For the weekend: Czech wine festival at a castle
The Karlstjen Castle, about 20 miles southwest of Prague, is the backdrop for a historical wine festival Saturday and Sunday.
The castle, completed in 1365, is a Gothic masterpiece built for Roman Emperor and Bohemian King Charles IV to house the royal treasures. The “emperor” and his entourage will be among the guests at the Middle Ages-themed fest.
In addition to wine tasting, enjoy magicians, dance and music ensembles, jousting, culinary specialties and period handicrafts. Children can take part in painting, crafts and other hands-on activities.
The wine served is produced from grapes grown in vineyards established by none other than Charles IV himself.
Saturday and Sunday, the emperor makes a proclamation about the year’s wine at the vineyard at 1:30 p.m. followed by an appearance in the castle courtyard at 2:30 p.m.
The closing ceremony at 5 p.m. Sunday involves many of the costumed performers seen during the two-day fest.
Adult admission cost 200 Czech Kroner (about $10) on Saturday and 100 Czech Kroner on Sunday. Children younger than 15 and visitors wearing historical costumes enter for free.
