Ball des Weines im Kurhaus Wiesbaden

The Gala Evening of German Premium Winemakers

The Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) brings together around 200 of Germany's top wineries. Once a year, the association hosts its grand gala ball — the Ball des Weines — at the Wiesbaden Kurhaus. Here, the German wine elite meets with politicians, business leaders, and cultural figures in one of the country's most splendid festival halls.

The Kurhaus as a Stage

The Kurhaus Wiesbaden, inaugurated in 1907 by Kaiser Wilhelm II, is considered one of Europe's most beautiful spa complex ensembles — a blend of Classicism and Art Nouveau, featuring marble halls, ballrooms, and the famous Friedrich von Thiersch Hall. On gala evenings, the building sparkles with light; a perfect backdrop for a gala dinner with several hundred guests in evening attire.

Motto 2026: «A toast to you!»

The motto for the 2026 edition is «A toast to you!» — a toast to the guests and German premium wine culture. The ball is not just a showcase for the industry but also a charitable event: the proceeds from the raffle go to charitable recipients each year. In 2025, the proceeds amounted to €13,500 for the Wiesbaden Tafel e. V.; a charitable focus is also planned for 2026.

Live Music and Entertainment

The program features high musical quality: The Bundeswehr Big Band, conducted by Timor Oliver Chadik, plays danceable big band music. A Queen cover band («Q-Revival Band» — «God Save The Queen») takes over the rock segment. Soul and R&B singer Dominick Thomas, pianist Tobias Bösel, the duo Ty Leblonc & John Paul, and an FFH disco with DJ Daniel Fischer provide variety. Entertainment acts include variety juggler JETON and Spanish entertainer José Rodriguez.

Political Stage

Regular guests of honor include the Hessian Minister President Boris Rhein and the Mayor of Wiesbaden Gert-Uwe Mende — the ball is a political highlight in Hesse.