Meissen, also known as the “cradle of Saxony”, is considered the birthplace of viticulture in the local Elbland region. From Meissen, the “white gold”, porcelain, conquered Europe. A place made to welcome lovers of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

The programme began on Friday evening with a dinner at the Saxon State Winery, Schloss Wackerbarth in Radebeul. The guests were given a festive welcome with romantic, magical winter lighting. Accompanying the five-course menu, the focus was on both wines and sparkling wines from Schloss Wackerbarth, presented in an entertaining manner by Maître Sommelier Jürgen Aumüller.

The ballroom of Proschwitz Castle provided a worthy setting for the Induction Ceremony on Saturday afternoon. Maria Tosenko accompanied the ceremony with wonderful melodies on the grand piano. Host Vice-Échanson Professor Dr. Georg Prinz zur Lippe shared insights into the history of both castle and winery. At the reception, a sparkling wine from the Proschwitz Estate was accompanied by delicious finger food.

The grand finale of the day was the Festive Gala Dinner in the Romantik Hotel Burgkeller in Meissen. Hosting a Chaîne dinner was a first for the hotel, managed by Maître Hôtelier Tessa Barth. The kitchen and service brigades mastered this premiere with flying colours. After the reception with Champagne Pommery, each course was accompanied by wines from Saxon winegrowers. Lively musical melodies, performed by the wonderful Jana Hruby, embedded in the culinary pampering programme ensured a good atmosphere.

Another highlight of the evening was the raffle in aid of the Bailliage’s Foundation. The winners looked forward to great prizes and the Foundation received 6,000 euro through donations and ticket sales.

On Sunday, many guests wanted to take a short city tour to learn about Meissen's eventful history and culinary specialties during which Walfriede Hartmann disclosed what this special pastry, the Meißner Fummel, is all about. That is another story…

Gunter Anton
Bailli

Fotos: Cornelia Normann Photography | Anke Anton, Vice-Chargée de Presse | Annett Esche, Vice-Chancelier

Sächsisches Staatsweingut Schloss Wackerbarth
Wackerbarthstraße 1, 01445 Radebeul
www.schloss-wackerbarth.de

Weingut Schloss Proschwitz Prinz zur Lippe
Heiliger Grund 2, 01662 Meißen OT Proschwitz
www.schloss-proschwitz.de

Romantik Hotel Burgkeller Meißen
Domplatz 11, 01662 Meißen
www.burgkeller-meissen.de