Unkel Wine and Heritage Festival

Unkel — Wine, Heritage, Culture

Unkel on the right bank of the Middle Rhine is one of the small but influential cultural towns on the Rhine. Known for its literary and political history (Adenauer, Brandt, Stefan Andres), its cultural events, and its unusual landscape of artists and galleries, the town also cultivates a wine-growing tradition. The "Unkeler Burgundia" is the historic winemakers' guild that keeps the wine-growing heritage alive — even though the cultivation area is limited today.

Wine Festival at Willy-Brandt-Platz

The venue for the wine festival is Willy-Brandt-Platz in the heart of the old town — named after the former Federal Chancellor who spent his last years in Unkel. The square is equipped with wine stands, standing tables, small stages, and gastronomic offerings. The Unkeler Burgundia opens the festival with the traditional wine service, and regional winemakers complement the offerings.

Wine Festival Parade through the Old Town Alleys

The highlight is the magnificent wine festival parade on the weekend. It winds through the narrow alleys of Unkel's old town, past the castle gate, the market square, historic houses, and along the Rhine promenade. Music bands, wine queens (if currently elected), decorated floats, local clubs, and friendly groups from the Siebengebirge form the parade. A spectacle that encapsulates Unkel's social self-image as a wine and heritage town.

Rhenish Joie de Vivre

The festival is an expression of Rhenish joie de vivre: wine, conversations, music, encounters — usually with mild September weather and long sunsets over the Rhine. Visitors to the festival should take their time to stroll through the old town, get to know some winemakers, and secure a spot along the parade route.