Event Details
Welcome to the German Wine Harvest Festival 2026
From 25 September to 11 October 2026, the historic center of Neustadt an der Weinstraße turns into an eighteen day festival mile. The Deutsches Weinlesefest is considered Germany's largest wine growers' festival and the grand finale of the Palatinate wine season; at its heart is the election and crowning of the German Wine Queen and the Palatinate Wine Queen.
Highlights
- Crowning of the German Wine Queen on 25 September
- Palatinate wine village "Haiselscher" throughout the entire festival
- w.i.n.e.FESTival with the "Bon Vivant" mirror palace on Hetzelplatz
- Election of the Palatinate Wine Queen and princesses on 2 October
- Grand Palatinate wine tasting of the Wine Brotherhood on 10 October
- Grand winegrowers' parade with over one hundred floats on 11 October
- Fairground in the historic old town
Program
The festival opens on 25 September with the final round of the German Wine Queen election, traditionally crowned at the Neustadt Saalbau. At the same time, the Palatinate wine village Haiselscher opens its stalls with new wine and regional specialties. From 2 October, the w.i.n.e.FESTival and the fairground join the program; the same day also sees the election of the Palatinate Wine Queen. On 3 October, the Sparkling Wine Day invites visitors to taste sparkling wines, followed by the young winegrowers' matinee on 4 October. The Grand Palatinate Wine Tasting takes place in the Saalbau's festival hall on 10 October. The festival closes on 11 October with one of Germany's largest parades, the Grand Winegrowers' Parade, featuring over one hundred decorated floats and marching bands through the city center.
Tickets
Access to the wine festival, the Haiselscher village, the fairground and the parade is free; payment is made directly at the wine stands by the glass or bottle. Some accompanying events, such as guided wine tastings or the Grand Palatinate Wine Tasting, may require separate registration or a ticket; exact prices are announced by the Neustadt Tourist Information.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early on 11 October to secure a good spot along the parade route.
- Traveling by train is recommended, as the city center may be closed to car traffic on parade days.
- The Haiselscher wine village is a good choice for a quieter evening away from the fairground crowds.
- Check the detailed program from the Tourist Information for the coronation ceremony at the Saalbau.
- Bring warm clothing for the evenings, as late September and October can already be cool.
