Winzerfest auf dem Werderaner Wachtelberg

A vineyard on the Havel

The Werderaner Wachtelberg is one of Germany's most unusual wine-growing locations. It is located in the district of Potsdam-Mittelmark, in the middle of the island town of Werder (Havel), southwest of Berlin — and is one of the country's northernmost commercially used vineyards. Wine has been grown here since the 12th century; the current site is managed by the association for the promotion of historical viticulture in the Werder (Havel) region e.V., which has revived the tradition since the 1990s. The annual Winzerfest at the end of July is the social highlight of the Werder wine scene.

Program 2026

The festival takes place on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2026, each from 2 PM to 10 PM. The evening before, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 7 PM, the association will celebrate a private club evening as a personal opening. On both festival days, vintners from various German growing regions — primarily from the nearby Saale-Unstrut, but also from Saxony, Franconia, and Rheinhessen — will present their wines and specialties. The offerings will be accompanied by live music, professional catering, and food stalls on site.

Wine in Brandenburg — a rare tradition

Viticulture in Brandenburg is a rarity today — the region lies north of the traditional German wine-growing border and was long considered too cold for serious wine production. However, climatic changes and the commitment of associations like the Werder wine association have led to viticulture being re-established in individual locations — Wachtelberg, Töplitz, Geltow. The Wachtelberg, with about 4 hectares of vineyards, is the largest and primarily produces Müller-Thurgau, Saphira, and Solaris — varieties that cope well with the northern location.

Werder (Havel) — Fruit and Wine Island Town

Werder is one of Brandenburg's most distinctive towns: an island town in the Havel river, traditionally characterized by fruit growing (the annual Blossom Festival in spring is a major regional event), with a historic town center, ship docks, and a lively gastro scene. The Wachtelberg is located slightly outside the town center — a short hike is worthwhile, as the view from the vineyard over the Havel is one of the most beautiful in the region.

Admission and Atmosphere

Admission is free — making the festival easily accessible for wine enthusiasts. You only pay for wine tasting (glass and token system) and food. The atmosphere is relaxed and summery — those who can come in the late afternoon and stay into the evening, as the sun sets behind the banks of the Havel and the live music from the vineyard café sets the mood.

Grape Harvest Festival in October as a follow-up event

Anyone who misses the Winzerfest or wants to experience more of the Werder wine scene can come to the Grape Harvest Festival — the wine association organizes it on October 3-4, 2026, at the Alten Weinberg Neu Töplitz, the region's second historical wine-growing area. This autumn festival focuses on the grape harvest and young vintages.