Uncover the Rich History and Authentic Czech Wines in Mělník

The winemakers of Mělník gather in the lovely historical center of Mělník for an important event, where they share their wines and allow residents and visitors to taste what’s inside their wine cellars. The Mělník wine harvest event will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025. This is a great chance to sample last year’s wines and discover what this year’s offerings might be like. You can explore selections from local winemakers at their booths set up in Peace Square and at the Mělník Castle. This year, the main theme in the tasting area at the town hall courtyard will be Riesling, a refreshing variety known for its fruity flavors, perfect for a warm summer. Sommelier Kamil Kubů will once again provide insights and guidance on the wine selection. The vibrant local food scene will also make its presence felt along Svatováclavská Street, just as it does each year.
Music performances will be part of the festivities as well. Starting at 17:30, the band Minus123minut will take the stage at the fountain, followed by the band Vanua2 at 20:30. For the younger attendees, activities will be available from 15:00 at the park near the Church of St. Peter and Paul. As for pricing to enter the event? You can choose one of two options: for £150, you can get a vintage tasting glass and wristband; alternatively, you can pay 100 CZK for just the wristband if you bring your own glass from previous events. Both options act as your ticket to the event, which is necessary for winemakers to pour you tastings.

The Mělník Castle, originally named Pšov, has a rich history, having been home to 23 Czech queens and princesses. Legend says that Princess Ludmila often visited and raised her grandson Václav there. Ludmila is important in the local wine-making tradition as she established Mělník’s first vineyards. Initially made of wood, and later rebuilt in stone, the castle was likely transformed into a Gothic structure in the late 13th century by the last Přemyslids. Charles IV. recognized Mělník as a permanent royal dowry town and contributed to the growth of winemaking in Mělník by bringing in vines from Burgundy. In 1542, the castle was redesigned into a Renaissance chateau, adding a new northern wing complete with a tower and beautifully decorated arcades featuring sgraffiti.
During the Thirty Years’ War, the castle faced destruction and by 1646, it was mortgaged to the Count of Czernin, who later acquired it from Emperor Leopold I. The last heir of the Czernin family, Marie Ludmila, married August Anton Lobkowicz in 1753. The Mělník branch of the Lobkowicz family owned the castle until 1948, and it was returned to them again in 1992. Currently, the castle is under the ownership of Jiří Lobkowicz.Taking a tour of the castle’s interior offers sights such as the Great Hall, featuring a unique collection of maps from 17th century European cities (a collection only matched by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden), as well as a chapel dedicated to St. Ludmila, a lavishly decorated Great Dining Room of St. Wenceslas, and the original children’s room filled with toys and furniture from the late 19th century. Visiting Mělník Castle not only provides new insights into Czech history but also delights the senses with culinary experiences. The castle features a restaurant that boasts stunning views of the meeting point of the Elbe and Vltava rivers and the St. Ludmila vineyard, with a menu that highlights venison dishes and fresh fish sourced locally from Liběchov. Visitors can also enjoy the castle’s confectionery, decorated in authentic Louis XIV style, offering homemade desserts and outdoor seating in the charming courtyard during summer.

The castle cellars, dating back to the 14th century, are quite rare and extend across three levels, located 6, 9, and 12 meters below ground. Jiří Lobkowicz has restored the original wine production methods in the historical area of these cellars. Tasting sessions are popular among both individuals and groups, featuring a variety of samples. Among the most renowned wines from the castle is the Ludmila wine, available in its distinctive bottles known as “calamari,” alongside many other local wines that are certainly worth trying. There is also a broad selection of chateau wines and international wines available for sale at the chateau’s enoteca, which includes a summer terrace right above where the Elbe and Vltava rivers converge, making it a wonderful spot to relax with a glass of exquisite wine!