Raise A Glass: Your Guide to the Bernkastel-Kues Wine Festival
Nestled in the heart of Germany’s renowned Moselle wine region, Bernkastel-Kues is a charming town that comes alive each year with the exhilarating Bernkastel-Kues Wine Festival. This event is a celebration of the region’s rich winemaking heritage, offering visitors an experience with wine tastings, lively entertainment, and captivating activities. Here’s your ultimate guide to planning a trip and attending the Bernkastel-Kues Wine Festival.
Weinfest der Mittelmosel
The Bernkastel-Kues Wine Festival, also known as Weinfest der Mittelmosel, is a time-honored tradition that attracts wine enthusiasts from around the world.
The Mosel Valley has been a wine-producing region for over 2,000 years. The Romans were among the first to cultivate vines here, appreciating the unique terroir that imparts distinct flavors to the wine.
Today, the Bernkastel-Kues Wine Festival continues this tradition, celebrating the rich history and cultural significance of wine in the region.
Market Square and Main Street are transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, adorned with beautifully decorated wine and food booths. Some of the festival highlights include wine tasting, entertainment, and eating delicious German cuisine.
If you’re looking for another wine event in Germany to attend, check out:
Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt
When & Where
Weinfest der Mittelmosel usually takes place in early September and lasts for five days, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.
2024 Wine Festival Dates: August 29 – September 2
Bernkastel-Kues is located right in the heart of the Mosel Valley in Western Germany along the Moselle River. The drive to Bernkastel-Kues is ~2 hours from Frankfurt.
If you’re military located in Germany, Bernkastel-Kues is located about an hour and a half north from the KMC area, a little less than 2 hours west of Wiesbaden, and a little more than 3 hours northwest of Stuttgart.
Address: Gestade 5-4, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues, Germany | Google Maps
How to Travel to Bernkastel-Kues
Unfortunately, there is no train that goes directly into Bernkastel-Kues, so driving would be the easiest option. Plan ahead of where to park, to arrive early, and have a back up plan, as it does get crowded throughout the day.
Parking Options:
If driving isn’t a possibility, then you can take the train to a nearby town, and then bus into Bernkastel-Kues. The festival website offers more detailed information on Parking and Shuttle Service available if you need additional assistance.
Wine Festival Highlights
The 300 meter-long Wine Street is the center of the festival. Immerse yourself in the world of Moselle wines with tastings from the region’s esteemed wineries. Sample a variety of exquisite Rieslings, delicate Pinot Blancs, and vibrant Spätburgunders (Pinot Noirs). The rieslings are my favorite!
Taste Local Wines
The Bernkastel-Kues Wine Festival showcases the exceptional wines produced in the Moselle region. Renowned for its Rieslings, the festival provides an opportunity to taste and appreciate the diverse range of wines.
Prices at the festival vary depending on the winery and the wine selection. Generally, tastings are affordable, with prices ranging from €2.00 to €4.00 per glass.
Don’t forget about the pfand, or the glass deposit, when you order a glass of wine. Like many festivals in Germany, you pay for a glass deposit of usually €2.00 or €3.00 in addition to your drink. Once you return y9ur glass, you receive your deposit back.
Bottles of wine can be purchased directly from the wineries’ booths, allowing visitors to take their favorite Moselle wines home with them. Plan to bring euros for any spending at the festival.
Culinary Delights
Savor local gastronomic delights that perfectly complement the wines. Indulge in hearty German cuisine, such as sausages, pretzels, potato pancakes, cheeses, as well as desserts. There is something for every preference.
Additionally, you can visit one of the many restaurants throughout Old Town.
When we went, two restaurants we ate at were Restaurant Alt Bernkastel and Schützenhaus, and they were both delicious! Schützenhaus has the best 360° panoramic views of Bernkastel-Kues, and even better fish nuggets on their menu.
Entertainment & Activities
Here is quick glance of the schedule for some of the highlights and events taking place over the Bernkastel-Kues Wine Festival weekend:
- Thursday – Wine Tasting at 5:00 pm, Mosel Flower Evening starting at 6:30 pm
- Friday – Reception of the Mosella Wine Queen at 8:00 pm
- Saturday – Fireworks at 9:00 pm
- Sunday – Traditional Parade at 2:00 pm
- Tuesday – Family Day at the fair
Enjoy the lively atmosphere created by traditional music performances, dance shows, and open-air concerts on three different stages. Take part in the festive spirit by joining locals in a joyful toast with a glass of wine in hand. Live music plays from Thursday until Monday.
Friday until Tuesday, the amusement park opens for families and guests on the opposite side of the Moselle. On the final day, Tuesday, is family day with reduced admission prices for various rides and attractions.
One of the festival’s highlights is the grand wine parade on Sunday. This event features beautifully decorated floats, accompanied by the Moselle Wine Queen. The parade winds through the historic streets of Bernkastel-Kues, providing a visual feast of color and creativity that celebrates the region’s viticultural heritage.
Explore Surrounding Attractions
While the wine festival is undoubtedly the main attraction, Bernkastel-Kues and its surrounding area offer much more to explore. Here are some additional activities and attractions to consider during your visit.
Exploring the Town
Take a stroll through the town’s enchanting medieval streets, lined with half-timbered houses, charming shops, and cozy wine taverns. The iconic Market Square, with its Renaissance-style fountain, is a must-visit. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy the views.
Moselle River Boat Tour
Embark on a leisurely boat tour along the picturesque Moselle River, where vineyard-covered slopes and fairytale castles create a breathtaking backdrop. Enjoy the serene beauty of the region from a different perspective on a Moselle River Cruise.
Landshut Castle
Just a short distance from Bernkastel-Kues, Burg Landshut offers panoramic views of the town and the river valley. Explore the castle ruins and soak in the historical ambiance while learning about the region’s fascinating past.
There is a restaurant in the castle with beautiful views to enjoy a snack and a glass of wine. You can drive and park near the castle, take the castle shuttle, or hike up the steep hill. The castle is free of charge to visit, with the exception of €1.00 to climb the tower.
Bernkastel Wine Museum
Delve deeper into the world of winemaking by visiting the Bernkastel Wine Museum. Discover the history, traditions, and techniques of Moselle wine production. End your visit with a wine tasting in the museum’s atmospheric cellars.
Tips for Visiting
Here are some essential tips for planning your trip to the Bernkastel-Kues Wine Festival.
Arrive Early
Bernkastel-Kues attracts thousands of visitors for the wine festival over the 5 day event. Due to Bernkastel-Kues being a smaller town with limited parking, I recommend arriving earlier in the day to enjoy the wine festival before the crowds.
You will have more seating available, have less lines to wait in, and have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.
Bringing Cash
Like other festivals in Germany, you will need euro for any food or drink you choose to purchase. I always recommend bringing cash, in addition to a few coins in case you need them for the bathrooms.
Depending on how much you plan on drinking or eating, I think at least €50.00 would be sufficient.
Are Dogs Allowed?
Although dogs are technically allowed to the wine festival, I recommend against bringing them unless you plan on visiting early in the day right when it opens.
Due to the increased crowds, potential broken glass on the ground, and the nights with fireworks, the health and safety of your dogs should be top priority.
The Bernkastel-Kues Annual Wine Festival is an unmissable celebration of Moselle’s winemaking heritage, offering visitors an immersive experience filled with delectable wines, traditional delicacies, and lively entertainment.
Whether you’re a wine aficionado or simply seeking a delightful cultural getaway, Bernkastel-Kues and its annual wine festival are sure to leave you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the art of winemaking.
