Brettener Weinmarkt

Brettener Weinmarkt — the Kraichgau Hotspot

When the historic market square of Bretten, with its brick town hall and half-timbered houses as a backdrop, becomes a wine forum on the last weekend of September, it's Weinmarkt time. In 2026, the event runs from September 24 to 28 — five days of wine enjoyment, supported by wineries from Kraichgau, Stromberg, Heuchelberg, and Zabergäu. Bretten is located in the heart of these four wine-growing regions — strategically ideal for bringing them together under one market roof.

Four Wine Regions, One Market Square

What makes the Brettener Weinmarkt special is the geographical concentration of four neighboring wine-growing regions, each with its own profile:

• Kraichgau — the hilly "Tuscany of Baden" with Trollinger, Müller-Thurgau, and Riesling
• Stromberg — Württemberg vineyards with Lemberger and Spätburgunder
• Heuchelberg — Cooperative focusing on white and red wines from the Heuchelberg massif
• Zabergäu — Small, characterful wine-growing region between Heilbronn and Stuttgart

These four regions offer a range of around 200 different wines available for tasting at the stands — an ideal opportunity to get a compact overview of the Baden-Württemberg wine world of the Kraichgau-Stromberg-Heuchelberg-Zabergäu region.

Schlenderpass — The Trademark

Those who want to systematically sample the variety can purchase the "Schlenderpass" for €25. The package includes:

• 8 wine tastings à 0.1 l (freely selectable at all stands)
• A stylish Bretten Weinmarkt wine glass
• A practical glass tote bag

The Schlenderpass is the ideal format for strolling from stand to stand all evening long — hence the name.

Buttenmarsch on Sunday

The highlight on Sunday is the traditional Buttenmarsch — a grape harvest parade where costume groups from the four wine regions march through Bretten's pedestrian zone with wooden wine tubs, accompanied by music. Afterwards, on the market square stage, the grape-pressing demonstration takes place — grape pickers press fresh grapes with historical equipment, the audience can taste the fresh grape juice ("Sußer") and witness firsthand how wine was traditionally made.

Sunday Shopping

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the shops in Bretten's city center will open in parallel with the wine market — a Sunday shopping event that combines wine with shopping. Fashion, household goods, gifts, books — the city center retailers will offer special promotions.

Bretten — Melanchthon's Town in the Kraichgau

Bretten is a town in the Karlsruhe district, located in the heart of the Kraichgau, the hilly transitional land between the Black Forest and the Odenwald. It is known as the birthplace of the reformer Philipp Melanchthon (1497) — which the town celebrates annually with the famous Peter-und-Paul Festival. The historic city center with its market square, collegiate church, and city walls is well-preserved and forms the ideal backdrop for a wine festival. You can reach Bretten by train from Karlsruhe in 30 minutes, and from Heilbronn in 30 minutes.