Autumn wine festival at the Roman wine press in Ungstein with Federweißer, young wine, and Palatinate specialties
When the main grape harvest in the Palatinate is over and the vines on the Weilberg turn yellow and red, the Römerkelter Ungstein invites you to the last big wine festival of the year. The autumn festival Neuer Wein an der Römerkelter is a classic — and one of the most atmospheric dates in the Mittelhaardt region. The reconstructed Roman wine press in the middle of the vines offers a unique backdrop: old walls, an ancient stone basin, and a wide view over the autumnal Rhine plain to the Pfälzerwald forest.
The focus is on Federweißer — the fresh grape must, still fermenting, which can only be served for a few weeks a year. In addition, the Ungstein vintners serve the young wine of the current vintage, the first clear young wines, as well as selected older vintages of their Rieslings and Burgundies. This creates a small vertical tasting across the Ungstein vineyard sites — from the freshness of the new must to the maturity of the aged wines.
Onion cake is the traditional accompaniment to Federweißer — freshly baked, hearty, and usually the first choice on a cool autumn evening. Roasted chestnuts, Palatinate gingerbread, Saumagen (a local specialty), bratwurst, and Flammkuchen are also on the menu. For those whose hands are cold, there's mulled wine made from Palatinate Riesling.
Compared to the big summer festivals, the autumn festival is more intimate, quieter, and popular among connoisseurs. Those who want to authentically conclude the Palatinate wine festival year come here — preferably in a group of friends, with a warm jacket and sturdy shoes, to walk through the vineyards.
The 2026 edition traditionally marks the end of the Ungstein wine festival season. A weekend in early October is planned — the specific date will be published shortly before the festival. Federweißer from the fresh 2026 harvest, young wines of the current vintage, and selected aged vintages from Ungstein wineries are expected. Accompanied by onion cake, chestnuts, Palatinate gingerbread, and hearty specialties — all outdoors at the Roman wine press on the Weilberg.
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in spring/summer. The structure will follow the proven cornerstones of previous years.
Detailed program points will follow in good time before the festival begins. Typical schedule:
The Ungstein vintners will serve Federweißer, young Rieslings, Burgundies, and possibly mulled wine made from Palatinate Riesling. Exact stands, bands, and special events will be communicated via Ungsteiner Weinwelt.
Admission is free. Federweißer, wine, and food are paid for at the stands, usually in cash.
Approach via the B 271 (Deutsche Weinstraße), exit Ungstein. From the village center, a hiking trail leads to the Römerkelter in about 10–15 minutes. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the path leads through the vineyards.
The exact date for 2026 will be announced by the organizer in late summer; traditionally, the festival takes place at the end of September or the beginning of October.
Usually Friday to Sunday, starting at noon on Sunday. Exact times will be published before the festival begins.
Admission to the festival grounds is free. Payment at the stands is usually in cash. Warm clothing is recommended.
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