Hechtsheimer Kerb and Winzertage

The Mainz district of Hechtsheim, with over 16,000 inhabitants, is one of the largest districts of Mainz and at the same time one of the most active in viticulture. The Kerb – the Rhenish-Hessian term for Kirchweih – is one of the oldest festival traditions in the region: originally the patron saint's festival of the local church, today it is a three-dimensional district festival with ecclesiastical, community-related, and commercial components.

The Hechtsheimer Kerb is enhanced by a special feature: the Winzertage (Vintners' Days). The Mainz vintners from Hechtsheim open their courtyards during the Kerb days and invite visitors for wine tasting in their own premises. This fusion of Kerb and wine event is a creative response to the viticultural character of the district and creates a unique festival concept.

The courtyards present their wines from the Hechtsheim vineyards, especially from the top vineyard site Kirchenstück. Riesling, Spätburgunder, Silvaner, and Weißburgunder are the main varieties, complemented by Müller-Thurgau, Grauer Burgunder, and select cuvées. The wine tasting is accompanied by classic Rhenish-Hessian dishes – Spundekäs, Flammkuchen, Handkäs, sausage platters, and vegetarian options.

Parallel to the courtyards, the classic Kerb festival grounds operate with beer stands, shooting galleries, carousels, and small amusement rides – what constitutes a traditional Kirchweih in the Rhenish-Hessian imagination. The district's community life is broadly involved: carnival societies, sports clubs, the fire brigade band, schools, and church groups participate with stalls, performances, and programs.

The Hechtsheimer Kerb and Winzertage are aimed at an audience from the district itself, as well as residents from neighboring districts and wine tourists seeking an authentic impression of Mainz's wine-growing hinterland.