Wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area in 2025

Whether for a toast on a milestone birthday, an after-work sunset on the Rhine or a homemade Bolognese. The popular drink made from fermented grape juice has the ability to bring people together. While wine was still reserved for the pharaohs of Egypt in ancient times and was a symbol of wealth, it became commonplace in Greece and widespread through the myths of Dionysus, the god of wine. The Romans perfected the cultivation of wine and spread it as far as France, Germany and Spain. Since then, winegrowing has been in the care of monks and winegrowers throughout Europe. Later, European settlers brought wine to America, South Africa and Australia. To this day, these areas are famous for their viticulture. Today, wine is a global cultural asset - with over 10,000 grape varieties, high-tech wineries and a huge spectrum of styles. And it's still popular with friends and family all over the world. Here in Cologne and the surrounding area, you can also get together with other winegrowers and wine fans and sample the variety of wines from the world of vino over a few convivial hours.

What many people don't know: Between big city flair and half-timbered idylls, the region's squares, promenades and marketplaces are transformed into little paradises for wine lovers every year. Whether in the middle of the old town, directly on the Rhine in Rodenkirchen or charmingly surrounded by greenery in Bachem - wine is not just drunk here, it is celebrated. Whether you live in the big city or in idyllic small towns.

Wine festivals in Cologne: between the cathedral, the Rhine and the vines

When the smell of freshly baked tarte flambée mingles with the aroma of fine Rieslings and Pinot Noirs, live music rings through the balmy summer evenings and glasses clink in the glow of the setting sun over the Rhine - then it's wine festival time again in Cologne. Whether a stone's throw from your front door or on the other side of the Rhine, here you will find an overview of the most beautiful wine festivals with Hätz in the cathedral city.

Wine festivals in Bonn and the surrounding area

Hardly any other city combines Rhineland joie de vivre and enjoyment as charmingly as the former capital. Whether in the middle of the old town, in the Brix wine bar, on green meadows along the Rhine or in the shade of baroque walls - Bonn is always a good place to enjoy a glass of wine. Bonn's wine festivals are little breaks from everyday life, a place to meet and socialize. A little vacation in the middle of the city. Here are the best wine festivals in Bonn and the surrounding area.

Wine festivals in Aachen and the surrounding area

Aachen may be better known for Printen, thermal baths and the imposing cathedral - but if you stroll through the region in spring and summer with your eyes wide open, you will quickly realize that the people of Aachen know how to enjoy themselves. Between small Eifel villages, charming town squares and idyllic farmsteads, the one or other wine festival invites you to let your everyday life sink into a glass of wine. Whether Riesling from the Moselle, Pinot Noir from the Ahr or a fine drop from the Palatinate - Aachen's wine festivals combine Rhenish joie de vivre with real enjoyment.

Wine festivals in the Ahr valley

The Ahr Valley is one of the smallest but finest wine regions in Germany - and is famous for its excellent Pinot Noirs. Between the steep slate slopes, romantic wine villages such as Ahrweiler or Dernau and the gently meandering river, a deeply rooted wine culture thrives. The scenery is somewhat reminiscent of Italian mountains and you forget that Cologne is only an hour away. In addition to the famous red wine hiking trail, which is particularly worth a trip from September onwards, many wine-related events, festivals and markets also take place here. Particularly worth mentioning: some of the proceeds from the events are still donated to the reconstruction of the Ahr Valley after the tragic flood of 2021. So not only will you be treated to delicious wine and crispy tarte flambée here, you'll also be doing something good at the same time.

Wine festivals in the Cologne area

When the first rays of sunshine fall through the cathedral spires onto the squares of Cologne, the locals flock to the city's cafés and restaurants to enjoy a glass of wine in warm weather and good company. But even the most passionate city dwellers need to slow down and enjoy a change of scenery. You still don't have to miss out on lively events and markets with freshly baked tarte flambée and live music. These places around Cologne are home to wonderful wine festivals and markets that you should definitely pay a visit to.

Frequently asked questions about wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area

Is there anything to eat at the wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area?

Sure! In addition to fine wines, most wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area also offer delicious street food: from tarte flambée to antipasti and local specialties. Ideal for snacking between two glasses. Would you like some cheese cubes?

If you really want to stop for a bite to eat, there are of course a few restaurants near the wine festivals. At Neumarkt in Cologne, Nai Nai Bao serves hand-rolled noodles that are unbelievably delicious. Pizzeria Tuscolo or the Mexican restaurant Café Especial are not far away on Münsterplatz in Bonn! Where there's a wine festival, there's a way (to the next culinary delight)!

Can I have a picnic at wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area?

Many wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area are super chilled out - you can sit on the grass with your picnic blanket (e.g. in Rodenkirchen or on the Rhine promenade). But: You are often not allowed to bring your own drinks - so it's better to enjoy the wine on site and support the winegrowers!

Is there also live music at wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area?

Yes! Most wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area have live bands, DJs or small acoustic acts. Perfect for a sundowner with vino in hand. Take a look at the music program at the wine festival in Dellbrück or on the Rhine, for example - What's happening! For example, Köbes Underground or Quadro Nuevo perform at the "Music and Wine" festival in Dernau! There is also a comedy program by NIGHTWASH. So there will be plenty of entertainment!

What is the best way to get to the wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area?

Very easy: Many wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area can be easily reached by train or bus - and it's also worth it if you're drinking wine Rodenkirchen, Porz or Dellbrück are located directly on the KVB or S-Bahn line. You can get to Bonn and Brühl with the RB48 or the RE5. The RE1 from Cologne goes to Aachen. For the Ahr valley or Remscheid, the RB30 and RB39 trains will take you almost to the wine village. It's best to check the map here, as the railroad line was also affected by the floods. If you want to stick to the Grape Spritzer, you can of course also travel by car.

Which wines are available at the wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area?

From classic Riesling and Pinot Gris to Pinot Noir, rosé and Secco - you can find everything at the wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area. Many winegrowers come directly from Rhineland-Palatinate or the Ahr Valley, some even from Austria or Italy. Try them out for yourself! If you want to find out more, you can take part in the "Everyman Wine Tasting" in Altenahr. This takes place every Thursday at 3 pm (May to October).

Do I have to pay admission to the wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area?

As a rule: No! Most wine festivals in Cologne and the surrounding area are free of charge. You only pay for what you eat and drink - usually with a deposit glass system. Super fair and perfect for sampling.