Lots of people at open winery days in the Elbland region

Grape juice and rock 'n' roll: Saxony's wineries are hosting open days this weekend and can't complain about a lack of visitors. Many estates are full, and some tours are even overcrowded, said Sindy Vogel, Managing Director of the Elbland Dresden Tourism Association, when asked. "The weather is ideal, not too hot and not too cold". Even if there is a shower in the afternoon, this will not be an obstacle. A total of 50 businesses and wineries are taking part.

This year marks the 26th time that the Open Winery Days have been held. The organizers want to show the path from the vine plant to the good drop and make the centuries-old history of winegrowing in Saxony visible. The program includes wine tastings, vineyard and cellar tours, culinary extras, live music and art exhibitions along the Elbe from Diesbar-Seußlitz to Dresden-Pillnitz.

From large wineries to broom taverns, everyone is there

From large wineries such as Schloss Wackerbarth, Proschwitz Prinz zur Lippe and Hoflößnitz to small broom taverns, everything is represented. Some only open their doors to guests for this occasion. "The commitment of our winegrowers, whether as a full-time or part-time business or in their free time, is what makes these days so special. Together, we invite people from the region and tourists alike to discover the special features of Saxon wine and its cultivation," explained Vogel.

Rock 'n' Roll at Weingut Schuh

The Winzergenossenschaft Meißen has a whole concert program on offer, the Weingut Schuh wanted to set musical accents with rock 'n' roll. The Schloss Wackerbarth state winery provides insights into its sparkling wine production. And the Saxon State Foundation for Nature and the Environment opened up its vineyard on Meißen's Burgberg and solicited sponsorships for vines. The vineyard is tended by pupils from the St. Afra State Grammar School. The organic wine is pressed by the Hoflößnitz winery into the traditional Schieler - a blend of red and white grape juice.

A shuttle bus service between the wineries will facilitate the voyage of discovery. Two special lines run every 20 minutes, making it easy to commute between the wineries. The open winery days will also be celebrated on Sunday.

The wine-growing region of Saxony is one of the smallest in Germany

Of the 13 German wine regions, the wine-growing region of Saxony is one of the smallest and also the most north-easterly in Europe. The wine region stretches along the Elbe from Pirna via Dresden, Radebeul and Meißen to Diesbar-Seußlitz northwest of Meißen. Wine is grown on around 500 hectares in Saxony - mainly white wine. Just under 20 percent of the area is reserved for red wines. The main grape varieties are Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Traminer, Pinot Noir and Dornfelder.