Eselshautfest Mußbach — 1st Weekend

The Eselshautfest Mußbach is one of the most unusual and traditional Palatinate summer wine festivals. Its name refers to the famous vineyard site "Mußbacher Eselshaut" – one of the best Palatinate Riesling sites on the Haardtrand, whose distinctive name is said to originate from the donkeys that used to graze here.

The 2026 edition spans two festival weekends: the first weekend from July 3rd to 5th marks the festive start. The venue is the Herrenhof Mußbach, a historic ensemble of buildings with the Johannitergut, which is one of the oldest wineries in the Palatinate. The roots of the Johannitergut date back to the 12th century when the Order of St. John operated a commandery here.

The festival opening on Friday features one of the most original Palatinate festival traditions: the village crier with a donkey parades through the wine village, calling the people of Mußbach and their guests to the festival. The donkey, as a living mascot, connects tradition with the vineyard name and creates a distinctive identity.

The oenological highlight is the presentation of the experimental wines from the Staatsweingut/Johannitergut. As a scientifically operating winery, the Staatsweingut regularly conducts experiments with grape varieties, vinification methods, and vineyard sites – wines that are not normally commercially available. At the Eselshautfest, visitors have the rare opportunity to taste these specialties.

In addition, the Mußbach vintners and associations present their regular selections – Riesling from the Eselshaut and other Mußbach sites, Weissburgunder and Grauburgunder, Spätburgunder, and Sekt. The culinary offerings take place in the monument-protected Herrenhof: Palatinate classics are served in a medieval ensemble of buildings, creating a unique festival atmosphere.