A WORKER CUTS GRAPES AT SCHLOSS PROSCHWITZ WINEYARDS, 2002-10-29 (photo)

A worker cuts Scheurebe grapes in the vineyards of Schloss Proschwitz estate in former communist Saxony, Germany's smallest and easternmost wine growing region. Saxony has a wine growing tradition dating back 900 years but production at Schloss Proschwitz was neglected under communism when the estate's castle was converted into a home for the mentally handicapped. Once the property of the bishops of Meissen until the mid 16th century, it was taken over by the Prinz zur Lippe family before being nationalised after World War Two in 1945. The family regained ownership after unification in 1990 and set about modernising and restoring the estate. It produces dry red as well as white wines and sparkling wine, and is now regarded as one of the few commercial success stories in economically depressed eastern Germany. Picture taken October 29, 2002. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch FAB/WS