Traditional Wine Village at the Foot of the Erpeler Ley
For decades, the Weinfest Erpel has been an integral part of cultural life on the right bank of the Middle Rhine. For four days, traditionally on the third weekend in September, the historic village center of the small wine town opens its doors for a festival that combines conviviality, regional wine culture, and its unique location on the Rhine. The imposing Erpeler Ley, a 191-meter-high basalt rock, forms the natural backdrop for this characteristic wine village.
The focus is on the local vintners who offer their Middle Rhine wines for tasting in a relaxed atmosphere. Riesling, Spätburgunder, and other varieties from the steep slopes around Erpel are served here directly by the producer. This oenological offering is complemented by numerous club stands serving Palatinate specialties, Flammkuchen, Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), and hearty classics. The proceeds from the club stands traditionally benefit volunteer club work in Erpel.
The festival owes its special atmosphere to its location between the Rhine river and the towering basalt massif of the Erpeler Ley. When the sun sets behind the opposite heights of the Siebengebirge and the festival lights reflect in the water, an ambiance is created that carries the reputation of the Erpel Wine Festival far beyond the Unkel administrative district. Strolls along the towpath, a climb up the rock, and a visit to the wine village can be wonderfully combined on a festival day.
Throughout all days, live bands and musical performances provide entertainment in the wine village. The program ranges from cover and party music on the main evening to quieter musical accompaniments on the weekend. Families find a relaxed environment during the day, while the festival gains festive energy in the evening. Guests come from the surrounding towns of Unkel, Linz, Bad Honnef, as well as from the Westerwald and the Bonn region.
The 2026 edition of Weinfest Erpel remains true to its proven concept: four days on the third weekend of September, a wine village on the Rhine promenade, regional vintners, and dedicated clubs. The event traditionally begins on Friday evening with the official opening and ends on Monday with a gradual winding down.
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in late summer. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years: opening evening on Friday, festival operation on Saturday and Sunday with musical accompaniment, and a quieter festival conclusion on Monday. Experience shows that Saturday evening is the busiest time.
The detailed live program will be communicated in late summer 2026 via the local municipality and the city journal.
The Weinfest Erpel takes place annually on the third weekend in September. The venue is the wine village directly on the Rhine promenade in 53579 Erpel.
Erpel is easily accessible via the B 42 (right-bank Rhine road). Erpel train station is on the right-bank railway line and is within walking distance of the festival grounds. Seasonal connections are available via the Middle Rhine fleet. Parking facilities on the outskirts of the town are signposted.
Admission to the wine village is free. Payment is made directly at the stands and vintner stalls, often using tokens.
The wine village is designed to be family-friendly. The ground-level location on the Rhine promenade is largely accessible with minimal barriers.
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