Wine Tasting on the Derdinger Horn (Hornfest)

Hornfest — Wine Tasting with a Postcard View over the Kraichgau

The wine tasting on the Derdinger Horn, locally known as "Hornfest", is one of the most beautiful wine tastings in Baden-Württemberg. For 38 editions, it has taken place on the third or fourth Sunday in September on the wine plateau at the Derdinger Horn — a natural viewpoint above the vines on the ridge of Oberderdingen, with a wide view over the Kraichgau, towards the Black Forest and the Palatinate Forest. The Hornfest 2026 will take place on Sunday, September 20, from 11 a.m.

Seven Oberderdingen Wineries

At the Hornfest, seven Oberderdingen wineries serve their wines directly on the plateau, each with its own stand and selection. Represented are:

• Weingut Hockenberg
• Weingut Kern
• Weingut Lutz
• Weingut Müller
• Weingut Vincon-Zerrer
• Weingut Steinmetz
• Amthof12

The profile is typically Kraichgau: dry Rieslings, Lemberger, Schwarzriesling, Trollinger, Spätburgunder, and Weißburgunder, often from steep slopes on the Horn. The winemakers are present at their stands, offering advice and chatting about grape varieties, locations, and vintages.

Wine Hikes and Catering

A special feature of the Hornfest is the guided wine hikes through the vineyards on the Derdinger Horn — usually 1- to 2-hour tours with a winemaker as a guide, explaining the grape varieties, the terroir, and the work in the vineyard. Catering is provided by the Gesangverein Freundschaft-Harmonie Oberderdingen and the Freiwillige Feuerwehr (Volunteer Fire Brigade) — with classic wine accompaniments such as Vesper platters, bread, Swabian specialties, and sweets.

Oberderdingen and the Kraichgau

Oberderdingen is a wine-growing community of around 11,000 inhabitants in the north of the Karlsruhe district, at the transition from the Kraichgau to the Stromberg. The "Derdinger Horn" vineyard is one of the best-known in the region — south and southwest exposure, shell limestone soils, steep slopes — and produces wines with a high Kraichgau identity. The Hornfest brings the wines directly to their place of origin — a location-based event in the best sense.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere on the plateau is relaxed and sunny, with blankets on the grass and tables under vineyard pavilions. Families, hiking groups, wine fans from the region — the mix is intergenerational. The Hornfest can be easily combined with a short hike around the Horn (approx. 5 km circular route) and concludes with a glass of Federweißer or Spätburgunder at sunset over the Kraichgau.