Gonsenheimer Kerb with Winzerhöfe

The Gonsenheimer Kerb is one of the more well-known Mainz district Kirchweihen (church consecration festivals) and is part of the summer wine festivals organized by the Mainz Winegrowers' Initiative. It traditionally takes place on the first weekend of September — from September 4th to 7th, 2026 — and combines two Rhenish Hessian festival traditions: the ecclesiastical Kerb (Kirchweih) and the open winegrower courtyard format of the Mainz winegrowers.

Gonsenheim, with around 24,000 inhabitants, is the largest district of Mainz and is located west of the city, bordering the vineyards of the Mainz municipal wineries. The historic old town center around the St. Stephan parish church and the Maler-Becker-Anlage forms the festival area.

The Kerb fairground An der Brausch — a central area in the district — hosts the classic Kerb program: rides for children and families (carousel, children's chain carousel, ring toss game), food stalls run by Gonsenheim associations (marksmen's clubs, carnival clubs, sports clubs), a small stage with musical performances, and the obligatory Kerb beer tent.

Parallel to this, and crucial to the character of the Gonsenheimer Kerb, are the open winegrower courtyards. The Mainz winegrowers with vineyards in the Gonsenheim district open their estates in the old town center for the Kerb days. In the atmosphere of the historic inner courtyards, amidst sandstone walls and old chestnut trees, their own wines are served: Rieslings, Silvaners, Burgundians, rosé, and red wines from Gonsenheim vineyards. Spundekäs, Handkäs with music, vineyard peaches, cherries, and hearty sausage and cheese platters accompany the wines.

The Mainz Winegrowers in this format are an initiative that brings together Mainz's urban winegrowers (with vineyards in the Mainz districts of Gonsenheim, Bretzenheim, Drais, Finthen, Hechtsheim, Laubenheim, Marienborn, Mombach) and jointly coordinates the summer wine festivals of the districts.

The schedule of the Kerb is traditional: Friday evening festival opening with beer tapping and first wine service, Saturday from noon full operation, Sunday morning ecumenical service and early morning drinks (Frühschoppen), Sunday and Monday as festival days with a musical program, Tuesday winding down. The weather and the warm late summer evenings make the Kerb a convivial event that unites the entire Gonsenheim population and attracts guests from all over the city.