Mikroregion Chelčicko–Lhenický: fruit tradition and new horizons for Czech cider

The Mikroregion Chelčicko–Lhenický, located in South Bohemia (districts of Strakonice and part of České Budějovice, Czech Republic), groups six municipalities: Chelčice, Libějovice, Lhenice, Malovice, Mičovice, and Truskovice. Well-known for its agriculture and apple production, it has become a leading fruit-growing region in the country.

Apples as identity

The area boasts the label “Lhenické ovoce” (Fruit of Lhenice), a mark of quality and centuries-old tradition. With over 1,200 hectares of apple orchards, it is one of the most important apple-growing hubs in South Bohemia.

Annual events such as the Slavnosti květů (Blossom Festival) and the Slavnosti plodů (Fruit Festival) celebrate this identity with tastings, fairs, concerts, and cultural activities that highlight apples and their derived products, including cider.

Cider emergence: local cideries

Recent years have seen the rise of artisanal cider projects:

• Cider Sekt s.r.o. / Cider Talk (Chelčice): natural ciders made with slow fermentation and techniques such as keeving.
• Lhenická moštárna (Lhenice): press and cider producer under the Bubák brand (natural, hopped, barrel-aged, cherry cider).
• Pěstitelská pálenice a moštárna (Lhenice): community pressing facility for juice and cider production.

Together, these initiatives have positioned Chelčicko–Lhenický on the map of international cider recognition.

International opening: Cider Cities and CIDEREU

The microregion maintains active links with theEuropean Network of Cider and Apple Cities (Cider Cities), participating in joint meetings with Spanish and Portuguese municipalities. While its formal adhesion has yet to be officialized, it is emerging as a key player in the network’s Central European expansion.

It is also included within the CIDEREU strategy, presented to the European Union, promoting international cooperation around apples and cider as drivers of sustainable rural development.

Rural identity with global projection

Chelčicko–Lhenický illustrates how a territory with strong fruit identity can leap into cider innovation and international cooperation, positioning itself as an emerging actor in Europe’s cider landscape.