WEINGEKÜSST Wine Market Nieder-Olm

WEINGEKÜSST is Rheinhessen's newest wine festival, but already one of its most ambitious. The concept originated in 2025 as a municipal initiative to spotlight the high density of wineries in the Selztal valley with its own distinct market. The premiere exceeded all expectations and immediately led to the decision to continue the format annually on the third weekend of August.

The venue is the Rathausplatz in Nieder-Olm, a central, sheltered square with a stage, shaded areas, and ample space for wine stalls, seating, and food stands. Eleven Rheinhessen wineries set up their stalls, jointly presenting more than one hundred wines. The spectrum ranges from classic Riesling to Silvaner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay, as well as Pinot Noir, cuvées, and bottle-fermented sparkling wines.

The unique feature of WEINGEKÜSST lies in the direct interaction with the winemakers. Instead of anonymous service, the producers themselves advise visitors, sharing insights about their vineyards, philosophy, and the current season. Additionally, there are guided live wine tastings in a designated area, delving into specific themes such as Burgundy varieties, Rheinhessen Riesling, or natural wines.

The cultural supporting program plays an increasingly important role. Local bands perform on the stage in the evenings, acoustic sets accompany the daytime, and occasional special guests like dialect poets or musicians from neighboring Mainz add unique accents. Food stalls offering traditional Rheinhessen home cooking, tarte flambée, cheese and charcuterie platters, as well as international specialties complement the offerings.

WEINGEKÜSST consciously positions itself between the traditional wine festival with a community feel and a modern wine trade fair. The audience ranges from young wine enthusiasts from Mainz to experienced collectors and families from the surrounding municipality. Nieder-Olm's central location on the Mainz–Alzey S-Bahn line makes travel particularly convenient.