Schräge WeinNacht in den Felsengärten Hessigheim

Schräge WeinNacht — the summer festival in the vineyards

When the Felsengärten Hessigheim with their spectacular Muschelkalk cliffs on the Neckar become the venue on a warm July weekend, the Schräge WeinNacht is here. On July 17 and 18, 2026, the Felsengartenkellerei Besigheim eG — a wine cooperative based in Hessigheim — transforms its vineyards into an open-air enjoyment festival. The name "Schräge" (steep/quirky) refers to the steep, terraced vineyards — and at the same time to the surprising music program, newly curated each year, which plays with classic wine festival conventions.

Felsengarten and Muschelkalk cliffs — the spectacular backdrop

The Felsengärten Hessigheim are one of Württemberg's most impressive wine-growing areas. Directly on the Neckar, over 40-meter-high Muschelkalk cliffs rise from the valley; their plateaus and terraces have been planted with vines for centuries. The vineyards are so steep that they are among the most challenging wine-growing sites in Germany — the Mundelsheimer Käsberg site and the Hessigheimer Wurmberg site are considered the royal class among Württemberg's vintners. During the festival, the view of these cliffs becomes the visual backdrop for the entire event — you sit in the vineyard, look at the imposing Muschelkalk cliffs, and enjoy Trollinger, Lemberger, and Riesling from the Felsengartenkellerei.

Selected wines, cocktails, and culinary delights

The focus is on the wines of the Felsengartenkellerei. The cooperative combines the yields from around 750 winegrowers from Hessigheim, Mundelsheim, Besigheim, and the surrounding area, producing a wide range: Trollinger as a typical Württemberg red wine, Lemberger as a robust red wine, Riesling, Grauburgunder, and Spätburgunder as white wines, as well as sparkling wines and wine aperitifs. For the Schräge WeinNacht, the winery offers a curated selection — typically the premium wines and special editions. In addition, you can try wine-based cocktails (Hugo, Aperol Spritz with wine, classic summer cocktails) and non-alcoholic refreshments. Culinary accompaniments include Flammkuchen (tarte flambée), regional cheeses, Swabian Maultaschen, fresh salads, and selected desserts.

Surprising music program

The distinctive feature of the Schräge WeinNacht is the music program, newly curated each year, which deliberately breaks with classic wine festival conventions. Instead of Schlager and folk music, you'll find jazz trios, funk combos, pop cover bands with acoustic arrangements, singer-songwriters, or occasionally more unusual formats (beatboxers with string quartets, brass bands with electronic beats). The selection reflects a curated idea of "wine-appropriate music" beyond the cliché — relaxed, sophisticated, and surprising.

Family-friendly and atmosphere

Despite the focus on wine, the event is explicitly family-friendly. Children are welcome (accompanied by parents) — of course, German youth protection regulations for alcohol apply. The atmosphere is relaxed and refined, not a mass festival but an evening of enjoyment with long wooden tables, wine glasses, fine gastronomy, and the unique vineyard backdrop. You'll experience more of an elegant summer picnic than a classic wine festival.

Hessigheim and the Felsengartenkellerei Besigheim

Hessigheim is located in the Ludwigsburg district, on the Neckar between Marbach and Lauffen. The Felsengartenkellerei Besigheim eG was founded in 1947 as a cooperative of local winegrowers and is now one of Württemberg's largest and most respected cooperatives. With around 750 members and approximately 600 hectares of vineyards between Hessigheim, Besigheim, and Mundelsheim, it covers the region's most important sites. The modern winery in Hessigheim with its Vinothek is a year-round destination for wine lovers — the Schräge WeinNacht is the social highlight of the year.