Herxheim Weinkerwe

1100 Years of Herxheim — Anniversary 2026

In 2026, Herxheim am Berg celebrates a significant anniversary: 1100 years since its first documentary mention. The history of the Palatinate wine village thus dates back to the Carolingian era — a history that is still palpable in the village's current substance: in the old courtyards, in the wine cellars, in the positioning of the Schlossgarten as a central point of reference. The Herxheimer Weinkerwe 2026 is expected to be accompanied by an anniversary exhibition tracing the village's long wine-growing history.

Schlossgarten and Wineries

The venue for the Kerwe is the entire historic center of Herxheim am Berg: the Schlossgarten as a spacious festival area, the village center with its narrow alleys and small squares, and the inner courtyards of the wineries as additional festival spaces. This combination of formal garden, intimate village structure, and private vintner courtyards gives the Herxheimer Kerwe a special character that distinguishes it from other Palatinate Kerwen.

Wines from Herxheim Vineyards

The Herxheim vintners serve wines from the Honigsack (Riesling and Burgundy varieties), Kirchenstück (classic Riesling), and Himmelreich (powerful Burgundy varieties) vineyards. In addition, there are rosé wines, sparkling wine, and Schorle (wine mixed with sparkling water) for Palatinate enthusiasts. The local Herxheim winegrowers' cooperative complements the offering.

Kerwe Traditions and Palatinate Sociability

The Palatinate Weinkerwe includes the established traditions: the erection of the Kerwebaum (festival tree), the Kerweborscht (festival master of ceremonies) with his retinue, the Kerweredd (festival speech) in Palatinate dialect, the Frühschoppen (morning pint) on Kerwe Sunday, and the cozy Kerwemontag (festival Monday). All of this is maintained with particular solemnity in Herxheim — enhanced by the splendor of the 1100-year anniversary.