Eltville Sparkling Wine and Biedermeier Festival

89 Years of Eltville, the Sparkling Wine Capital

The Eltville Sparkling Wine and Biedermeier Festival is one of the oldest and most elegant city festivals on the Rhine. The 89th edition in 2026 continues the unbroken tradition that began with the industrial production of sparkling wine in Eltville at the beginning of the 20th century. Eltville has held the title of Sparkling Wine Capital for decades – not as a marketing claim, but as a fact: 150 years of sparkling wine production are documented here. The historical names Matheus Müller, Mumm, and Schloss Vaux have shaped the face of Rheingau sparkling wine.

Four Stages on the Rhine and in the Castle Courtyard

The venues are the Rhine promenade and the Rose Garden at the Electoral Castle – a picture-postcard setting with an old castle tower, blooming roses, and a riverside atmosphere. Four stages host the musical program:

• MUMM Stage on the Rhine promenade
• Rheingauer Volksbank Stage in the castle courtyard
• Schloss VAUX Stage at the pier
• Another smaller stage with acoustic performances and historical formation dances

Biedermeier Strolling

The special feature of the Eltville festival is the Biedermeier Strolling on Sunday afternoon. Hundreds of Eltville residents (and guests) appear in historical costumes from the era between the Congress of Vienna and the 1848 Revolution: floral fabrics, ruffled hats, white shirt fronts, long frock coats, top hats. This choreography is not staged tourist theater but a genuine city tradition – you'll encounter more Biedermeier costumes than everyday clothing on the promenades.

Eltville – Heart of the Rheingau

Eltville am Rhein is located on the right bank of the Rhine, right in the heart of the Rheingau, perhaps Germany's most prominent wine region. With a population of just under 17,000, it's a compact small town with a rich history (Electoral Castle, founding of the printing press in the 15th century). Its location between vineyards and the river shapes the lifestyle – sparkling wine, Riesling, Pinot Noir, river traffic, day-trippers from Wiesbaden and Frankfurt.

Sparkling Wine, Wine, Food

Sparkling wine from Eltville's producers, along with Rheingau Riesling and Pinot Noir, and food from Eltville's restaurateurs and clubs. Sparkling wine tastings are offered throughout the weekend – those who want to taste all three classic houses (Mumm, M. Müller, Schloss Vaux) should plan a full day. Additionally, there are Rhine cruises departing from the pier, historical city tours, and a children's fairy tale program.