Rotweinwanderung Freinsheim
Winter wine hike through the Freinsheim vineyards with torchlight hike and Pinot Noir tasting over two weekends
About 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.
Rotweinwanderung Freinsheim — edition 2026
The 2026 edition is a premiere in a new format: the Rotweinwanderung will be extended to two weekends for the first time. This gives visitors more flexibility and allows vintners to distribute the stands more effectively.
On Friday evening, January 23rd, the festival begins with a torchlight hike starting at 6 PM through the evening vineyards. On Saturdays and Sundays, the stands in the vineyard locations will be open — serving Pinot Noir, Dornfelder, Cabernet, Cuvées, and mulled wine from regional cultivation.
Programme Rotweinwanderung Freinsheim 2026
First Weekend — January 23–25, 2026
- Friday, Jan 23, 2026, from 6 PM — Torchlight hike through the Freinsheim vineyards, opening of the event.
- Saturday, Jan 24, 2026, 11:30 AM–6 PM — Opening of the wine stands in the vineyard locations, red wine tasting by Freinsheim vintners.
- Sunday, Jan 25, 2026, 11:30 AM–6 PM — Continuation of the tasting, family program, Palatinate specialties.
Second Weekend — January 30 to February 1, 2026
- Friday, Jan 30, 2026, from 6 PM — Opening of the second weekend, stations in the vineyards.
- Saturday, Jan 31, 2026, 11:30 AM–6 PM — Full operation in the vineyard locations, focus on Pinot Noir.
- Sunday, Feb 1, 2026, 11:30 AM–6 PM — Festival conclusion, final tastings, Frühschoppen atmosphere.
A detailed program PDF for the Rotweinwanderung 2026 will be published by the Freinsheim vintners.
Highlights Rotweinwanderung Freinsheim 2026
- First time two weekends in 2026
- Torchlight hike on Friday, January 23rd, from 6 PM
- Palatinate Pinot Noir, Dornfelder, and Cuvées
- Winter atmosphere in the Freinsheim vineyards
- Mulled wine and Palatinate specialties
Prices Rotweinwanderung Freinsheim 2026
Wine passes with tasting tokens; 2026 prices available via the town of Freinsheim and the vintners' website.
Practical information — Rotweinwanderung Freinsheim
Date 2026
First weekend: January 23–25, 2026. Second weekend: January 30 to February 1, 2026. Friday evening torchlight hike from 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11:30 AM to 6 PM.
Getting There
Freinsheim is located on the A 6 and B 271. By train: RB from Mannheim/Neustadt to Freinsheim. Warm clothing is strongly recommended in winter.
Admission and Tasting
Wine passes with tasting tokens; prices and advance booking via the town of Freinsheim and the website of the Freinsheim vintners.
Clothing
Sturdy footwear, warm jacket, hat, and gloves — the hike takes place through the cold vineyards in the evening darkness (torchlight hike) and during the day with temperatures mostly below 5 degrees Celsius.
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