St. Martin Rides Again on a White Horse to Český Krumlov

Every autumn, Český Krumlov transforms into a vibrant wine town. The Český Krumlov Wine Festival 2025 officially began on October 3rd and will run until November 29, 2025, featuring over thirty unique events. You can expect eight weeks filled with wine culture, numerous wine tasting experiences, and special weekends dubbed Krumlov on Wine 2025, which offer discounted hotel stays.

A highlight of the festival is the arrival of St. Martin in the city. He will make his entrance on a beautiful white horse on Saturday, November 11th at 11 a.m. at Svornost Square. Attendees will have the chance to taste the first wine of 2025 starting at 11 hours and 11 minutes.

Beef, wine or both?

From November 11 to 16, 2025, visitors to Český Krumlov will have a special chance to enjoy traditional St. Martin’s Day meals at a variety of local restaurants. You can savor St. Martin’s goose in different styles, along with dishes like cabbage, dumplings, lokše, and a selection of cakes at all partner restaurants. But why do we eat goose on November 11? This custom comes from a story about the brave soldier St. Martin who shared his cloak with a shivering beggar. Over time, people admired him so much they wanted to make him a bishop. St. Martin, not wanting this attention, hid among a flock of geese, but they revealed his hiding place by making noise, and as a result, they have been roasted ever since.

Chateau Wine Festival

The festival reaches its peak on November 22, 2025 with the Chateau Wine Festival, held in a heated tent in the Castle Riding Hall. Wineries from both the Czech Republic and abroad will showcase their wines, along with the participation of winemakers, cellar masters, and sommeliers. Whether you’re a longtime wine enthusiast or just starting your journey with wine, you won’t want to miss the chance to explore the world of wine. During the festival, you can also buy wines at special discounted prices, and attendees can enjoy a wide range of hot and cold food options. Musical performances by the Český Krumlov band Guys in themselves will entertain guests starting at 8 p.m.

Romantic Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov has much more to offer than just its wine festival. It’s a romantic town, with the castle and chateau being its most prominent feature, which has led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Be sure to visit the Castle Museum, which stays open during the winter, as well as the Museum of Building History and Crafts on Dlouhá Street, which is a delight for anyone who loves architecture. Kids will especially enjoy the beararium at the castle, where the family has been keeping large bears since the days of the last Rožmberks.