Dear residents of Wiesbaden,

It’s almost that time of year again: Just like every year, Schlossplatz and the Dern’sche grounds will be transformed into the “longest wine bar in the world.” From Friday, August 14, through Sunday, August 23, local winemakers will be offering their finest wines in a unique atmosphere at the 2026 Rheingau Wine Week—our wine festival. The Rheingau Wine Week will officially open on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. on the stage in front of City Hall.

This year, we can look forward to around 120 booths offering not only Riesling and other wine varieties but also other beverages and many culinary delights. I’m especially looking forward to the wine booth from our French sister city, Fondettes. Fondettes has a population of around 11,000 and is located in the Indre-et-Loire department, about ten kilometers northwest of Tours. The wine stand is run by the Naurod-Fondettes e.V. Sister City Association, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

On the three stages, numerous bands representing a wide variety of musical styles will once again create a great atmosphere and provide musical entertainment. In addition, you can once again purchase the coveted collectible glass at the ESWE Versorgung booth this year: it features a green parrot relaxing under a drinking fountain and enjoying fresh Wiesbaden water. The design by artist Barbara Fuhrmann was selected from among 129 submissions. Proceeds from the sale will go to the “Zwergendorf” project of the Wiesbaden-based Zwerg Nase Foundation. 

To make it easier for families with children to visit the wine festival, there are accompanying activities—such as childcare provided by the Evangelische Familienbildung at the Haus an der Marktkirche on the weekends. It is open on Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; on Sundays, the service is even free of charge. In addition, a nursing and diaper-changing room is available to families at City Hall Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the key can be obtained at the front desk.

Sustainability is also a focus of the Rheingau Wine Week: Once again, stall operators are foregoing plastic dishes and cutlery. For a safe and climate-friendly trip to and from the event, you can purchase the popular Wine Festival Ticket from ESWE Verkehr, which—as every year—can be redeemed as a voucher for a glass of wine at participating wineries. 

I’d like to take this opportunity to address the heat, which has already been causing us problems this year, even here in Wiesbaden. Summer continues—which makes it all the more important that we work together to manage the heat responsibly. On days like these, we should be considerate not only of ourselves but also of those around us—especially vulnerable groups such as young children, older adults, and people with health conditions. At www.wiesbaden.de/hitze, you can find the usual recommendations: Drink plenty of water regularly and avoid physical exertion, or postpone it until the cooler morning and evening hours. Air-conditioned Room 22 on the ground floor of City Hall, Schlossplatz 6, is open to residents on days when temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or higher are forecast—initially Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. These hours may be adjusted as needed. In addition, there is a heat hotline: By calling 0611 319090 (opens in a new tab), staff members from the Public Health Department will answer questions related to the heat, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Another example is our interactive “Map of Cool Places” on the city’s website. It highlights various locations such as cool public buildings, parks, and green spaces. It also lists “refill stations”—shops or other establishments where you can refill your water bottle for free. 

What sets our city apart is that we not only look out for one another and are there for each other, but also celebrate our festivals together. That’s why I’m convinced that the Rheingau Wine Week will once again bring us ten days of enjoyment and camaraderie this year. I look forward to chatting with you over a cool drink and wish you a wonderful time at our wine festival.

Warm regards,

Gert-Uwe Mende
Lord Mayor