📍 Bohemia

Bohemia (Čechy) is the northern and small wine area of Czechia, around the Elbe and Vltava rivers. It is part of Czech winemaking. It has two subregions: Mělník and Litoměřice. Vineyards lie on hillsides not far from Prague, and the wine is often drunk in the capital.

The climate is cooler than in Moravia, so wines are fresh with high acidity. Soils are limestone, marl and sandstone, volcanic in places. Tradition links the start of viticulture to Emperor Charles IV, who in the 14th century ordered Burgundian vines to be planted. Mělník has a castle with wine cellars.

Müller-Thurgau, Riesling and Pinot Noir are grown, and Pinot Noir is often the area's best red. Whites are dry and off-dry, reds light; rosé and sparkling wines are made too.

There are few vineyards, and Bohemian wines are rarely found outside the country. Moravia lies further to the south-east and produces most of Czech wine. Bohemian whites are served with river fish, light meat dishes and appetisers, and Pinot Noir with game.