Apollo Music Days Valwig

Valwig is a small Mosel village between Cochem and Ediger-Eller, known primarily for two things: its traditional steep slopes producing excellent Rieslings and the famous “Apolloweg,” a hiking trail through the vineyards above the village. The Apolloweg is named after the Apollo butterfly, an extremely rare butterfly whose last German population is found in the slate terraces around Valwig. This ecological peculiarity has made the region a destination for nature lovers and butterfly enthusiasts.

The Apollo Music Days embrace this identity, combining culture, wine, and a natural experience over five days around Pentecost. The program includes classical concerts in St. Martin's parish church, acoustic live music in selected vineyard locations with Mosel views, readings by regional authors, guided hikes along the Apolloweg with a nature conservation expert, and wine tastings hosted by Valwig vintners.

A highlight are the “Concerts in the Vineyard” — small, intimate performances by string quartets, singer-songwriters, or folk groups directly in the steep slopes. The acoustics of the sloping slate terraces, the view of the Mosel, and the fusion of music and natural scenery make these concerts unforgettable experiences. The guided Apollo butterfly hikes in the late morning offer a rare opportunity to observe the rare butterfly in its natural habitat and learn about the nature conservation project.

The wines come from Valwig vintners and are served during tasting breaks, in courtyards, and in the festival tent at the market square. Rieslings from the Apolloweg slopes are the specialty — mineral, precise, with a distinct slate note.