(Valtické vinobraní 2010)

The most famous wine harvest festivals take place in the South Moravian cities Mikulov and Znojmo. Mikulov’s historic centre and the natural amphitheatre under the Turold Cave will come to life from 10 to 12 September. If you visit the Pálava Vine Harvest, you will find an arts and crafts market hall at the chateau park and stalls with wine, delicious burčák and an array of culinary specialities. There will also be a traditional folklore programme, which in South Moravia is inherently connected with wine. As happens every year, the King of the Romans and King of Bohemia Wenceslaus IV, who was freed from a Viennese prison in 1403 by a troop of cuirassiers from Mikulov Castle, also will visit Mikulov. The Historical Vintage Festival in Znojmo once again commemorates the visit of a King of Bohemia, John of Luxembourg, in 1327.On 10–11 September, you can become part of the historical procession through the city featuring flambeaus and take in a jousting tournament, street theatre, fencing, and music and dance performances. Don’t forget to visit the old-time market. The rich cultural programme culminates with a fireworks display.

The Slovácko Wine and Monuments Festival is a unique event in East Moravia. During the weekend of 11 and 12 September in Uherské Hradiště, the spirit of folk traditions and culture will combine with the brightness of Slovácko costumes and music. In addition to wine-tasting, you also will see in this royal city a ceremonial procession in traditional costumes, folk dances as well as cultural programmes at historical tourist sites opened to the public. If you love rivers as much as wine, be sure to experience a cruise on a musician-filled boat along the Baťa Cannal. The Slovácko Festival is an impressive ethnic celebration for more than 60 municipalities and towns throughout the Slovácko region.

Bohemian wine festivals also have their own magic

Don’t miss a historic wine festival held in the presence of King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and his wife Elizabeth and featuring a procession of the King’s court at Karlštejn Castle. At the Karlštejn Wine Festival you can expect a tasting of the local wine, which Charles IV began cultivating in the 14th century. You will also be able to sample burčák and other culinary specialities. Marking its 14th year, the festival will be held during 25–26 September and offers a truly varied programme. For example, you can learn traditional dances and watch duels between swordsmen. Karlštejn is among the most popular Czech castles and is located 35 kilometres from Prague.

Mělník Grape Harvest will take place 17–19 September and will include four entertainment stages. Czech rock musicians will perform on the main stage at Náměstí Míru, while the second stage once again will feature the tunes of country music groups. Sword duels, period dances and magicians will provide the entertainment on the historical stage at Palacké náměstí. The Svatováclavská arts and crafts lane will host a market fair. The celebration culminates on Saturday evening when King Charles IV comes to town with his entourage in order to inspect the grape harvest and taste the Mělník wine. Celebratory fireworks will light up the city in tribute to this rare visit.

The celebration of the Roudnice Wine Harvest will take place on 18 September at Husovo náměstí and the Roudnice Chateau. Music stages, activities for kids and an exhibition of historic automobiles and motorcycles concluded by a leisurely drive will all be on the programme. If you like old-time diesel trains, take this opportunity to ride the Roudnice nad Labem–Budyně nad Ohří line. An old-time bus once again will take visitors to the nearby town of Polepy. During the wine festival, entry to all city monuments, including the Roudnice Chateau and wine cellar, will be free of charge. The celebrations will be crowned with a fireworks display.

Celebrate wine in the capital

Hundreds of good wines await you at the event entitled Prague Wine Festival. The tasting will take place during 17–19 September on Slovanský Island in Prague. Producers from Bohemia, Moravia and prominent European wine-producing countries (Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Hungary and France) will present their wines here. The festival will include performances by folklore troupes, a children’s programme and a competition for the best wine. If, however, you prefer a calmer environment and would rather sit in a vineyard with a glass of fine wine from, say, St. Claire’s Vineyard, then head to the Troja Wine Festival at the Prague Botanic Garden. Here, over the weekend of 11–12 September, several stalls will be offering you refreshments, including burčák. In addition to cimbalom music and Old Prague songs, the magician Magistr Kelly also will be performing.