Wine Festival Grabenstätt in the Castle Courtyard

A Wine Festival, Not a Volksfest

In the Chiemgau region, traditionally a beer-drinking area, the wine festival organized by the sports club TSV Grabenstätt has established itself as a charming alternative to the classic beer festival. Instead of a festival tent and large beer mugs (Maßkrug), the focus is on wines — primarily from Austria, South Tyrol, and Franconia — accompanied by snack platters (Brotzeit), cheese, and Mediterranean snacks. The format is more of a summer party than a Volksfest: cozy, with guests dressed nicely, and live music in an acoustic format.

Grabenstätt Castle Courtyard — Historic Setting

The venue is the castle courtyard (Schlosshof) at Schloss-Straße 15 in Grabenstätt. The inner courtyard offers a sheltered, intimate setting that, in warm summer temperatures, creates the atmosphere of a Mediterranean wine evening. Tables, a small stage for live music, and several serving stations with wines and snacks are set up. The lighting on summer evenings with fairy lights and candles shapes the event's ambiance.

TSV Grabenstätt as Organizer

The organizer is TSV Grabenstätt, the local sports and gymnastics club. The proceeds from the wine festival go towards the club's activities — particularly supporting youth programs, purchasing equipment, and maintaining sports facilities. Volunteers from the club serve the guests, underscoring the event's voluntary spirit.

Grabenstätt on Lake Chiemsee

Grabenstätt is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Chiemsee in the Traunstein district, nestled in a landscape of moors, small hills, and views of the Chiemgau Alps. The municipality is a state-recognized resort town, featuring a lido, hiking trails, and a vibrant club scene. The wine festival fits perfectly into the summer tourist season on Lake Chiemsee, attracting locals as well as holidaymakers and day-trippers from all over the Chiemgau region.