Sachsen is Germany's easternmost wine-growing region. Its vineyards begin near Dresden, around the 51st parallel, then follow the Elbe for 55 kilometres from Pirna through Dresden, Radebeul and Meißen to Diesbar-Seußlitz. Many of the steep sites sit behind rubble-stone terrace walls.
Cold winters, hot summers and large shifts between day and night shape this continental region. White grapes account for 80 percent of plantings, and dry varietal wines are common. Müller-Thurgau, Riesling and Weißburgunder are principal grapes, while Spätburgunder and Dornfelder lead the red plantings. The steep Elbe slopes are particularly associated with Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder and Traminer.
Goldriesling is grown almost exclusively in Sachsen, on 28.7 hectares. More than 3,000 growers work small vineyard plots, and much of the wine is consumed near where it is made.
Inside the region
1 named area
Each guide keeps its place within Sachsen clear, with a direct route back to the map.