47th Kirchhofener Schlossgrabenhock

Markgräfler Wine Culture in the Castle Moat

Kirchhofen is located at the foot of the Tuniberg in the southern Baden Markgräflerland region – one of the warmest and sunniest wine-growing areas in Germany. It is precisely here, at the Lazarus von Schwendi Castle, a striking 16th-century Renaissance palace, that the Schlossgrabenhock has taken place every May since 1980. The 47th edition runs from Friday, May 15th, to Sunday, May 17th, 2026, transforming the former moat around the castle complex into an open festival landscape with arbors, tables, and stages set up by the Kirchhofen associations.

Opening with the Markgräfler Wine Princess

The festivities kick off on Friday evening at 6:00 PM with a ceremonial opening in the castle courtyard. The Markgräfler Wine Princess will tap the first barrel and officially hand over the festival to the community association. The Kirchhofen Fire Brigade and Traditional Costume Band will provide musical accompaniment to the ceremony, setting the mood for a shared toast to the weekend. Friday evening is traditionally the quietest part of the festival – ideal for soaking up the atmosphere of the castle moat.

Saturday and Sunday: Association Arbors

On Saturday evening from 6:00 PM, the arbors of all participating Kirchhofen associations will open: the Traditional Costume Band, the Marksmen's Association, the Sports Club, the Höllewesen, and others will each manage a corner of the castle moat, serving their own wine selections and offering regional specialties. The festival begins on Sunday morning with the Frühschoppen (morning pint) from 11:00 AM, followed by lunch featuring Baden cuisine. A culinary highlight is the Weißwurst breakfast with Weißbier (wheat beer) starting at 9:30 AM at the Höllewesen's beer fountain – a Bavarian touch amidst a Baden wine festival.

From Moat to Festival Grounds

The Lazarus von Schwendi Castle was built starting in 1572 by the imperial general Lazarus von Schwendi. The current castle moat has been drained but still clearly indicates the former layout. The community association has been using this historic setting for its spring festival for almost half a century, making the Schlossgrabenhock a fixture on the Markgräflerland event calendar. Anyone cycling through Kirchhofen or hiking in the nearby vineyards over the weekend will almost inevitably pass by.

Wines from the Markgräflerland

The focus is on the typical Markgräfler grape varieties: Gutedel (Chasselas) as the leading variety, along with Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. The serving vintners primarily come from Ehrenkirchen, Bad Krozingen, Staufen, and the Tuniberg region. The selection is complemented by Markgräfler sparkling wine, regional beers, and for those feeling peckish, homemade cakes offered in the arbors of the Women's Association.