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THE HIGHEST VINEYARD IN CZECHIA
Our wines are produced from the highest registered vineyard in Czechia, where nature and human craftsmanship come together. We cultivate unique grape varieties such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Solaris, and Pinot Noir, all grown on resilient lydite rock at an elevation of 540 meters above sea level. The challenging conditions in this environment infuse our wines with an extraordinary character that sets them apart.
DISCOVER THE HEIGHTS OF FLAVOUR
The Vineyard of Zbiroh Castle
The tradition of our vineyard dates back to the 16th century when Zbiroh Castle was owned by Emperor Rudolf II, a passionate admirer of art, nature, and wine. He established the vineyard in this strategically chosen location, allowing him to enjoy sweeping views of his vast estate. The wine produced at Zbiroh was so exceptional that Rudolf had it delivered to his court in Prague, and legend has it that he described it as “wine kissed by the sun and scented with the forests of Křivoklát.”
Unfortunately, the vineyard was later destroyed during the military presence at the castle, and in its place stood a massive Tamara radar system used by Warsaw Pact forces to track the movements of American "invisible" aircraft. Before restoring the vineyard, we had to remove 76 concrete foundations from the hillside.
Although the winemaking tradition was interrupted, we respectfully revived it in 2011, continuing the unique legacy of this place. Today, we honor the work of our ancestors by producing wines with a distinctive character—wines that would surely have pleased the emperor himself.
"′′Wine kissed by sunlight and infused with the scent of the Křivoklát forest air"
LYDITE BEDROCK
Our vineyard is situated on a foundation of siliceous lydite rock, a remarkable geological feature. This hard, mineral-rich crystalline stone imparts a unique structure and complexity to our wines. The roots of the vines must navigate through the dense rock in search of water and nutrients, extracting only what is essential from deep within. The result is a wine characterised by pronounced minerality, expressing intensity, length, and richness on the palate.
Due to the challenging conditions and restricted production, our wines are a true rarity. The vineyard hosts around 2,000 vines, yielding just 300 bottles of white wine and 200 bottles of red wine each year. Each bottle reflects the meticulous care and precision invested in its creation, showcasing the distinctive character of our vineyard.
CULTIVATED WITH RESPECT FOR TRADITION
We adhere to traditional cultivation methods by training our vines “en gobelet” or head-trained, allowing them to grow naturally without lateral tying. This labour-intensive technique enables the vines to breathe freely and fully express the characteristics of the siliceous bedrock below. The resulting wine is fresh, full-bodied, and rich in character.
At the castle, we cultivate four grape varieties: Riesling (55%), Gewürztraminer and Solaris (all white), and Pinot Noir (40%) for red wine. Each variety contributes its unique personality, enhancing the overall flavour of our wines.
Our grapes are hand-harvested to ensure the careful selection of only the ripest clusters. This traditional approach guarantees premium quality while preserving the distinct character of each grape. Every bunch is meticulously picked and inspected, ensuring that only the finest fruit makes it to the press.
Thanks to our unique terroir and the dedicated efforts of our
winemakers, we produce wines that are truly unforgettable.
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GENTLE VINIFICATION
After harvest, we handle the grapes with the utmost care to preserve their unique character. For most of our white wines, we use stainless steel tanks, which help retain a fresh, fruity profile. For our red wines, we use larger oak barrels that contribute complexity, depth, and fine tannins that beautifully complement the fruit notes.
Immerse yourself in the aroma and flavour of this rare wine—once admired by Emperor Rudolf II. You can purchase it directly at the castle’s visitor centre, enjoy it at the Tavern, or order it from the comfort of your home through our e-shop.
DISCOVER OUR WINES – BOOK A PRIVATE TASTING!
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We host exclusive tastings with expert commentary, where you’ll learn all about viticulture at Zbiroh Castle and the unique character of our wines. Reserve your place today!
