Vino in Vertico — Wine Market Simmern

Vino in Vertico is the elegant summer wine market of the Hunsrück district town of Simmern. The name — Latin and roughly meaning "wine in a circle" — refers to the central location at and around the Schinderhannesturm, which forms the spatial center of the event. The market is organized by the Simmern-Rheinböllen association together with the town of Simmern.

The venue is the historic Schinderhannesturm — a landmark of the town dating back to the medieval city fortifications and named after the legendary robber captain Johannes Bückler ("Schinderhannes"), who was briefly imprisoned here in 1799 — as well as the adjacent Oberstraße. The combination of historic architecture and a compact market area creates an intimate yet urban atmosphere.

The participating vintners come from the surrounding wine-growing regions: the Rhein (especially Mittelrhein with the famous steep slopes of Bopparder Hamm and the Loreley region), the Nahe (located south of the Hunsrück, known for its mineral Rieslings and versatile Pinot varieties), and the Mosel (north of the Hunsrück, a defining region for light, fruity Riesling). This triad gives the market a special depth and makes it a compact overview of the wine landscape around the Hunsrück.

The wine selection ranges from dry and off-dry Rieslings to Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay, as well as Pinot Noir and Frühburgunder, Rosé, and Sekt. Specialties such as ice wine and noble sweet late harvests may also be offered depending on the vintner. Prices per glass are moderate, allowing for tasting several wines throughout the evening.

The Big Band Unlimited provides the musical accompaniment with swing, jazz, and pop classics. The choice of a Big Band instead of a typical folk festival band underscores the elegant character of the market — Vino in Vertico is positioned as an urban wine enjoyment event, not a classic wine festival with Schlager music. Culinary specialties from the region — from antipasti and cheese platters to quiches and tarts, as well as regional sausage and meat specialties — complement the offerings.

In the festival calendar of the Simmern-Rheinböllen association, Vino in Vertico 2026 is scheduled for July 18. Starting at 6 p.m. and lasting into the evening, the market is primarily aimed at an adult audience that appreciates the enjoyment aspect — a conscious distinction from classic folk festivals.