Polabské trails for wine and knowledge
Due to the location of the Litoměřice and Mělník wine sub-region, the Polabská Trail was created to connect the possibilities of tourism attractions.
Polabské trails for wine and knowledge connects two wine sub-regions of Bohemia
It is a link between the Litoměřice wine sub-region and the Mělník wine sub-region and their most important tourist destinations and wine-growing localities. The route starts in Roudnice nad Labem and continues through Kyškovice, Hoštka, Štětí and Liběchov to Mělník. There are several information boards along the route, which provide visitors with information about attractive tourist destinations near the route. While travelling along this trail, it is possible to visit several wineries and taste wines from both wine sub-regions of Bohemia.
Stops
Wineries in Melnik
The cultivation of grapevines has a tradition in Mělník that has lasted for several centuries.
Its origins date back to the time of St. Ludmilla in the 9th century, a significant rise occurred during the reign of Charles IV, who had Burgundy vines brought to Mělník from France. In 1358 he issued a sophisticated set of laws to encourage the establishment of vineyards in Bohemia and the production of local wine.
The vineyards in Mělník lie mostly on a calcareous subsoil of limestone layers, which is sometimes overlain by loamy sandy alluvium. The soils are lighter, warm and provide excellent conditions for growing blue varieties. This was well recognised by local winegrowers in the Middle Ages, who concentrated mainly on growing Pinot Noir (Pinot Noir). It was not until the 19th century that Riesling and the blue varieties Modrý Portugal and Svatovavřinecké appeared in the local vineyards. Today, white varieties predominate. The vineyards used to surround the whole town of Mělník. Fragments of the vineyard walls in the centre of the town are still a reminder of this. The extensive cellars in the centre of the town are also evidence of the wine-growing history; the former vineyards led to the naming of several streets in Mělník.