Saxony's winegrowers defy federal trend - harvest stable again

Mixed outlook due to drought and possible late frosts

In Hößelbarth's view, the outlook for this year is mixed so far. "It was very dry again at the beginning of the year," he said. In January and February, the winter precipitation and snowfall were good, but then there was little rain. The precipitation of the past few days was therefore "sorely needed".

The possibility of late frost in the coming nights is also a cause for concern. "Based on our experience in 2024, we are not completely relaxed," said Hößelbarth. However, nature is back to a more normal rhythm this year. Unlike two years ago, when the vines sprouted two to three weeks early due to a particularly warm March, growth is currently slower again. "If there were to be another night of frost now, we would probably come out of it with a black eye, as the majority of the vines have not yet sprouted."

Saxony one of the smallest wine regions in Germany

Of the 13 German wine regions, the wine-growing region of Saxony is one of the smallest with 531 hectares of vineyards. The wine region stretches along the Elbe from Pirna via Dresden, Radebeul and Meißen to Diesbar-Seußlitz northwest of Meißen.

Mainly white wine is grown here. Only 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. According to the association, there are 38 full-time and 42 part-time winegrowers in Saxony.

Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved