Saxon Elbland

 

Elbe Valley is one of thirteen Quality wine regions in Germany this region is usually referred as Sachsen. Therefore, wine is definitely the drink of choice here. Despite its very northern location among the northernmost wine regions in the world, Elbe valley produces excellent white wine. The most common varieties of the grape are Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, and Weißburgunder. Red grape constitutes about 10% of the total production, and the red wine is rather uncommon for the region.

The wine region spreads along the right bank of the Elbe river from Pirna to Pillnitz, interrupts in the city of Dresden, and starts again from Radebeul to Weinböhla, Meißen, and further to Seußlitz. The connections between these towns are known as Sächsische Weinstraße Saxony Wine Road and Sächsischer Weinwanderweg Saxony Wine Path. The road runs at the base of the hills through the vineyards, while the path meanders up and down the hills, offering a perfect hiking trail with panoramic views of the valley. Of course, the path and the road pass by numerous cafes, restaurants, and guest houses, where local wine can be tasted. One also finds information tables that describe sorts of grape and the wine production. Note however that the road and the path are not very well marked. At some points, one has to find the way using the map.

Events in the Saxony wine region:

Die Tage des offenen Weingutes open access to wine cellars – last weekend of August

Herbst- und Weinfest Autumn wine festival – September, Radebeul

Sächsische Winzerfest Saxony wine festival – July, Dresden

The best way to try and to buy local wine is to visit one of the so-called vinothek's, which are found throughout the region:

Haus des Sächsischen Weines

Wine tasting and sale.

Vinothek Hoflößnitz

Wine museum, excursions to vineyards, tasting and sale.

 

Prices range from €5 to €25 for a bottle of 2-3 years aged wine. Exclusive wines are aged for 7-10 years and cost up to €100. Local wine is also available in regular supermarkets, but the choice is usually limited.

Apart from the regular wine, the region produces champagne and spirits strong fruit liqueurs. Both are usually available in the wine shops. The liqueurs are sold in fancy souvenir bottles and are quite expensive.

beer

Despite the extensive wine production, Elbe valley also has long-standing beer traditions. Beer factories are located in Dresden and in Meißen. The most known Dresden brands are Feldschlößchen, Dresden Felsenkeller, Coschützer Pils, and Schwarzer Steiger. Meißen produces Meissner Schwerter. Dresden, Pirna, and Radebeul also have small breweries attached to the restaurants, where local beer can be tasted.