Zámek Mělník (Château Mělník)

Winemaking at Mělník stretches back to the 9th and 10th centuries, with legend crediting Princess Ludmila with planting the first vineyards. The estate's trajectory changed decisively in the 14th century when Charles IV imported Burgundy vines, including Pinot Noir, establishing a French grape presence that endures today. The Lobkowicz family connection began in 1753 when Countess Marie Ludmila Černínová married Augustus Antonín Josef, Prince of Lobkowicz. Communist authorities confiscated the property in 1948, but the Lobkowicz family recovered it in 1992 and immediately opened the estate for public wine tastings and cellar tours. Reconstruction of the St. Joseph cellar was completed in 2009, when production recommenced in that historic space.

• Princess Ludmila credited with planting first vineyards in the 10th century
• Charles IV imported Burgundy vines (Pinot Noir) in the 14th century
• Property confiscated by Communist government in 1948, returned to Lobkowicz family in 1992
• St. Ludmila vineyard, planted by Jiří Kristián (1835-1908) with Burgundy vines, covers 1.8 hectares

Zámek Mělník sits at 200-300 meters above sea level within the Mělník Sub-region of Bohemia's wine region. The site benefits from a cool continental climate with warm summers and extended fall seasons that allow gradual grape ripening, a critical advantage at this northern latitude. Breezes from the Elbe and Vltava rivers moderate temperatures and reduce disease pressure. Soils are calcareous sandstone with alluvial sandy topsoil, characterized by light consistency and strong heat-reflecting properties over a limestone subsoil. This combination promotes aromatic development in white varieties and structural refinement in reds.

• Cool continental climate with warm summers and long autumns enabling gradual ripening
• River breezes from the Elbe and Vltava influence mesoclimate throughout the growing season
• Calcareous sandstone topsoil over limestone subsoil reflects heat and promotes aromatics
• Elevation ranges from 200 to 300 meters above sea level

The estate grows ten grape varieties across its six vineyards, reflecting both its Burgundian heritage and Central European traditions. Pinot Noir is the flagship red, with direct lineage to vines Charles IV imported from Burgundy. White varieties include Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Traminer. St. Laurent and Blauer Portugieser round out the red portfolio. The winery produces aromatic white wines, elegant red wines, and sparkling wines made by the classic method, a tradition established at the estate as far back as 1896.

• Pinot Noir is the historic cornerstone red variety, imported from Burgundy by Charles IV
• Aromatic whites include Riesling, Traminer, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc
• Classic-method sparkling wine production dates to 1896
• VOC Mělník certified-origin designation applies to Rhine Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, and Pinot Noir

The historic cellars beneath Zámek Mělník date to the 11th and 14th centuries and cover 1,500 square meters. Temperature is naturally maintained between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius throughout the year, providing ideal conditions for aging. Annual production runs between 30,000 and 40,000 bottles from 23.43 hectares under vine across six estate vineyards within and around Mělník. The estate operates under two producer names: Zámek Mělník (Chateau Mělník) and Bettina Lobkowicz Winery Mělník. The winery has been open to the public for tastings and cellar tours since 1992.

• Cellars cover 1,500 m² and date to the 11th-14th centuries
• Cellar temperature maintained at 8-12°C year-round
• Annual production: 30,000-40,000 bottles from 23.43 hectares
• Public tastings and cellar tours have been offered since 1992