Valtice winery sells first burčák amid drought, Czech festivals grow

Chateau Valtice in Valtice, South Moravia, began selling its first burčák of the season on 7 August. The wine, made from the early‑ripening Augustovskij grape, is priced at 100 CZK per litre. Director David Šťastný said the early sales were strong and noted that a prolonged drought has reduced grape size, potentially lowering juice yields by 20‑40 percent, though irrigation on part of the vineyards mitigates the impact. A brief rain on the preceding night delivered 27 mm of precipitation, offering some relief.

Across the Slovácko region, a growing number of burčák‑related events are being organised, including parades, harvest celebrations and tastings that now extend from early September into mid‑October. Towns such as Mutěnice, Hodonín, Dolní Bojanovice, Prušánky, Uherské Hradiště and others host large‑scale marches, open‑cellar tastings and even cycling tours, creating a vibrant seasonal programme that attracts both locals and tourists.