Despite very high visitor turnout at times and significant weather-related disruptions, the traditional festival on Schlossplatz and the Dern’schen Gelände proceeded mostly peacefully from the perspective of law enforcement authorities. No major security-related incidents were reported. Cooperation with the state police, the event organizer, and emergency services proceeded smoothly throughout the event. 

“The Rheingau Wine Week is characterized by a peaceful and cooperative crowd,” explains Peter Erkel, head of the city police department. “Even with high visitor turnout and during weather-related interruptions, guests remained largely calm and understanding. As a result, the necessary measures on site could generally be implemented without major disruptions to the event.” 

Fortunately, no thefts, assaults, or other physical attacks were reported. In addition to maintaining a presence on the event grounds, traffic monitoring in the immediate vicinity was another key focus of operations. Over the two festival weekends, the city police identified a total of 71 violations of traffic regulations and issued corresponding citations. A major focus was the area around Bahnhofstraße and Luisenstraße, where 52 violations were recorded alone. 

Another key focus of operations was passenger transportation. Of particular concern to the city police was the high number of cases in which ride-hailing service providers attempted to enter the event area despite existing access restrictions. A total of 1,533 attempts to enter the area were recorded. The large number of vehicles that had to be turned away indicates that a significant portion of the ride-hailing services failed to comply with the existing traffic regulations. Administrative proceedings were initiated against two taxi drivers due to violations detected on Friedrichstraße. 

Weather conditions also posed particular challenges for emergency personnel. While a thunderstorm on the first Saturday only briefly interrupted the event, a severe weather warning with gusty winds on Wednesday evening, August 19, led to the event’s premature cancellation. The subsequent evacuation of the event grounds proceeded in an orderly manner and without major incidents, despite heavy rain. 

On the event grounds, the city police enforced the applicable market regulations. Persons causing disturbances and illegal beggars were ordered to leave the premises. On opening day, an intoxicated troublemaker was also removed from City Hall. On the first Saturday, city police officers assisted state police in arresting a suspect following an attempted shoplifting incident at a wine stand. In addition, two disturbances of the peace in the downtown area were brought to an end. An unauthorized music group on Kirchgasse was required to stop playing after being ordered to do so by the officers. 

In addition to enforcing public order, city police patrols also provided assistance on several occasions in special situations. On the first Sunday, a disoriented elderly woman was found. The officers arranged for medical care and, after further investigation, were able to place the woman in emergency shelter. 

The Wiesbaden City Police would like to thank the event organizer for the excellent cooperation and coordination, as well as the state police, emergency responders, and the other agencies involved. Thanks also go to the visitors for their generally cooperative behavior during the event.