Oktoberweinfest Gleiszellen-Gleishorbach

The Oktoberweinfest Gleiszellen-Gleishorbach is the autumnal counterpart to the well-known Septemberfest in the same municipality. While the Septemberfest focuses on the regular wines of the current season, the Oktoberweinfest is all about the freshly fermenting Federweißer – a typical seasonal product available for only a few weeks a year and of particular culinary importance in the Palatinate.

Four Courtyards, Four Days

As with the Septemberfest, the Oktoberweinfest is spread across several courtyards and wine taverns in the village center. On Friday and Saturday, all establishments remain open late (Friday 5 PM – 1 AM, Saturday 3 PM – 1 AM), Sunday starts at 11 AM with a Frühschoppen (morning pint) and ends at 11 PM. On Monday, only two establishments open – traditionally the Gasthof Lam and Weingut Nuß – from 5 PM to 11 PM, a cozy winding down without the hustle and bustle of the first days.

Federweißer Season

Federweißer is produced in the phase between the grape harvest and complete fermentation. It has a short shelf life as fermentation continues, and is traditionally served in open jugs or glasses. Popular accompaniments include onion cake, tarte flambée, and roasted chestnuts. In Gleiszellen-Gleishorbach, the Federweißer comes directly from the surrounding vineyards – the journey from vine to glass could hardly be shorter.

Live Music in the Courtyards

Live bands and solo musicians perform in the various courtyards over three days, with different styles ranging from acoustic to Palatinate dialect to cover bands. The program is coordinated by the Verein Muskateller Winzer e.V. (Muskateller Winemakers Association) and published on the municipal website shortly before the festival.