The "Mitteldeutsches Institut für Weinforschung" (East German Institute for Wine Research) at the university in Anhalt has officially inaugurated a satellite office in Freyburg (Unstrut). Among the topics to be investigated there is drought stress.

This now provides a scientific basis for a discussion on the topic of wine in close proximity to the producers in this region, something to build on for the future. The two wine producers associations in Eastern Germany, those of Saale-Unstrut and Sachsen have welcomed the devlopment, as wine producers hope the partnership will bear fruit. "Our vineyard sites present numerous specific climatic and geological features, which distinguish them from other wine-growing regions in Germany. For instance, stress through insufficient water supply and its effects on the vine are a topic that requires scientific investigation", says Siegfried Boy, president of the Saale-Unstrut wine producers association, in describing the eypectations one has for the new neighbour. (WF)