springtime in Prague – and 11 new Red Stars from Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

By Rachel Fellows

Published 05-March-2026

Interview / Prague

Prague Ambassador Gabriel Riel-Salvatore has added 11 new Red Stars to our wine guide to the Czech capital, where a “new generation of sommeliers is venturing beyond the traditional beaten path.”

Wine writer, editor and judge Gabriel Riel-Salvatore has reported for Star Wine List from his adopted home of Prague since late 2025, identifying the restaurants and wine bars that wine lovers should visit across the city. And the hospitality industry has responded eagerly to its Red Star recommendations.

“Czech restaurants and bars appreciate the exposure,” says Gabriel, “and many are eager to be included in Star Wine List. Prague is a highly touristic city with a wide range of gastronomic offerings, so international guides are always welcome in helping attract discerning patrons. Moreover, it’s a welcome accolade that underlines the quality of their work.”

Originally from Montreal, Gabriel moved to Prague in 2016 and currently lives in Prague 5. Though it’s Prague 1 and 2 that he suggests heading towards for the best wine spots, where “many wine bars offer discounted prices on takeaway bottles. There are also several specialist wine shops, such as Merlot d’Or and VinoVinoVino. I always enjoy having a glass of wine on the terrace at Advivum, located in the interior garden of Slovanský dům.”

In his second dispatch for Star Wine List, Gabriel has added 11 new Red Stars to our guide. He is particularly excited about Dany’s Wine Bar “for an unpretentious evening sipping natural wine and mingling with the locals. Kuchyň is well worth seeking out, not only for its new wine list, but also for its beautiful setting and terrace near Prague Castle. For a more classic dining experience with an incredible wine list, Grand Cru is always a safe bet. For the best fizz in town, L’Fleur is truly the place to go. Finally, Monarch takes steak and wine pairing to another level.”

We asked him how Prague’s wine scene is looking.

What’s the best thing about living in Prague?

“I love Prague because it’s a human-sized city – not too big, not too small. There is always something happening, and it’s culturally rich. The food scene is also very lively, which is clearly a plus for me.”

How has the city’s wine scene (or its guests’ tastes) evolved in the last year or so?

“A new generation of sommeliers is venturing beyond the traditional beaten path. Czechs tend to be conservative, so it’s refreshing to see sommeliers making bolder selections and introducing the local scene to smaller, niche producers. This is just as important as knowing your classics.”

What’s the main thing you’re looking for in a Red Star venue?

“The quality of the wines is always my priority, but I also value the overall experience of a venue. A shorter, carefully curated wine list can go a long way, while the quality of the service and ambience also contribute greatly to the overall experience. For me, it’s mainly about spending a good time enjoying interesting wines.”

How did you go about picking your second batch of Red Stars?

“The local wine scene is very active, with a wide range of places to choose from. The quality of the wine list is certainly important, but it’s also a question of identity and balance. I like to choose places that offer not just labels, but a genuine experience. I try to select venues that will appeal to various types of wine drinkers – from discerning connoisseurs willing to spend on a premium bottle alongside top-class gastronomy, to curious and adventurous wine lovers looking to discover smaller producers over a quick bite to eat.”

Is there one section of a wine list that you always go to first, or that you’re particularly interested in?

“I always pay close attention to the local wines, as this offers insight into the sommelier’s work and their connections with the local wine scene. Diversity is also important to me, but a carefully considered selection of local wines is key. It allows you to compare the work of local winemakers with that of producers from around the world.”

Do you have any pet hates when it comes to wine lists or wine service?

“I enjoy talking to sommeliers and often like to be surprised by their recommendations. However, I dislike arrogance or pretension. I believe wine should be accessible to everyone. It’s important to adapt to your guests – guiding them so they can enjoy a better experience without making them feel less knowledgeable than you.”

What should visitors to Prague in March or April be sure to do, see or explore?

“Springtime in Prague can be lovely. As well as the classic tourist spots, there are plenty of green spaces to explore. Urban parks such as Grébovka (which has its own vineyard) and Riegrovy Sady in Vinohrady are great places for a walk. You can even drink alcohol in public, so why not bring along some wine for a picnic?”

“What are you up to at the moment – any exciting projects or plans?**

“I have just returned from Anteprima Toscana in Florence, where I tasted the latest releases from all the region’s main appellations, from Chianti Classico to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. I am really looking forward to attending VieVinum in Vienna next May. Austrian wines are very popular in the Czech Republic, so it will be a great opportunity to taste some of the top producers and hopefully meet Czech sommeliers looking for the latest trends from south of the border.”

Explore Prague’s Red Star map.