The wine-making region between Pirna and Diesbar-Seusslitz near Meissen is a remarkable part of Saxony. Everything here revolves around wine, whether you are just calling in at one of its traditional taverns for a drink, celebrating at the autumn wine festivals or touring its 20 or so wineries. The vineyards along the Elbe make up the smallest wine region in Germany, and the most northerly in Europe. This is the area covered by the 55 kilometres of the "Saxon Wine Route". Records of wine making in Saxony go back to 1161. Viticulture experienced a huge upturn as the influence of the monasteries increased and reached its climax in the 16th century.
Over the centuries, the area has developed into an engaging combination of river scenery, impressive architecture and a carefree way of life. This part of Saxony enjoys a particularly favourable climate. Grapes have been grown here for 800 years, and the local porcelain manufacturing tradition dates back almost 300 years. It was wine and porcelain, together with rich silver deposits, that brought fame and fortune to Saxony, and the splendour of the old days is still very palpable, even today. As you follow the Saxon Wine Route, you see vines for the first time near Pirna, then in Pillnitz, close to the stately home there, and then beneath the palaces that line the river Elbe in Dresden.
