Beats & Grapes – Underground Wine Festival in the State Winery Cellars

Wine Festival 2.0 in a World Heritage Cellar

In just a few years, Beats & Grapes has become one of Franconia's most unconventional wine festivals. The idea: Instead of a street wine festival with communal tables and brass bands, the historic barrel vaults of the Staatlicher Hofkeller under the Residenzplatz become the stage – with light installations, DJ sets, and a dance floor. Young wines and Secco flow, glitter on the skin, beats within the walls: a format that combines Franconian wine tradition with club culture.

The Staatlicher Hofkeller – One of Germany's Largest Wine Cellars

The Staatlicher Hofkeller Würzburg is one of Germany's most traditional wineries. Founded in the Middle Ages under the administration of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, the Hofkeller today manages around 120 hectares of Franconian vineyards. The baroque cellar beneath the Würzburg Residence – a UNESCO World Heritage site – with its extensive barrel vaults is the spatial heart. It is precisely here that space is made for Beats & Grapes once a year: dancing among Riesling barrels.

Four Evenings, Four DJs

The festival runs over two weekends (Fri/Sat) in April. The following DJs are announced for 2026:

• Friday, April 10, 2026: DJ Brian
• Saturday, April 11, 2026: DJ Alex Mader
• Friday, April 17, 2026: DJ Tobias Göbel & DJ Yvonne Mimosa
• Saturday, April 18, 2026: DJ Tim Timsen

The music ranges from Mixed Music and Indie-Electronic to House and R'n'B sets – a deliberately broad spectrum that appeals to both wine enthusiasts and club-goers.

Young Wines and Secco

The young wines from the current Hofkeller line are served: Silvaner, Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus, Scheurebe – the typical Franconian grape varieties. Alongside Secco (Franconian sparkling wine) and selected red wines. You pay per glass at the bar; admission only covers entry.

Underground Atmosphere Instead of Sing-along Wine Festival

Unlike classic Franconian wine festivals – such as the Weindorf, Weinparade, or Hafensommer – Beats & Grapes targets a younger, urban audience. Glitter, black clothing, sneakers, and DJ sets instead of Bocksbeutel-style communal feasts. The event is strictly for ages 18 and up; entry only with ID. An event that shows how the Staatlicher Hofkeller is strategically opening up its traditional brand to a young target audience.

Würzburg as the Franconian Wine Capital

With the vineyards Stein, Innere Leiste, and Abtsleite, Würzburg is the quintessential Franconian wine capital. Three of Germany's most renowned wineries – Staatlicher Hofkeller, Bürgerspital, and Juliusspital – are based here. Beats & Grapes is part of a strategy to make the Franconian wine world more accessible and to attract new target groups. A unique presentation in German wine culture.