Cheers to Germany’s Harvest With 4 Must-Visit Wine Festivals

The harvest and holiday seasons are delightful times for wine lovers, especially in countries with rich winemaking traditions, like Germany. From August to December, Germany’s wine heritage shines brightly through a series of unique festivals held across its renowned wine regions. More than 1.000 wine festivals offer more than just the opportunity to savor exceptional wines—they also provide an immersive experience in German culture.

Photo Source: Lorenzo Antonucci

Germany not on this year’s itinerary? Travel with your taste buds and head to our Events page to find German wines at a restaurant, retailer, or festival near you while celebrating stateside.

Welcome Harvest at Rothenburg Wine Village 

Photo Source: Rothenburg Tourismus Service, Pfitzinger
Timing: August 14-18, 2024

Experiencing the wine village of Rothenburg is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer and hello to wine season. Every August, locals and tourists alike immerse themselves in authentic German culture at an annual five-day wine festival.

Located in the Franken region, Rothenburg boasts a rich winemaking heritage, having produced exceptional German wines since the Middle Ages. As you admire the quaint town’s characteristic Medieval architecture, be sure to enjoy the local live music and delight in regional delicacies, such as sweet Franconian cakes and local bratwurst. 

Above all, don’t miss the chance to savor a diverse selection of Franconian wines. Franken is renowned for its fuller-bodied, drier wines. Whether celebrating abroad or at home, we suggest sipping a glass of Silvaner, Franken’s most iconic grape variety. Bonus points if it’s poured from a traditional Bocksbeutel! 

Experience Moselfest Winningen, Germany’s oldest wine festival 

Photo Source: Visit Mosel
Timing: August 30-September 6, 2024

Dive into authentic German wine culture at Moselfest Winningen in one of the Mosel’s most scenic winegrowing villages. Discover the rich history of Germany’s oldest wine region as you enjoy a 10-day celebration full of sensory delights.

At the festival, you can enjoy a range of activities, such as colorful parades, live music performances, and the crowning of a new wine Queen and Princesses, elected each year to represent the region’s winegrowers. The festival’s grand finale, a spectacular fireworks show over the Mosel River, is an unmissable event.  

To fully experience the Mosel region’s wine legacy, be sure to visit the wine market, where 16 local wineries will showcase over 120 styles for tasting and purchase—a perfect memento of your visit!

Known for its exceptional Rieslings, enjoy a glass (or several!) of lower-alcohol trocken (dry), Kabinett or Spätlese styles from the Mosel while celebrating the harvest season and all its delights—no matter where you are.

Celebrate Reds at Ingelheim Red Wine Festival 

Photo Source: RLP Tourismus

Timing: september 28-october 6, 2024

If you’re a red wine enthusiast, the Ingelheim Red Wine Festival is for you! For nine days, local winegrowers from the Rheinhessen region dazzle wine lovers with their latest and finest vintages. As Germany’s largest winemaking region, Rheinhessen offers a diverse selection of red, white, and rosé wines, as well as sparkling wines (called Sekt).

The festival features live music, delicious local cuisine, and the crowning of the new Red Wine Queen. It’s also a family-friendly event, with an exciting amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel and other attractions. The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display, providing a stunning finale to the celebration. 

Toast to the Season at Birkweiler Wine Winter

Photo Source: Südliche Weinstraße
Timing: December 4-6, 2024

While Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, why not Clink Different this holiday season by experiencing the Birkweiler Wine Winter

Each December, this charming event celebrates the end of the 2024 wine season, inviting you to stroll through local candlelit wineries and cellars. Enjoy a curated selection of fine wines from the Pfalz region, indulge in delectable appetizers and uncover seasonal wine specialties like mulled wine (“Glühhwein”).

Make sure to sample regional favorites like aromatic Riesling and Müller-Thurgau, or complex Pinot Noir, which is also known as Spätburgunder. It’s a perfect way to close out the year with the rich flavors and warmth of Pfalz wines!

Experience Germany’s wine culture year-round without the need for travel. Explore events closer to home on our Events page and keep up with the latest in German wine by following Clink Different on Instagram and Facebook.