Even in the middle of winter — with frigid temperatures and frosty vines — it’s never too cold to celebrate wine. Enjoy the splendor of Germany’s Weinstrasse in the chilliest season of the year while keeping warm from the inside out by sipping local vintages at Freinsheim’s red wine hike this weekend.

The annual festivities kick off with a romantic, torch-lit procession that starts in front of the historic town hall (Rathaus) on Friday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m.

Purchase your own torch on site, and follow a knowledgeable vintner along a 7-kilometer-long trail where Freinsheimer winegrowers will be offering samplings of red wine varieties at 16 stations. Afraid of the dark? Don’t worry; large, handmade lanterns carved out of tree stumps, known as Swedish fire, will illuminate the paths.

The hikes will continue Jan. 27-28. Saturday and Sunday, guests are welcome at 11:30 a.m., and guided hikes begin at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

If you’re up for the challenge, join in the 10-kilometer-long run that begins Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. Winners receive wines from local winemakers.

For more information, visit their website, here.

Tip - It can be muddy on the hike, so make sure to bring good walking shoes and/or boots that can make the trek through the path.