KölnWein Herbst — Sartory Wine Fair

One of NRW's most important wine fairs

If you're interested in wine and in Cologne in October, KölnWein Herbst should be on your calendar. This consumer wine fair, organized by weberMESSE GmbH from Bonn, has established itself over the years as the most important wine tasting event in the Rhineland, positioned between the major professional fairs like ProWein (Düsseldorf) and Vinitaly (Verona).

Sartory Säle – Event Location in the Heart of Cologne

The venue is the Sartory Säle at Friesenstraße 44-48, a traditional event house in the Friesenviertel district (part of Altstadt-Nord) between Friesenplatz and Mediapark. The hall area, foyer, and lounge span 2,500 m² – an urban setting that provides an elegant, upscale backdrop for the tasting.

900 Wines, 130 Exhibitors, One Ticket

The concept is straightforward: pay one entrance fee and you can taste all 900 wines from the 130 exhibitors. The exhibitors come from classic German wine regions – Mosel, Saar, Ruwer, Nahe, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Baden, Franken – as well as international regions. International representation includes Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Australia, South Africa, and Chile.

Which Exhibitors to Expect

Exhibitors include wineries, importers, regional cooperatives, and small boutique producers. The range spans from traditional Mosel Rieslings to Pfalz Pinot Noirs, Rheinhessen summer cuvées, and natural wine pioneers from Italy and Austria. The audience is diverse: wine connoisseurs, sommeliers, hobby tasters, and wine beginners. The admission price deters casual drinkers – those who spend €23 come with specific tasting intentions.

Tickets, Admission, and Service

Advance tickets cost €23, and tickets at the door are €25. The price includes all wine tastings and a catalog of participating vendors. Minimum age is 21 years; younger visitors require parental accompaniment – an exemplary, clear policy. Food options are available on-site (paid separately), and table reservations can be made for groups.

Cologne in October – City, Wine Fair, Culinary Delights

The location in Cologne's city center makes the wine fair an ideal day trip destination from Bonn, Düsseldorf, Bergisch Land, or the Rhein-Sieg district. Travel by ICE or S-Bahn to Köln Hbf, then take tram lines 3, 4, or 5 to Friesenplatz, followed by a 100-meter walk. For overnight stays, numerous mid-range and upscale hotels can be found around Friesenstraße.

What Tasters Should Consider

Plan for half a day, drink water between tastings, and take notes. A classic approach: start with white wines from the north (Mosel, Saar), move on to red wines (compare Pfalz vs. France for Pinot Noir), and finish with sweet wines or sparkling wines. You can complement your tasting with food from the foyer offerings – bread, cheese, regional cured meats.