Overview

• Staatsweingut Schloss Wackerbarth planted 5,500 frost- and disease-resistant vines, including Blütenmuskateller and Merlot Khorus, on a 1.4-hectare trial vineyard in Weinböhla using GPS-guided technology.
• In the early hours of May 6, 2025, hundreds of controlled fires and 550 frost candles were lit across 28 hectares to protect over 100,000 vines from subzero temperatures.
• The newly planted vines appear unharmed after the frost-protection measures, and winemakers are cautiously optimistic about their effectiveness.
• The trial vineyard will undergo multi-year monitoring, with the first harvest of red and white grapes anticipated in autumn 2029.
• These efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat climate change impacts, reduce pesticide use, and ensure sustainable viticulture in the Elbe valley.