Weinfest Gleiszellen-Gleishorbach (September)

The Weinfest Gleiszellen-Gleishorbach takes place every year in September and is one of the oldest and most atmospheric wine festivals on the southern foothills of the German Wine Route. Unlike a classic market square festival, the event is spread across five courtyards and wine taverns in the historic village center – a concept that invites visitors to take a short hike from courtyard to courtyard and particularly highlights the village charm of Gleiszellen.

The Muskateller Village

Gleiszellen-Gleishorbach is the only officially recognized Muskatellerdorf (Muscatel village) in Germany. The winegrowers based here specialize in the old Muskateller vines, which give the region a unique aromatic calling card. At the wine festival, the Muskateller family – Goldmuskateller, Roter Muskateller, Muskat Ottonel – is the focus, complemented by Riesling, Weißburgunder, Spätburgunder, and the typical cuvées of the individual estates.

Five Stations, One Festival

The five wine bars are all within walking distance in the village center: the traditional Gasthof Lam, the Muskatellerhof, Weingut Wissing, Weingut Nuß, and the vaulted Caveau. Each station has its own atmosphere, its own live acts, and its own menu, allowing guests to stroll through the village with their glass and stop at different courtyards.

Program and Atmosphere

The festival begins on Friday evening at 5 p.m. and runs until the early morning hours. Saturday, starting at 3 p.m. and open until midnight, is the main day. Sunday starts with a Frühschoppen (morning pint) from 11 a.m., and Monday provides a quieter conclusion from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Live bands and musicians perform in the various courtyards on three of the four days. The festival is organized by the Verein Muskateller Winzer e.V. (Muskateller Winegrowers Association), an association of local wineries.

Location and Surroundings

Gleiszellen-Gleishorbach is located in the Bad Bergzabern region, directly at the foot of the Palatinate Forest and only a few kilometers from the French border. Hiking trails such as the Pfälzer Weinsteig (Palatinate Wine Trail) or tours to the nearby Geiersberg make the village a popular starting point – a hiking weekend with a detour to the wine festival is a classic combination in the region.