Zwätzen/Jena, 11.06.2026 – Significant success for local viticulture in northern Jena: At this year’s quality inspection by the Weinbauverband Saale-Unstrut, two wines from Zwätzener Käuzchenberg were honored. While the 2025 Weißburgunder was awarded a gold medal, the Müller-Thurgau received the silver medal.
- Event: Awards for the wines from Käuzchenberg (Gold & Silver)
- Tasting Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 16:00 to 19:00
- Location: Jägerbergstraße 30, 07751 Jena-Zwätzen (View on Google Maps)
- Special Feature: Yield management through pure manual labor
Success of Passionate Manual Labor on Steep Slopes
The awards from the Weinbauverband Saale-Unstrut are a significant recognition for viticulture in Jena. Among nearly 100 competing products submitted, the wines from Käuzchenberg successfully held their ground. This award is the result of years of intensive care.
Since the use of large harvesting machines is hardly possible on the steep slopes in Zwätzen, the management of the vineyard is based almost entirely on elaborate manual labor. From pruning in winter to tying and defoliating in summer to selective hand-harvesting in autumn, every bottle of wine requires countless manual steps. The fact that this traditional and nature-oriented cultivation method has now been honored with gold and silver underscores the high quality level of Jena’s products.
Invitation to the Public Tasting on June 20
Anyone wishing to taste the award-winning top wines themselves is cordially invited to do so soon. On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the vineyard at Käuzchenberg will open its gates to the public. Between 16:00 and 19:00, interested parties and wine lovers can taste the gold-winning Weißburgunder and the silver-awarded Müller-Thurgau directly on-site in Zwätzen. Access is via Jägerbergstraße 30.
🏛️ History & Culture: Viticulture in Jena
The cultivation of grapevines has a centuries-old tradition in Jena, dating back to the 12th century. Once, the middle Saale Valley was one of the largest contiguous wine-growing regions in the German-speaking world. After an almost complete collapse of the structure due to pest infestations in the 19th century, viticulture in Jena has been experiencing a renaissance for several decades. Locations such as the Käuzchenberg in Zwätzen, but also vineyards in Winzerla and on the Jenzig, are being cultivated again today with great commitment – often as a secondary occupation or by associations – securing this historical cultural asset of the City of Light.
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Gold for Weißburgunder from Käuzchenberg
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.