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Meissen's exceptional wines grown in the hills of Saxony's Elbe Valley are strongly intertwined with the region's traditions and have shaped the cultural landscape for over 300 years. The refinement and success of the Meissen wine region are a result of unique methods, exquisite grapes, and an ideal climate. These elements define a style of wine found nowhere else in Germany or the world for that matter.

The pleasant town of Meissen welcomes those who want to have fun, as well as wine and music lovers, as it hosts many holidays and festivals that are worth visiting at least once. Festive piano games, a music marathon, a pottery fair, and a Christmas market are just a few of the many options. The Wine Festival, which takes place every September, is one of the best available programs.

We hope you will try the memorable wines that make Meissen a favourite for wine drinkers worldwide. Tour our site to discover what Wineries in Meissen have to offer and book your next vacation today. Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Meissen.

Where is the Meissen Wine Region?

Meissen is 25 kilometers from Dresden and 75 kilometers from Leipzig. It is a small wine region in Eastern Germany, located on the Elbe a few dozen kilometres northwest of Dresden. 

Unique Terroir of Meissen  Appellation

Top-quality Meissen grapes thrive here in the northeast, especially for white varieties, because of a unique weather pattern. The climate in Meissen is continental with little marine influence. Summers are warm, winters are cool with slight frosts, about 600 mm falls per year. 1,600 hours of sunshine creates ideal conditions for grape growth and slow ripening. The constant alternation of daytime warmth and nighttime coolness ensures that the wines develop a rich bouquet of aromas.

Vineyard plots and the typical terraced locations characterize Meissen’s unique landscape and area cultural heritage that winegrowers keep alive with a lot of dedication and manual work. 

History of Meissen wine region 

Wine has been grown in Meissen wine region for at least 850 years, in one of Germany's smallest wine-growing areas.

Phylloxera raged in Europe at the end of the nineteenth century, nearly eradicating Saxon viticulture. The rest was done by land speculation, and by the turn of the twentieth century, only a fraction of the former vineyards remained.

The use of resistant grafting vines began the slow renaissance of viticulture in Saxony in 1913. The Saxon Winegrowers' Cooperative was founded in 1938 and was initially housed in Zitzschewig. Two years later, they relocated to Meissen and have been known as the Meissner Winegrowers' Cooperative since 1955.

Over many decades, with diligence and commitment, a cultural landscape emerged from the fallow land, some of which is now protected as a historic site. In the vineyards of the Meissen wine region, viticulture still entails a lot of manual labor. 

What is Meissen  Wine?

Meissen grape varieties include Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Grigio, Weisser Burgunder, and Traminer, as well as the regional specialties Gold Riesling and Schieler. Most local wines are relatively dry.

 Goldriesling

The Goldriesling grape is unique to Meissen's viticulture. This grape variety, which originated in Alsace and was bred by Christian Oberlin in Colmar at the end of the last century, can be found primarily in this wine region. It has a delicately fruity taste and flowery bouquet, with pronounced acidity.

Müller-Thurgau

Müller-Thurgau is the epitome of the quality of Meissen wines. Early maturity, low growing site requirements, and the highest possible yield stability aided Müller-Thurgau's prominence and popularity. Even in poor years, this variety produces pleasing harvests and qualities. The wines have a floral and fruity flavour with a hint of nutmeg. 

Riesling

Without a doubt, Riesling is a valuable white grape variety in Meissen. Given the unique climatic conditions, the best, mostly terraced locations in our growing area have been set aside for it. Riesling wines are distinguished by their finesse and elegance, as well as a peach-like bouquet. Riesling's nuances are refined by different vintages and soil types.

Food to Pair With Meissen Wine or What to Try in Meissen

Meißner Fummel - The Miracle of Baking Art

The name Meißner Fummel (Meissen fummel) is a protected geographical name (Geschützte geographische Angabe (g.g.A.)). This is a fairly large (30 cm) ball, the main volume of which is air. The dough is very thin and very fragile. According to legend, it was invented in 1710 as a kind of alcohol meter.

According to legend, a messenger from the Electorate of Saxony visited Dresden and Meissen on a regular basis in the 18th century. The courier was a big fan of the famous Meissen wine, and he would drink so much that he couldn't do his job.

The Elector then directed Meissner's bakers to create a cake so delicate that it would break at the slightest vibration, and thus the Fummel was born. 

Himmelreich Schlesisches - Silesian Heavenly Dish

Schlesisches Himmelreich, also known as Silesian heaven, is a traditional German dish from Silesia. It's made with smoked pork that's been gently simmered with dried fruits like pears, apples, and prunes. It's traditionally served with kartoffelklöße, which are potato dumplings simmered in the same pot until they float on top.

The combination of smoky meats and tart, sweet-sour fruits was popular among the early Silesian settlers, but the dish is now only prepared on rare occasions in a few households. One variation substitutes stewed pie melon flavored with cinnamon, currants, and lemon rind for the stewed dried fruits, and another serves the pork with sweetened stewed quinces.

Eierschecke - Three Layered Dessert

Three separate layers make up this sheet cake, a speciality dessert from Saxony. The base layer is typically made of yeast dough, but it can also be made of a thin sponge cake or pie crust. The custard-like content in the middle is made with quark in addition to butter, milk, eggs, and sugar.

Another type of custard mixed with vanilla pudding makes up the top layer. The cake is baked after these three layers are put together, and then it is divided into rectangular pieces. Eierschecke is commonly available in most German coffee shops as it is traditionally served with a hot cup of coffee.

Places to visit in Meissen 

An Old Town Meissen - The Cradle of Saxony

The ancient Meissen, located on the Saxon Wine Route, fascinates with the historical city, beautiful porcelain creations and the incomparable landscape of the Elbe Valley. Once the Meissen mark was entrusted to the Princes of Wettin, which was the beginning of the history of Saxony. Therefore, Meissen is rightfully called the "cradle of Saxony". 

The multifaceted history of Meissen is reflected in the Old Town, which has retained its medieval outlines and almost did not suffer during the Second World War. At the Heinrichsplatz market (Markt), there are so many special places, courtyards, and wine cellars in the winding streets. The City Museum is located in the former church of the Franciscan monastery in the centre of the Old Town. After extensive reconstruction, the monastery church invites both an exhibition space and a venue for cultural events. Hundreds of thousands of people every year visit the famous porcelain manufactory, founded in 1710 by August the Strong, and a museum dedicated to the porcelain that made the city famous.

Albrechtsburg - Medieval Town With Spectacular View and Royal Palace

The beautifully preserved medieval Old Town with market squares, churches and castles is a wonderful example of a typical old European city. Albrechtsburg is towering over the picturesque Elbe Valley on a rocky escarpment on the left bank of the river. Being the former abode of the House of Wettin, is considered the first castle to be used as a royal residence in the German-speaking world. Built between 1472 and 1525, the Hechenburg is an exceptional example of late Gothic architecture. After the transfer of the porcelain manufactory (in 1863), it was carefully restored and two floors were decorated with frescoes illustrating the history of Meissen and the Wettin House. Today Albrechtsburg is one of the state museums of Saxony.

The Meißener Dom

The Meißener Dom, located next to Albrechtsburg, and together with it forming the unmistakable silhouette of the city, is considered one of the cathedrals in Germany, in which the purity of the German Gothic style is most pronounced. In addition to its important architectural significance, the cathedral retains a valuable collection of church furniture, and the artistic diversity of the interior is impressive. Seven figures, including the images of Emperor Otto I and Empress Adelheid (the founders of the Diocese of Meissen), as well as St. John and St. Donatus, are attributed to the authorship of someone from the Naumburg school, which indicates the special significance of the building. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Meissen

Is Meissen worth visiting?

The ancient Meissen, with its high-quality wines and centuries-old rich history, as well as beautiful porcelain creations and the remarkable Elbe Valley landscape, captivates its visitors. From spring to autumn, Meissen hosts a number of festivals, including a ceramics fair and a wine festival on the last weekend of September, which culminates in a grand parade. This location is well worth your time.

What type of wine is Meissen?

Meissen wines are mostly dry, made from white grape varieties. The region’s special wine is Goldriesling, it has a delicately flowery bouquet with pronounced acidity.

Map of Wineries in Meissen

Discover the locations of wineries in Meissen