In Saxony, Germany’s smallest and northernmost wine region, walking and wine tasting go hand in hand. The Saxon Wine Trail spans more than 34 miles by car and about 50 miles by foot, tracing the Elbe River and winding through the Saxon countryside. On this trail, take in historic Saxon towns, including Dresden, Meissen and Pirna.

Situated in Elbe Valley, modern wineries, cozy wine bars and evidence of more than 850 years of winegrowing are evident. Taste more than 60 grape varieties, such as Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Traminer, Scheurebe and Goldriesling, which is only grown on the Elbe.

In summer, the region enjoys an average temperature of 75 degrees. During the summer seasons, fruit trees and grapes abound, and stops along the wine route allow travelers to enjoy the best of the region’s natural landscape and wines.

The northern starting point of the Saxon Wine Route lies in the village of Diesbar-Seusslitz. With a Baroque castle surrounded by formal gardens accompanying this charming town, travelers in this village may not want to leave to continue on the route. The next point of interest on the trail is Schloss Proschwitz, the most prominent winery in the region. The castle, built by one of Saxony’s oldest families, underwent a revival after World War II. Now, the castle and winery invite guests to enjoy its range of wines, including Müller-Thurgau and Goldriesling.

Continuing on to Meissen, take in Albrechtsburg, a Gothic cathedral dominating the skyline atop a hill. Also in Meissen, the Saxon Winegrowers’ Cooperative Meissen provides insights into the history and current practices of winegrowing in the region. Meissen is also home to a well-known porcelain manufactory, making the city a must-visit for anyone interested in design and craft, art, architecture and jewelry.

Next, head into Dresden to visit Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera and the church of Frauenkirche. Don’t miss Saxon Wine Museum Hoflößnitz in Radebeul or the 850-year-old winery at Wackerbarth Castle. Down the river from Dresden lies Castle Pillnitz, the summer palace of Wettin kings and Saxon electors. The palace houses Arts and Crafts Museum of the Dresden State Art Collection. Take in views of the palace from Weingut Klaus Zimmerling, a spectacular winery offering wine tastings accompanied by sculptures and vast fields.

The tour ends in the medieval town of Pirna, the gateway to Saxon Switzerland. The town, most known by paintings by Venetian artist Bernard Bellotto, nephew of Canaletto, features winding streets, lovely courtyards and many fountains.

Every autumn, a variety of wine festivals occur in towns along the wine trail. Popular festivals include ones at Pirna and Radebeul, where visitors can meet growers from the region and taste local wines.

Today, Saxony sees many professional growers and about 1,000 hobby winemakers inhabit the region, some creating new wines and others maintaining traditions of the older ones. Most local grapes grow on hillside terraces, requiring much maintenance, tending and harvesting by hand.