Rotweinwanderung Freinsheim

Winter Wine Culture in the Palatinate

While most Palatinate wine festivals dominate the warm season, an unusual winter tradition has been established in Freinsheim: the Rotweinwanderung. At the end of January and beginning of February — when the vines are bare, the days are short, and the evenings are bitingly cold — Freinsheim vintners open their stands in the middle of the vineyards and serve Pinot Noir, Dornfelder, Cabernet Sauvignon, and regional Cuvées. A perfect date for anyone who knows that Palatinate red wines have been internationally recognized at least since the 2000s.

Torchlight Hike as the Kick-off

In 2026, the festival kicks off on Friday evening, January 23rd, with a torchlight hike starting at 6 PM. Participants walk through the evening vineyards with burning torches — an atmosphere many describe as magical. Hot mulled wine variations, Palatinate specialties, and of course the red wines are waiting at the stations.

Premiere with Two Weekends in 2026

Due to growing demand, the Rotweinwanderung will be extended to two consecutive weekends for the first time in 2026. From January 23rd–25th and from January 30th to February 1st, the stands are open each Friday to Sunday. This gives more visitors the opportunity to get to know the format — and allows vintners to better distribute the crowds.

Palatinate Red Wines on the Rise

Pinot Noir is on the rise in the Palatinate: warmer summers and consistent quality cultivation have produced red wines in recent years that can certainly compete with Burgundy and the Ahr. Dornfelder, once conceived as a simple variety, increasingly shows aging and storage potential. The Freinsheim vintners present the entire spectrum at the Rotweinwanderung — from light variations to powerful reserve wines.