Location and landscape
Weimar is part of the protected wine-growing region Saale-Unstrut. Along the Ilm, vineyards extend from the area around Weimar to Bad Sulza. The vineyard slopes are located in sheltered river valleys as well as on flat or gently sloping land. The Poetenweg lies north of Weimar on the south-facing slope of the Kleine Ettersberg and offers views over the Ilm valley to Weimar and surrounding landmarks.
Climate and soils
Its position behind the Ettersberg gives Weimar a slightly warmer and drier local climate than in other parts of central Thuringia. The documented average annual rainfall amounts to 574 millimetres. The Poetenweg is considered a local heat island with many sunny days; cooler northerly winds reduce the air humidity. The soil consists of weathered shell limestone, which is predominant in the wine-growing area around Weimar and in further parts of Thuringia.
Wine-growing on the Poetenweg
On the Weimar Poetenweg, wine-growing was re-established in 2008 on an area of about 46 hectares. This modern revival was initiated by Fürst zu Lippe from the Broschwitz winery in Meissen. Since 2015, the vineyard area has been managed by the Freyburg-Unstrut winemakers’ association.
Grape varieties and wine style
Documented grape varieties include Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Müller-Thurgau, Sauvignon Blanc, Silvaner, Dornfelder, and Frühburgunder (early Burgundy). The site conditions favour dry wines with comparatively high acidity and good ripening potential. For Saale-Unstrut wines, in addition, liveliness, emphasis on fruit, fine structure and pronounced freshness are described.
