In the Elbtal region of Saxony, winemakers are employing centuries-old techniques to protect their vineyards from late frosts. The practice of lighting fires in the vineyards at night, known as “Weinbergsfeuer,” has become a critical defense against unpredictable spring temperatures. This year, the Staatsweingut Schloss Wackerbarth estate deployed hundreds of frost candles and controlled fires across 28 hectares to safeguard over 100,000 vines from sub-zero temperatures1.
Frost Protection Measures
The 2024 growing season saw devastating losses for Saxony’s wine industry, with 80% of the yield destroyed by an unexpected April frost1. In response, wineries have intensified their protective measures. The Wackerbarth estate alone deployed 550 frost candles in Weinböhla at an annual cost of approximately €10,000. These candles, placed between vine rows, create warm air currents that prevent frost from settling on tender young shoots. Additionally, controlled fires in Diesbar-Seußlitz and Laubach generate smoke that traps heat near the vines2.
Teams work through the night, often starting at 4:00 AM, to monitor temperatures and light fires when needed. The fires create air movement that pulls cold air away from the vines, a technique that has been used in the region since at least 20143. While effective, these measures are labor-intensive and costly, prompting criticism about the distribution of state aid to winegrowers.
Climate-Resistant Varieties
Looking toward long-term solutions, the Wackerbarth estate has begun planting new vine varieties better suited to changing climate conditions. In 2025, they introduced 5,500 new vines across 1.4 hectares using GPS-guided planting machines4. The new selections include Blütenmuskateller, a late-budding Austrian variety less susceptible to frost damage, and Merlot Khorus, a fungus-resistant Swiss hybrid.
These climate-adapted varieties represent a significant investment, with the first harvest not expected until 2029. However, winemakers hope they will provide more reliable yields in the face of increasingly volatile weather patterns. The replanting program comes after the 2024 frost caused such severe damage that secondary bud growth only produced minimal recovery3.
Economic and Political Context
The financial burden of frost protection has become a point of contention in Saxony. While the state government allocated €1.32 million in aid for affected winegrowers, only €489,000 had reached recipients by May 20255. This disparity has drawn criticism from political groups, particularly the Greens, who argue that wine production deserves equal support to other agricultural sectors.
Martin Junge, a spokesperson for the Wackerbarth estate, noted that while the 2025 frost situation appeared less severe than the previous year, proactive measures remained essential. “We lit fires on May 4-5 as a precaution when temperatures approached 1°C,” Junge stated. Preliminary reports suggest these interventions successfully preserved 95% of buds4.
The combination of traditional frost protection methods and innovative replanting strategies demonstrates how Saxony’s wine industry is adapting to climate challenges. As weather patterns continue to shift, these measures will likely become increasingly important for preserving the region’s viticultural heritage.
References
- “Schäden durch Frost: Wie der plötzliche Kältebruch dem Wein und den Obstbäumen zusetzt,” Spiegel, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/natur/schaeden-durch-frost
- “Weinberg-Feuer in Weinböhla: Wie Sachsen seine Reben klimafest macht,” Sächsische.de. [Online]. Available: https://www.saechsische.de/lokales/meissen-lk/weinberg-feuer
- “Winzer von Wackerbarth machen wieder Feuer für den Wein,” DNN, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.dnn.de/lokales/umland/dresdner-elbtal
- “Sachsens Staatsweingut pflanzt Jungreben neuer Sorten,” FAZ, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.faz.net/agenturmeldungen/dpa/sachsens-staatsweingut
- “Weinberg-Feuer zum Frost-Schutz,” MDR Sachsen. [Online]. Available: https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/sachsen/dresden
