Wine and harvest festival season kicks off in Prague this weekend

Burčák season came late this year—the first burčák of 2019 appeared in mid-August in Moravia; it takes a week or so for the beverage to reach Prague.

If you haven’t yet indulged in a glass or two of this potent young wine, sold at wine shops by the plastic liter bottle, a number of vinobraní, the Czech word for the wine festivals taking place this time of year, get underway in Prague and the Czech Republic this month.

Many of these festivals also incorporate elements of a traditional harvest celebration with accompanying musical programs and entertainment, making them a great way to soak up the last rays of summer and savor the flavors of the coming autumn.

Harvest Festival at Letná
September 7
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Dożynki is a Slavic harvest festival; this annual event offers tastings of Czech and Moravian wines, demonstrations of historical agricultural technology and tours of the National Agricultural and National Technical Museum free of charge. 

Toulcův dvůr Harvest Festival 
September 7
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A folksy, farmstead harvest festival which offers traditional dance lessons, grain threshing, and other downhome activities. This year’s outing celebrates the 25th anniversary of the organization.

Vinohrady Wine Festival
Sept 13-14
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This two-day festival for the whole family has a long tradition in Prague 3. Taste and buy quality white, red and rose wines including half-fermented wine. There is also an accompanying program to please adults (live music) and children (theater, face painting) alike.

Grape Harvest in the Botanical Garden
Sept 14-15
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Leading winemakers will offer the best of their wine cellars, including young wine as well as half-fermented wine from hand-picked grapes from the local St. Klára Vineyard. Combined with unique city views this harvest celebration is one of the most visited events of its kind in Prague.

Apple Fest in Ctěnice
Sept 14
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The chateau garden will be open for sampling different varieties of apples and apple delicacies including freshly pressed cider on a replica historic cider press. A confectionery craft workshop promises an interesting accompanying program for children and adults.  

Troja Wine Festival
Sept 14
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In the beautiful surroundings of Troja Castle, discover live music, good food, and a selection of wines from Bohemia and Moravia. This year visitors will receive a Troja wine glass.

Wine Festival at Prague Castle
Sept 14-15
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Taking place in the Royal Garden of Prague Castle visitors can look forward to fresh cider just pressed on a replica of a historical hand press, a true Moravian half-fermented wine, wine tasting and a tasting of Czech delicacies plus an all-day cultural program of folk ensembles.

Wine Festival at Grébovka
September 20-21
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Náměstí Míru and Havlíčkovy sady provide the backdrop for this popular annual wine celebration overflowing with food and wine as well as top-notch entertainment, this year from Czech band Support Lesbiens.

St. Wenceslas Wine Festival
Sept 28
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St. Wenceslas Vineyard and Villa Richter will host this 12th annual festival where guests can sample Czech and Moravian wines, half-fermented wine, music, and plenty of food.

Vínečko Fest – Wine Festival Náplavka
Sept 28
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Taste half-fermented wine from the grapes of domestic vintners, mostly small family winemakers not only from South Moravia but also from old and new world regions along the riverbanks. Enjoy live music and gourmet food tasting as well.

Žluté lázně Gourmet Wine Festival
Sept 28
Prague’s favorite “beach” will host a wine festival at the end of September focusing not only on wines, but also vegetarian specialties, cheeses, and more.
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Further afoot

Znojmo historical grape harvest 
September 13-15
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Every year the harvest attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Znojmo, who come not only for the wine and half-fermented burčák but also for the medieval cultural program, which includes the procession of King John of Luxembourg with wife and courtiers. 

Wine Festival at Kunratice
Sept 20-22
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Kunratická Tvrz is the perfect day-trip destination and a historic setting for enjoying Czech and foreign wines directly from winemakers, half-fermented wine, and gastronomic delicacies along with dulcimer music and a kid’s corner.

Mělnické Vinobraní 2019
September 20
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Traditional wine festival in Mělník. Three days of great fun for all generations. Four stages, quality Mělník burčák, historical fair, and attractions for children.