Sehler Quetschefest

Sehl is a district of Cochem, located on the southern town border, which was a separate municipality in the past. Like many Moselle villages, Sehl is characterized by viticulture, but in autumn, another fruit takes center stage: the 'Quetsche', as the damson or plum is called in Moselle Franconian. The old trees in the gardens and along the paths yield abundant fruit, and the Sehler Quetschefest turns this seasonal reality into a culinary and social highlight.

The festival program consistently revolves around the 'Quetsche'. Quetschekuchen, freshly baked by the district's residents on large sheet pans, is the quintessential classic – a yeast dough base, densely topped with halved damsons, with streusel, sometimes with cream, sometimes plain. Alongside this, there is plum jam to taste and take home, plum liqueurs, plum brandies as an aperitif or digestif, plum preserves, and rarer specialties like plum mustard or autumnal plum chutneys. The Cochem vintners complement the offerings with their vineyard wines, which harmonize excellently with the sweet, slightly tart fruit.

The festival spans three days in the district. The marquee of the local clubs forms the center with catering and live music – cover bands, traditional brass bands, occasionally DJ sets. Around it are other stands with food, drinks, and catering. A small family program with a children's carousel and hands-on activities ensures that even the youngest guests get their money's worth. Visitors experiencing the Sehler Quetschefest immerse themselves in a piece of Cochem's identity, found beyond the main attractions.