MAIN Wine Europe Germany Sachsen - Saxony

Many first-time visitors to Saxony are surprised to find vineyards in this small, and most northern of Europe's wine growing regions.

Most of the vineyards are between Dresden and Diesbar-Seusslitz, at the northern end of the Saxon Wine Road and are planted on steep, labor-intensive stone terraces.

A vineyard on the hilly slopes of Pillnitz.

The region stretches for about 30 miles from Pillnitz in the south to Dresden, Radebeul and Meissen on the hilly slopes of the Elbe River.

The river's waters bring some stability to the climate, but the vineyards are in the northern boundaries of the wine growing area. Both early and late frosts are not unknown.

Wines made from Müller-Thurgau (Rivaner), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and Traminer grapes are the most popular varieties grown here.

The white wines are dry and full of character with a fruity acidity.

A few distinctively soft red wines are produced from the Spätburgunder and Dornfelder grape varieties. "Elbtal-Sekt" (sparkling wines) are specialties of the Sachsen region.

Since most of the wines from the region are consumed locally, you'll most likely have to visit the region to take a taste...

More information about Saxony wines around the Web:

Sachsen - Specialties & Rarities - Saxon wine 101, with a great overview of the region and grape varieties, touring information, photo gallery, and related resources.

Weinbauverband-sachsen - This German only site reflects the fact that the wines are mainly sold locally - there is not a great push for exporting and so no need to translate the site to English or any other languages. If you do read German, you'll find a great resource and a wealth of information on the area and the wines that are made here.