The steep south-facing slopes above the Elbe north of Meissen are among the most northerly wine-producing vineyards in Europe. Saxony is a small wine region — one of Germany's smallest — but it produces wines of genuine character, particularly dry whites from Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, and the local Goldriesling grape. The terraced vineyards are picturesque in any season but particularly in late September when the harvest is underway.
The Proschwitz estate just north of Meissen is one of the best-known producers and offers tastings and cellar tours by appointment. Several Weinkellerei (wine cellars) in Meissen itself, particularly along the Elbgasse near the river, sell local wines and host tastings in summer. The annual wine harvest festival in mid-October brings most of the local wineries together in the market square for a few days of outdoor tastings.
From Meissen, the Saxon Wine Route (Sächsische Weinstraße) runs upstream along the Elbe to the wine village of Diesbar-Seusslitz and beyond. The route is cyclable and passes through a series of small wine villages with river views. Dresden is 25km downstream by bike along the Elberadweg, one of Germany's best long-distance cycling routes.