Saarländisches Moselweinfest Nennig

The quintessential Saarland wine festival

Saarland is not a classic wine region — the vineyard areas are small, concentrated in the westernmost tip along the Obermosel. But what grows here is high quality: primarily Elbling and Auxerrois, which love cool climates and shell limestone. The Obermoselweinfest in Nennig is the most important stage for Saarland vintners and, at the same time, the largest folk festival (Volksfest) in the Merzig-Wadern district in western Saarland.

Schloss Berg as a backdrop

The festival takes place in the vineyards above Schloss Berg — a magnificent castle complex high above the Moselle valley in Nennig, a district of the municipality of Perl. This location is programmatic: up here, you can see Luxembourg on the other side of the Moselle, the centuries-old vines, and the wide valley. The festival grounds are set up among the vines, which gives the entire event its special charm — a wine festival right at the origin of the wine.

The Crowning of the Mosel Wine Queen

The highlight of the festival is the crowning of the Saarland Mosel Wine Queen, traditionally on Sunday afternoon. In past years, Minister-President Anke Rehlinger personally officiated. In 2025, Theresa I. was crowned. The Queen represents Saarland wines for one year at national and international events — from wine fairs in Berlin to embassy receptions.

Program structure over three days

The festival follows a proven three-day schedule:

• Saturday — Official opening at the festival grounds near the town hall with a welcome from regional dignitaries and the Wine Queens from Luxembourg, followed by a festive parade to the vineyards. Festival grounds open at 4 PM, live music in the evening.
• Sunday — Festive church service at 11 AM, lunch with Moselle wines, guided wine tasting at 2 PM, crowning of the Mosel Wine Queen at 5 PM, followed by dance music
• Monday — Opening at 6 PM, a more relaxed closing with acoustic music

The Saarland Vintners

At the festival, the Nennig Vintners' Cooperative and several family wineries from Perl, Nennig, Wochern, Sehndorf, and Tettingen-Butzdorf present their current vintages. The wines featured for tasting are primarily:

• Elbling — the region's grape variety, lean, mineral, bone-dry
• Auxerrois — fruit-forward white wine, often with apple and pear aromas
• Müller-Thurgau and Pinot Blanc
• Sparkling wines and Crémants from Saarland grapes

Culinary & Family Program

This includes: Flammkuchen from a wood-fired oven, Bratwurst, Schwenker (grilled meat skewers), Lorraine pâté, regional cheeses. For children, there is a bouncy castle and smaller activities throughout the festival.

Perl and the Three-Country Corner

Perl is located directly on the Moselle, bordering Luxembourg and France. Visitors should combine their festival visit with a hike through the vineyards or a trip to Schengen in Luxembourg (origin of the Schengen Agreement). The famous Roman Villa Borg near Perl is also only 10 km away.