Radebeul (Lößnitz)

The Lößnitz lies in the Elbe valley northwest of Dresden and is the historic centre of Saxon winegrowing. The slopes above Radebeul form a mosaic of steep sites, terraces with dry-stone walls and villas; sites such as Goldener Wagen, Johannisberg, Steinrücken and Paradies look south towards the Elbe. The state winery Schloss Wackerbarth and the Hoflößnitz estate are located here; Saxony is among Germany's smallest and easternmost wine regions.

The soils formed from weathered granite and syenite, with loess, clay and sandstone also occurring. In the sheltered Elbe valley the climate is comparatively mild and dry; the south-facing slopes and heat-storing walls promote ripening, while late frosts and cold winters remain a risk.

Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Weißburgunder set the tone, with Traminer, Goldriesling and Spätburgunder added. The wines are mostly dry, fresh and marked by clear acidity. Well-known producers include, besides the state winery Schloss Wackerbarth and Hoflößnitz, the Karl Friedrich Aust estate and Drei Herren.