Kelterfest der Tübinger Weingärtner

Wine in Tübingen — the slopes of Spitzberg and Österberg

At first glance, Tübingen is a university town — punting boats on the Neckar, the Hölderlinturm, the market square with the town hall. At second glance, it's also a wine-growing town: vines grow on the southern slopes of Spitzberg, on Österberg, and in the districts of Hirschau, Unterjesingen, and Hagelloch, often in small plots nestled within nature and landscape conservation areas. The Weingärtnergenossenschaft Tübingen eG brings together around 60 member businesses and handles the maturation, vinification, and marketing.

Kelterfest at Kelternplatz — the setting

The venue is Kelternplatz with its historic wine press — the cooperative's traditional delivery point in autumn, and the stage for the Kelterfest in summer. Authentic, compact, cosy: long wooden tables, fairy lights in the trees, wine served directly from the cooperative, live music with local bands or solo artists.

Wine selection — classic to modern

The cooperative bottles around 20 different wines annually. At the Kelterfest, you can sample a cross-section: Kerner (fresh and spicy, a Tübingen classic), Müller-Thurgau (light and fruity), Riesling, Spätburgunder red wine and rosé, as well as the PiWi vines (disease-resistant new breeds) Johanniter and Souvignier Gris. The PiWi vines are a focus in Tübingen — they allow for reduced pesticide use and are well-suited to the conservation areas. Available by the glass or as a tasting 'Schorle' (wine mixed with sparkling water).

Culinary offerings

From the wood-fired oven come Flammkuchen in several variations — classic with bacon and onions, vegetarian with mushrooms or cheese, sweet with apple and cinnamon. Also available are pizza, pulled pork burgers, chili and curry bockwurst in a bun, and fresh stick bread cooked over an open fire (a particular highlight for children). Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Tübingen atmosphere on a summer evening

The Kelterfest runs on Friday evening and Saturday — Friday is usually a relaxed start to the evening with a younger crowd, while Saturday attracts a broader mix of families. Tübingen students, long-time customers of the cooperative, and day-trippers from Stuttgart and the Swabian Jura mingle. Live music creates atmosphere without overshadowing the wine.

Tübingen — a university city with a wine profile

The university city of Tübingen (AGS 08416, Tübingen district) has around 91,000 inhabitants and is located on the Neckar river, transitioning between the Swabian Jura and the Schönbuch nature park. The Eberhard Karls University (founded in 1477), the historic old town with its market square, Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church), Hölderlinturm, and Hohentübingen Castle shape the cityscape. Viticulture remains a lovingly maintained side aspect — and the Kelterfest its best showcase.