Bechtolsheimer Kerb

Bechtolsheim, a Wine Village with History

Bechtolsheim is located in southeastern Rhenish Hesse, in the Wonnegau association of municipalities, and is one of the oldest settlements in the region. The village was first mentioned in the Lorsch Codex as early as 779. Today, Bechtolsheim is a typical Rhenish wine village with around 1700 inhabitants, several wineries, and an active club life. The Kerb has been the highlight of the festival calendar for centuries.

Wine, Food, and Music

The focus of the Kerb is on the wines of the Bechtolsheim vintners. Riesling, Silvaner, Grauburgunder, Spätburgunder, and increasingly Sekt (sparkling wine) from their own production are served at the stalls. The wine is accompanied by Rhenish specialties: Spundekäs (a cheese dip), Handkäs (a sour milk cheese), Saumagen (stuffed pork stomach), Bratwürste (sausages), Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart), and Federweißer-Kuchen (young wine cake). Local bands provide entertainment on stage and invite guests to dance.

Kerb Tradition in the Wonnegau

In the Wonnegau region, the Kerb follows a fixed ritual: opening with a barrel tapping ceremony, festival activities over several days, a Kerb parade on Sunday, and a quiet conclusion. The Kerwejugend (Kerb youth), organized in a Kerwegemeinschaft (Kerb community association), traditionally takes care of the customs and organizes the parade. In Bechtolsheim, the Kerb is a cross-generational festival attended by grandparents, parents, and children alike.

Excursion Destinations around Bechtolsheim

Those who wish to combine their Kerb visit with an excursion will find numerous hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. The Hiwwelroute of Rheinhessen-Tourismus leads through the rolling hills of the region and offers expansive views of the Wonnegau. The historic old town of Alzey and the Petersberg Chapel in Eppelsheim are also popular destinations.