Fine wines, regional cuisine, handmade music: The Open Winery Days open the wine festival season in Dresden Elbland.
Whether Traminer, Pinot Blanc or Goldriesling: wines from Saxony are considered rarities. Less than one percent of German wines come from the sunny slopes of the Elbe between Pirna and Diesbar-Seußlitz. With only 500 hectares, the wine-growing region in the Free State is one of the smallest in the Republic. It is mainly cultivated by small and micro-enterprises working by hand. That, too, is a special feature. On the last weekend in August, the local winegrowers celebrate the tradition and diversity of Saxon wine culture at the 24th Open Winery Days. 50 wineries, wine taverns and other wine institutions will be taking part. On guided tours through cellars and vineyards, they will provide insights into their craft - and samples of their art. The event leaflet is now available online or can be ordered from the Elbland Dresden Tourism Association.
The festival weekend kicks off on Thursday in some places. For example, at the Sächsische Winzergenossenschaft Meißen, which will open its cosy wine lounge with music, or at the Weingut Henke in Coswig, which will celebrate its 20th birthday with a colourful cultural programme. On Friday evening there are already events to choose from in 20 different wineries.
The actual festive programme begins on Saturday. In historic wineries, in romantic vineyard cottages or among the vines, the winegrowers will be pouring their wines. Half of the participating wineries also offer three-person wine tastings at a fixed price of eight euros. They will also be serving fat sandwiches, tarte flambée, hearty food from the grill or cheese. There will be handmade music from classical to swing, as well as tractor rides, horseback riding and bouncy castles for children. If it rains, guests can switch to covered seating at most of the wineries.
At selected times, the winegrowers will give tours of their cellars or vineyards. The spectrum of topics ranges from a wine-friendly tour to biodiversity in organic vineyards. The Götze cooperage in Dresden provides an insight into the artisanal production of barrels.
Visitors can also easily get from winery to winery without a car. On Saturday and Sunday, special buses operated by the Meißen transport company will travel between Diesbar-Seußlitz and Radebeul on the right bank of the Elbe. In addition, the two sides of the Elbe will be connected by a shuttle service. The day ticket, which costs ten euros, is available from the bus driver, in advance and at some VGM ticket machines.
The festival weekend kicks off on Thursday in some places. For example, at the Sächsische Winzergenossenschaft Meißen, which will open its cosy wine lounge with music, or at the Weingut Henke in Coswig, which will celebrate its 20th birthday with a colourful cultural programme. On Friday evening there are already events to choose from in 20 different wineries.
The actual festive programme begins on Saturday. In historic wineries, in romantic vineyard cottages or among the vines, the winegrowers will be pouring their wines. Half of the participating wineries also offer three-person wine tastings at a fixed price of eight euros. They will also be serving fat sandwiches, tarte flambée, hearty food from the grill or cheese. There will be handmade music from classical to swing, as well as tractor rides, horseback riding and bouncy castles for children. If it rains, guests can switch to covered seating at most of the wineries.
At selected times, the winegrowers will give tours of their cellars or vineyards. The spectrum of topics ranges from a wine-friendly tour to biodiversity in organic vineyards. The Götze cooperage in Dresden provides an insight into the artisanal production of barrels.
Visitors can also easily get from winery to winery without a car. On Saturday and Sunday, special buses operated by the Meißen transport company will travel between Diesbar-Seußlitz and Radebeul on the right bank of the Elbe. In addition, the two sides of the Elbe will be connected by a shuttle service. The day ticket, which costs ten euros, is available from the bus driver, in advance and at some VGM ticket machines.
