Gengenbach Wine and City Festival

Wine Festival in one of Germany's Most Beautiful Old Towns

Gengenbach in the Ortenau district (Baden-Württemberg) is considered one of the best-preserved Imperial Cities in the Black Forest. When the Wine and City Festival takes over the romantic old town on the third weekend of September, the backdrop of the 200-year-old town hall, the stone knight, and the cobblestone alleys becomes the stage for one of the most traditional wine festivals in the Ortenau region. The market square and main street transform into a festive procession where you can sample your way from stall to stall while strolling past charming half-timbered houses.

The Wines of Ortenau

Viticulture in Gengenbach dates back over 1,000 years—Benedictine monks planted the first vines here, laying the foundation for the Ortenau wine tradition, which is now around 1,130 years old. At the city festival, several Gengenbach wineries present their best vintages: Klingelberger (local name for Riesling), Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Müller-Thurgau, and the full-bodied Gewürztraminer from the steep slopes around the town.

Crowning of the Wine Princess

The highlight of the weekend is the festive crowning of the new Gengenbach Wine Princess on Saturday evening in the market square. The young ambassador for Gengenbach wines will represent her city at wine events throughout Baden-Württemberg for one year. The solemn ceremony attracts thousands of spectators each year and is more than just folklore—it is a living testament to the wine-cultural identity of this Black Forest town.

Music, Culinary Delights, and Atmosphere

Regional bands and music associations provide the soundtrack, playing from Saturday afternoon until late at night—from Baden brass band music to pop covers to singer-songwriter sets. The stalls offer classic Baden specialties such as Flammkuchen (savory tart), Maultaschen (filled pasta dumplings), Bauernbrot (farmer's bread) with bacon, and hearty regional sausages. The festival often concludes on Sunday with a Sunday opening for shopping, where Gengenbach's unique shops—from chocolatiers to wine shops—open their doors.

Getting There and Location

Gengenbach is located directly on the A 5 motorway (Offenburg exit) and is easily accessible by train via the Schwarzwaldbahn line from Karlsruhe or Konstanz. It's only a few minutes' walk from the train station to the car-free old town—perfect for a leisurely journey home after enjoying the festival wine.