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Saale-Unstrut wine-growing region, northeast Germany

Geographic location: Northeast Germany, west of Leipzig

The Saale-Unstrut region in the north-east of Germany is a true insiders’ tip, not only for visitors with an interest in history and lovers of medieval architecture, but especially for wine buffs.

Over an area of 664 hectares in Europe‘s most northerly wine-growing area, more than 40 wine-growing estates cultivate 30 different grape varieties.

The best-known wine from the region is probably Rotkäppchen sekt (sparkling wine). The list of whites is topped by müller-thurgau, pinot gris and pinot blanc, bacchus, riesling, silvaner, gutedel and kerner, while reds are mainly dornfelder, portugieser, pinot noir and blaue zweigelt.

The burgundy grape is also growing in popularity. Pinot blanc originally stems from France and has become increasingly widespread in Saale-Unstrut in recent years.

The wines are fruity, full-bodied and lively, and those made from the later harvests (spätlesen) are particularly exquisite and well-rounded.

Visitors interested in the history of the region will find plenty to explore among the many historical towns and cities, castles and palaces.
Scenic vineyards, steep terraces, centuries-old dry-stone walls, romantic vineyard cottages and picturesque river valleys define the unspoiled landscape and guarantee a memorable stay.
This is also great walking country, and the Himmelsweg which links the place where the famous Nebra Sky Disk was discovered and the Goseck sun observatory is particularly recommended.

External Resources

Official Website Saale-Unstrut Tourism: www.saale-unstrut-tourismus.de/en/