Traditional Federweißerfest Bad Sulza

Federweißer — Wine in the Making

Federweißer is a fermenting, freshly pressed grape must, served during the first days of its fermentation process according to traditional autumn harvesting methods. Sweet and effervescent, with an alcohol content between 4 and 11 percent, it heralds the new vintage and is an integral part of German wine autumn culture. In Bad Sulza, the heart of Thuringian viticulture, Federweißer is celebrated with its own festival — on the grounds of the Thuringian Winery in the Sonnendorf district.

The Thuringian Wine Region

The Saale-Unstrut wine-growing region, to which Bad Sulza belongs, is Germany's northernmost quality wine-growing region with approximately 800 hectares. The vines grow on shell limestone and variegated sandstone soils, characterized by a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Silvaner, Bacchus, and Dornfelder are among the main grape varieties. The Thuringian Winery Bad Sulza is one of the most traditional wineries in the region.

What's on Offer at the Federweißerfest

Federweißer is the star — naturally served fresh from the open barrel, accompanied by onion cake (a traditional side dish), crispy tarte flambée from the wood-fired oven, vintner burgers with regional products, and vineyard peaches. For those who don't fancy Federweißer, the finished Thuringian wines can be sampled — from dry Müller-Thurgau to sweet Spätlese Dornfelder.

Cellar Tours and Wine Princess

During the festival, cellar tours are offered: a look into the wooden barrels, an explanation of winemaking, and a demonstration of the historic wine press. The reigning Thuringian Wine Princess visits the festival and represents the wine-growing region. Live music accompanies the day — usually acoustic, regional, and atmospheric.

Bad Sulza as a Spa and Wine Town

Bad Sulza in the Weimarer Land district is not only a wine town but also a state-recognized spa town with thermal brine and the renowned Toskana Therme. Visitors can combine their festival visit with a bike ride along the Saale-Unstrut Cycle Path, explore the Saale-Unstrut wine region with its famous steep slopes, or enjoy a wellness day at the thermal spa.