Event Details
Welcome to the Rheingau Wine Market in Frankfurt
Every late summer, Frankfurt's famous promenade Freßgass' transforms into an open-air wine tasting venue. At the Rheingau Wine Market, around 30 winemakers from the Rheingau region present their finest wines directly to visitors. With over 600 wines and sparkling wines on offer, this event is one of the most beloved late summer festivals in Hesse and a must for wine lovers visiting Frankfurt.
Since its debut in 1978, the Rheingau Wine Market has become a permanent fixture in Frankfurt's event calendar. The festival attracts over 400,000 visitors each year. The concept is deliberately authentic: the focus is on direct dialogue between winemakers and wine enthusiasts, without a stage programme or entertainment. The wine and the conversation are the stars of the show.
Highlights
- Over 600 wines and sparkling wines from the Rheingau region to taste
- Around 30 wineries present, from VDP estates to young winemakers
- Ceremonial opening on the first evening with the crowning of the Frankfurt Wine Queen
- Culinary specialities from Freßgass' restaurants: tarte flambée, roasted meats, international dishes
- Guided wine tours to explore the full range of wines
- Free admission for all visitors
- Central Frankfurt location with excellent public transport connections
Programme & Atmosphere
The Rheingau Wine Market deliberately avoids a formal entertainment programme. Freßgass' itself is the stage: wine stand after wine stand along this elegant promenade and across Opernplatz invites visitors to linger, taste and converse. Alongside the Riesling that dominates the Rheingau, the market also features wines from alternative grape varieties and premium sparkling wines.
The official opening ceremony takes place on the first evening at 6:00 PM at the Freßgass' fountain. The highlight of the opening is the crowning of the new Frankfurt Wine Queen, presided over by the Rheingau Wine Queen and the President of the Rheingau Wine Association.
Wine Tours
Visitors who want to explore the wine selection in a structured way can join one of the guided wine tours. These tours lead participants to selected wine stands and offer valuable insights into grape varieties, vintages and the winemaking philosophies of the Rheingau producers.
Getting There
- Metro: Alte Oper station (U6/U7) or Hauptwache (U1/U2/U3/U6/U7/U8)
- S-Bahn: Hauptwache or Taunusanlage station (S1–S6, S8/S9)
- Bus: Line 64 and night bus N7, stop Alte Oper
- Bicycle: Easily accessible by bike
- Car: No parking on site; nearest car park at PalaisQuartier, Große Eschenheimer Str. 10
Visitor Tips
- Weekdays are quieter; weekends get significantly more crowded.
- Groups can reserve tables directly with individual wineries.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the market stretches along the full length of Freßgass' and across Opernplatz.
- September can still be pleasantly warm in Frankfurt; bring a light jacket for the evenings.
- Admission to the market is free; you only pay for the wine in your glass.
