Hofgarten-Weinfest Residenz

A State Winery in a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Staatlicher Hofkeller Würzburg is one of the largest and oldest wineries in Germany — founded in the 12th century by the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, today owned by the Free State of Bavaria. With 120 hectares of vineyards in the best locations in Franconia (Würzburger Stein, Würzburger Innere Leiste, Stettener Stein), the Hofkeller belongs to the top league of German viticulture. The annual Hofgarten-Weinfest is its most important public showcase.

The Hofgarten of the Würzburg Residence

The Würzburg Residence, built from 1720–1744 by Balthasar Neumann, is one of the most important baroque palace complexes in Europe — a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. The Hofgarten behind the Residence is an artfully designed baroque garden with linden tree avenues, hedge sections, pavilions, and water features. During the ten festival days, a central part of the garden becomes the wine festival area — with long wooden tables and benches between the avenues, a small stage, wine-serving pavilions, and snack stands. The view: the nightly illuminated Residence facade.

Franconian Wines from the Staatlicher Hofkeller

The wine list exclusively features wines from the Staatlicher Hofkeller — a rare opportunity to taste such a broad cross-section of the high-quality range by the glass. Silvaner (the leading Franconian grape variety) in several locations and quality levels, Riesling from the Würzburger Stein, Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus, Weißburgunder, as well as red wines like Spätburgunder and Domina. Frankensekt (Franconian sparkling wine) is also served.

Live Music and Franconian Cuisine

Live bands alternate on the small stage in the Hofgarten — Franconian Bavarian pop bands, cover bands, jazz sets, and acoustic programs. Franconian cuisine ranges from classic Bratwurst and Schäuferla to modern wine specialties like Frankenschäuferla with Silvaner sauce. Seating is communal at the long tables — which encourages interaction among guests.

Würzburg — the undisputed capital of Franconian wine

Würzburg, with about 130,000 inhabitants, is the largest city in Lower Franconia and the political, economic, and cultural center of the Franconian wine region. Three top wine hills surround the city: the Würzburger Stein, the Innere Leiste, and Marienberg with its fortress. The Hofgarten-Weinfest is part of a dense Würzburg wine festival calendar between May and October.