Geinsheim Wine and Ludwig Kerwe
First Palatinate Wine Festival with the new harvest wines and coronation of the Geinsheim Bacchus every two years
About Geinsheim Ludwig Kerwe
The Geinsheim Wine and Ludwig Kerwe is a Palatinate festival specialty with special significance in the wine year: it is the first wine festival in the Palatinate region to serve wines from the new harvest. While other wine villages are still celebrating with wines from the previous vintage, the new wine era begins in Geinsheim.
The 2026 edition takes place from Friday, August 28th to Monday, August 31st. The double name "Wine and Ludwig Kerwe" refers to two elements: the wine festival with the new vintages and the Ludwig Kerwe, historically linked to the village's patron saint (St. Ludwig).
A special feature of the 2026 edition: As it is an even year, the Coronation of the Geinsheim Bacchus will take place — an enthronement of the village's "festival king" held every two years. Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, is a traditional Palatinate festival figure, and his ceremonial coronation is a highlight of Geinsheim's festival culture.
During the festival days, live bands at the Förderverein on Friday and Saturday will provide the atmosphere. The program follows the classic Palatinate Kerwe dramaturgy: opening on Friday evening, main visiting day on Saturday with a highlight late in the evening, family day on Sunday, and the festival winding down on Monday.
Oenologically, Geinsheim is a Palatinate location with its own characteristics: the village is located somewhat off the classic Palatinate Wine Route in the eastern Rhine plain, leading to different geological conditions. Geinsheim wineries predominantly produce Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, and Schwarzriesling in a distinctive style.
Palatinate specialties — Saumagen, Bratwurst, Leberknödel, Quetschekuche, Flammkuchen — complement the oenological offerings. The familiar atmosphere of the Kerwe and its unusual position as the "first wine festival of the new harvest" make the Geinsheim Wine and Ludwig Kerwe a Palatinate festival institution.
Geinsheim Ludwig Kerwe — edition 2026
The 2026 edition is particularly significant due to the even year: the Coronation of the Geinsheim Bacchus, held every two years, is a unique festival highlight. The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in spring/summer. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years:
The event is part of the rich Palatinate festival culture, which attracts thousands of guests to the Neustadt an der Weinstraße region every year. The combination of wine culture, Palatinate hospitality, and established festival traditions forms the unmistakable identity of this Palatinate festival institution.
Programme Geinsheim Ludwig Kerwe 2026
Friday, August 28, 2026
Festival opening in the evening with the Coronation of the Geinsheim Bacchus (every two years in even years). Followed by a live band at the Förderverein. First wines of the new harvest.
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Main visiting day with Kerwe parade, live band at the Förderverein in the evening, full festival operation. Palatinate specialties and Geinsheim wines of the new harvest.
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Family day with morning pint and afternoon festival activities.
Monday, August 31, 2026
Final festival day with Palatinate festival closing.
Note
Detailed program with Bacchus coronation time, live bands, and Kerwe parade route available on neustadt.eu shortly before the festival begins.
Highlights Geinsheim Ludwig Kerwe 2026
- First Palatinate wine festival of the new harvest
- Coronation of the Geinsheim Bacchus 2026 (every two years)
- Live bands at the Förderverein Fri+Sat
- Traditional Kerwe parade on Saturday
- Palatinate specialties and Geinsheim wines
Prices Geinsheim Ludwig Kerwe 2026
Practical information — Geinsheim Ludwig Kerwe
Date
Friday, August 28th to Monday, August 31st, 2026.
Location
Festival grounds and courtyards in the Geinsheim district, 67435 Neustadt an der Weinstraße.
Special Feature 2026
As 2026 is an even year, the Coronation of the Geinsheim Bacchus will take place — every two years.
Program
Live band at the Förderverein on Friday and Saturday. Traditional Kerwe parade, Palatinate specialties on all festival days.
Admission
Free admission. Wines and food directly at the stands.
Getting There
Bus from Neustadt Hbf to Geinsheim. Public transport recommended.
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