Naumburg sits at the heart of the Saale-Unstrut wine region — Germany's most northerly classified wine area and one of its least-known outside the country. Viticulture here dates back over a thousand years, and the landscape of steep terraced vineyards above the Saale and Unstrut river valleys is genuinely striking. The main grape varieties are Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner, and Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), producing dry, mineral whites that pair well with the region's food.
The best way to explore is by cycling along the rivers — the cycle path connecting the vineyards is flat and well-marked. Several producers offer tastings and cellar visits near Freyburg, about 12 kilometres upstream, where the old Neuenburg castle looks down over the vines. Freyburg is reachable by train from Naumburg in fifteen minutes. The harvest festival in early October draws visitors from across Germany.