Must-Attend German Wine Festivals in 2020

German wine festivals are a bit like Christmas markets. When in season, there are so many of them, the choice can be a bit overwhelming. So, while travelling any wine region in Germany between June and September, just ask around and your friendly local will recommend you his favourite wine fest – more often than not it will be one taking place in his village.

Weinfest in Germany
Expect to get close to the locals … (picture (c) Deutsches Weininstitut)

And what can you expect from your average village wine fest? Fairly priced wines in copious amounts, a lot of elbow rubbing and a fair share of public tipsiness — verging towards full party mode as the evening proceeds.

In case you are looking for more, say with a bit of tasting and the chance to talk to a wine professional, you should be attending one wine events listed below: 

April 5, 2020 – Nahe Wine Region: Niederhäuser Weinfrühling / wine tasting event

Shake off winter stiffness with a tasting of some of the best wines the Nahe Region has to offer. 9 Estates will be presenting their 2018 vintage wines.

June 5-7, 2020 – wine region of Mosel: Mythos Mosel / wine tasting event and festival

Mythos Mosel is one of the most popular tasting festivals amongst real German wine lovers. Travel the Mosel river and stop for tasting at some of the 30 participating estates (+ another 60 guest estates will be there as well).

June 20, 2020 – in wine region of Rheinhessen: Heimspiel / wine tasting event

3 Estates, 30+ winemakers , 100+ wines to taste. That’s the formula of Heimspiel (=’home opener’), an annual event alternating between Rheinhessen and Nahe.

June 4, 2020 – Frankfurt: International Sparkling Wine Festival / wine tasting event

Interested in top quality fizz? The International Sparkling Wine Festival sports 60+ participants pouring their ‘méthode traditionelle’ sparkling wines.

August 14-23, 2020 – Rheingau: Weinwoche Wiesbaden / wine festival

In the third week of August the city center of Wiesbaden will transform itself into one of the biggest winebars of Germany. Over 100 vintners will be participating and pour wines at their stalls. Expect live music and German street food, too.

August 28-30, 2020 – Saar: Saar Riesling Sommer / wine tasting event and festival

12 renowned estates of the Saar wine region will open their doors and cellars for the interested public to taste their wines. Each estate will not only have their own wines up for tasting but also host a number of partner estates. For 2020 you can expect about 40 wineries to take part, amongs them estates as famous as J.J. Prüm, von Othegraven, Selbach-Oster.

www.saar-riesling-sommer.de

August 27-30 and September 3-6, 2020 – Rheinhessen: Weinmarkt Mainz / wine festival

Experience Rheinhessen wine-lifestyle in one of its most comprehensive forms: just off the city center of Mainz, the Weinmarkt draws the crowds with its mix of excellent wineries (over 100), eclectic food offers and life music performances. The festival’s central location on the city’s hillside park contributes to a laid back and relaxed atmosphere – and allows for an easy crawl back to your hotel.

November 28, 2020 – Pfalz: Open Cellars Pfalz / tasting event

Spend a night out in the cellars of some of the most famous wine estates of the Pfalz. This event is hosted by member estates of the elite vintner’s association VDP. Over 30 participating estates will pour tasting shots on the background of some of the most spectacular cellar rooms of the Pfalz region.

BottleStops will be offering tours to most these winefests.