Bid now for a chance to Brew at the Budvar Brewery

For the first time: a chance in a lifetime to brew at the famous Budweiser Budvar Brewery

Ceske Budejovice (Budweis in German), in the Czech Republic, has a long reputation in brewing dating back to the 13th century when the town received its brewing rights. Since 1895 it has been the home of the world renowned Budweiser Budvar Brewery. And now you have the chance to go there, brew there and, of course, try one or two their beers.

The Brewery is offering two friends a trip of a lifetime. It will consist of flights to and from Britain to Prague. The lucky duo will be met on arrival at Prague airport and then transferred to Ceske Budejovice to stay 2 nights at the “Little Brewery” which has been converted to a hotel. Dinner will be hosted by one of Budvar's senior managers.

Up early next morning to brew, maybe one of the beers not available in Britain, such as Pardal, which is more bitter than the better known Budvar. Breakfast will be with Josef Tolar, the Brewmaster since 1985. Josef was responsible for leading the management buyout from the Czech Government at a time when it could have fallen to foreign hands. Although he is an innovative brewer, Josef has always insisted that any technical advance must enhance and preserve tradition. An example of this is the brewery's 100 day brewing cycle; the same as it was in 1895. During the day there will plenty of opportunity to hear about the history of the brewery.

Lunch will be in the brewery tap followed by a free afternoon with the opportunity to visit the Brewery's visitors' centre or to look around the city. Founded in 1265, Ceske Budejovice has plenty to see including the splendid Premyl Otakar II Square with its Baroque burgher houses.

Dinner will be in Cesky Krumlov. Dominated by its castle (which is the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic), the town is a Unesco World Heritage Site with 300 protected buildings.

Next day, will be a return to Prague for a full free day and overnight in a Prague Hotel with transfer to the airport and home the following day and a rest!

Bidding

This unique experience will be auctioned at CAMRA's Great British Beer Festival at Earl's Court on Thursday 7th August at 7.30pm. If you can't get there, then postal bids are accepted. Simply e mail baustin@supanet.com (or write to 18 Malden Road, Watford WD17 3EW) with the price you are willing to pay. The highest bidder will get the two places. But even if you aren't successful, Budvar Budweiser is always happy to see people and their visitor's centre gives a great overview of the Brewery and the beers.

Great British Beer Festival
Earls Court, London, 5-9 August 2008
Opening Times:
Tuesday 5th August: 5.00pm to 10.30pm
Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th and Friday 8th: 12noon to 10.30pm
Saturday 9th: 11.00am to 7.00pm