Weinfest Parsberg

Parsberg Castle as a Festival Backdrop

Parsberg Castle towers over the town of the same name in the district of Neumarkt i.d.OPf. First documented mention in the 12th century; today the complex houses a museum with an extensive collection on castle and regional history. The inner courtyard of the castle regularly serves as a venue for historical and cultural events — including the annual Wine Festival of the Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Wine in the Historic Castle Courtyard

The wine festival brings the atmosphere of a Franconian wine tavern to the medieval backdrop of the Upper Palatinate. Classic wines are served — Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus, as well as Domina and Spätburgunder from Franconian vineyards, supplemented by drops from the Palatinate and Rheinhessen. The catering is handled entirely by the fire brigade comrades and their families.

Culinary Accompanying Program

Regional delicacies are served with the wines: cheese platters, tarte flambée, bratwurst rolls, Franconian specialties, and desserts for the late evening. Mood music with live bands or a DJ set ensures a cozy castle courtyard atmosphere — without the characteristic loud marquee operation of other folk festivals.

Voluntary Service as a Concept

The wine festival serves to raise funds for the Parsberg Volunteer Fire Brigade — for the purchase of protective clothing, maintenance of the vehicle fleet, and youth work. The voluntary character shapes the festival: consciously no large-scale commercialization, but a club festival in the true sense of the word. Guests come from Parsberg, Velburg, Hohenfels, and the surrounding villages of the northern Upper Palatinate.

Parsberg and the Upper Palatinate Jura

Parsberg is located in the southern Franconian Jura on the A3 motorway between Nuremberg and Regensburg — conveniently located, but scenically rural and picturesque. The castle and the historic town center shape the identity of the place; the wine festival in September combines the historic building fabric with vibrant club life.