Martinus-Weinfest St. Martin

A Festival in Honour of the Patron Saint

Saint Martin of Tours not only gives the Palatinate wine village its name but also shapes its festival year. Around St. Martin's Day on November 11th, the local community traditionally celebrates its Martinus-Weinfest. It usually takes place on the preceding weekend and combines church tradition, Palatinate wine culture, and the convivial gathering of the village community with guests from the surrounding area.

Autumn Atmosphere in the Wine Village

While the high summer festivals on the Wine Route tend to celebrate the long evenings in the courtyards, the Martinus-Weinfest thrives on the autumn atmosphere. When the vineyards change colour, the harvest is complete, and the days grow shorter, the festival offers an opportunity to enjoy warmth, wine, and good food in the heated wine taverns and the marquee. The young wines of the current vintage are often presented to a wider audience here for the first time.

Federweißer, Onion Cake, and Spätburgunder

Culinary delights often revolve around classic Palatinate autumn specialities. Federweißer with onion cake is a must, as are hearty stews, Saumagen (stuffed pork stomach) with sauerkraut, and roasted chestnuts. The wines focus on Spätburgunder, Riesling, Dornfelder, and the new sparkling wines. Mulled wine and punch are popular accompaniments in the evenings when the temperatures drop.

Connection to St. Martin's Tradition

In many places in the Palatinate, St. Martin's Day includes a lantern procession for children, often accompanied by a St. Martin on horseback in Roman soldier's attire. In Sankt Martin, this tradition combines with the village's winegrowing culture to create a festival that is both family-friendly and enjoyable.