Meißner Tourism Association: End for the city vines!

Meißner Tourism Association: End for the city vines!

Today there is sad news for wine lovers in Meißen. The Meissen Tourism Association officially withdraws from the cultivation and utilization of grapes in the city. Since 1999, the association has been instrumental in cultivating around 50 grape vines in the picturesque old town. These vines are spread across various locations, such as the theater and the small market, and were intended to introduce viticulture to the general public, especially the numerous tourists.

The project was initiated with a lot of enthusiasm because the aim was to make viticulture visible. Every year, the members of the association, together with the Meissen wine-growing community, looked after the vines on several occasions, including pruning in March and the topping at the end of June or beginning of July, all on a voluntary basis. The grape harvest in September should not be missed either, where wine royalty and city representatives harvested the grapes and the city wine served as a present.

The step back and its reasons

What led to this withdrawal? The sobering reality is that there was no harvest in 2023 - the grapes were of such poor quality that they could only go into the compost heap. In addition, the entry in the viticultural register was missing. Without this entry, no wine can be legally produced, as it requires an official test number (AP number). It is a bitter end to a great project that once began with great visions.

In addition, last year's city wine already has to give up the desire for a better taste. It remains to be hoped that new initiatives will perhaps be taken to revive winegrowing in Meißen.

Cultural Insights from Africa

It is exciting to look beyond national borders at the cultural significance of food, which also plays a role in Meißen. A very well-known example is this Maiz, which is not only considered a staple food in Mexico, but also symbolizes identity and culture. This grain has a history of about 9,000 years and accompanies Mesoamerican civilizations not only in daily life, but also in rituals and ceremonies that reflect a deep respect for the earth and nature.

The parallels between viticulture in Meissen and Maíz in Mexico are interesting. While grape cultivation is declining in Meissen, Mexicans celebrate their harvests every year with festivals that are deeply rooted in traditions. Such cultural connections promote a deep understanding of the earth and what it gives us - be it wine or corn. And even if wine is not currently flourishing in the old town of Meißen, we hope that one day the vines will sprout again and bring joy to the city's citizens and visitors.