Ingelheim Wine Estate Festivals – Weingut Merl

Ingelheim am Rhein, located in the heart of Rheinhessen on the right bank of the Rhine opposite the Rheingau, is known as the Red Wine City. The imperial palace buildings of Charlemagne are a reminder of the city's historical significance, and viticulture has been one of its defining economic sectors for over a thousand years. Today, a number of family-run wineries uphold this tradition and participate in the popular series of Ingelheim Wine Estate Festivals.

Weingut Merl is part of this tradition. With a Hoffest (estate festival) in July 2026, the wine-growing family opens its gate to visitors, creating a convivial meeting point in the centre of Ingelheim for three days. The concept of the Wine Estate Festivals is simple and precisely why it is so successful: open courtyards, wines from the producer, regional cuisine, personal contact.

In the courtyard of the winery, the current vintage wines will be served: the Ingelheim wine repertoire with a focus on red wine. Pinot Noir, Frühburgunder, and cuvées form the core, complemented by fresh white wines such as Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Müller-Thurgau, as well as rosés. The wines are served in tasting glasses, and a wine token system facilitates payment.

The cuisine includes typical Rheinhessen dishes: Spundekäs (cheese spread), Handkäs mit Musik (cheese with onions and vinaigrette), Bratwurst (grilled sausage), steaks, homemade salads, cheese platters, Flammkuchen (flatbread pizza), and depending on the weekend, specialities from the wine-growing family. Courtyard atmosphere, beer benches under the open sky, fairy lights in the evening.

Conviviality is the heart of the Hoffest. Guests sit at shared tables, strike up conversations, meet the wine-growing family, and get to know the wines firsthand. Moderate musical accompaniment – usually acoustic – creates the right atmosphere.

The Hoffest at Weingut Merl is part of a series of Ingelheim Wine Estate Festivals, which take place over several weekends from July to August. Those who visit multiple estate festivals can get to know the different styles and personalities of the Ingelheim wineries.