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In the mood for fun in and around the vineyards? Here’s a short list of wine-related events happening near U.S. military installations in Germany, sorted by wine region:
Pfalz
Neustadt: Sept. 18 – Oct. 4, Weingarten. In lieu of its massive wine fest and parade, Neustadt is setting up a spacious wine garden in front of the Saalbau, a building just steps away from its central train station, where guests can sip between 11 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Reserve seats in advance.
Deidesheim: Sept. 19, Oct. 3 and Oct. 31, historical wine tasting at Weingut Herbert Giessen. Taste six different wines over 2.5 hours in a stylish setting at a cost of 16 euros (in German).
Rheingau
Oestrich-Winkel: On Oct. 11, the Schloss Vollrads wine estate invites those interested to experience the harvest. In addition to picking grapes, visitors will enjoy a glass of Riesling, a light meal, talk by the cellar master and a bottle of Riesling to take home (in German). The four-hour program costs 54 euros, and participants must register in advance. To book, see Weinlese Auf Schloss Vollrads.
Eltville: September 14, 21 and 28, wine tasting on the Ferris wheel. A 30-minute turn on the Ferris wheel with sampling two or three wines, depending on the hosting winery, costs 19 euros. Advance booking essential, and some dates require a reservation of a minimum of four guests.
Rheinhessen
Oppenheim: Oct. 3, Schlemmerwanderung. This five-mile walk through the vineyards takes place twice once in spring and once in autumn. This year’s edition looks much different than in previous years, however. Instead of just showing up, participants must register in advance for one of two walking sessions: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., or 1 p.m.-4 p.m. This year’s edition features a start and finish stand, along with one with a panoramic view, at which food will be sold. Various packages are can be booked; for example, a package for two with two wine glasses, a backpack and a bottle of wine goes for 19 euros.
Framersheim: Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, Autumn harvest at the Weingut Dr. Hinkel wine estate. A full day of helping with the harvest, soup for lunch, hands-on wine making experience and tastings, followed by a small harvest fest (in German). The package goes for 49.50 euros.
Württemberg
Esslingen: Sept. 19 and Oct. 24, “Wander where the wine grows” is a 3.5 hour package in which several of the town’s winemakers accompany guests to their vineyards, with ample time for sampling built in. The walk ends in Mettingen with a half-hour tour of a press and more sampling (in German). Tickets go for 30 euros and are available at the Esslingen city info point or online.
