Is Mainz worth a visit? Gutenberg Museum… the centuries-old St. Martin’s Cathedral… a quaint old town… the unique Chagall windows at St. Stephan’s… Rhine River cruises. No doubt there are plenty of reasons to visit. But let’s look beyond those well-known attractions and explore what’s in it for wine lovers!
Few visitors know that Mainz is the Great Wine Capital of Germany! In no other German city is wine as deeply woven into the local culture as it is in Mainz. Here are some delightful things to do in Mainz for wine enthusiasts.
Attend one of the many wine events in Mainz
From spring through late autumn, there is almost no weekend without a wine festival in Mainz or its neighboring Rheinhessen wine villages. Whether you’re a wine professional or a serious wine lover, these events stand out:
Mainzer WeinUfer (End of May): This wine festival, beautifully set along the Rhine River bank, attracts a younger, wine-loving crowd. With live music, tents, marquees, and seating areas, it’s a laid-back celebration of wine—minus the traditional folklore.
Weinmarkt Mainz (August/September): The biggest wine festival in Mainz, this two-weekend event is a must for locals and visitors alike. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, top-notch wineries, eclectic food stalls, and live music, it’s the highlight of Mainz’s wine calendar. Check out our blog post “Best Wine Festivals 2025” for more tips!
Mainzer Weinbörse (End of April): If you are in the wine business or if you are studying wine, don’t miss this two-day tasting event organized by the VDP, featuring 200 of Germany’s top winemakers. Other professional events, like the Biodynamic Wine Fair, take place alongside. Learn more about professional wine fairs in Germany here.
Wine Tasting al-fresco in Mainz
Mainz is famous for its outdoor wine-tasting opportunities, whether on leafy city squares, along the Rhine promenade, or on the terraces of wine taverns in Mainz old town.
Weinfrüstück ‘Winebreakfast’ (March-November): Every Saturday, the area around the Mainz Cathedral turns into a bustling farmers market. On three squares at the fringe of the farmers market (at ‘Leichhof’, at ‘Tritonplatz’, at ‘Fischtor’), local wintners will offer a glass of wine, served next to fresh rolls, and sausage. There: Winebreakfast, Mainz style for people to chill out Mainz-style. Winebreakfast runs from late March to mid-November, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (The event evolved from the ‘Marketbreakfast’ staged within the farmers market).
Weinausschank am Rheinufer (April-October): Sip wine on the Rhine River promenade at this charming wine stand ‘Winausschank am Fischtor’, hosted weekly by different local vintners.
Explore the Wine Taverns (Weinstuben) and Winebars of Mainz
Mainz’s wine taverns and winebars are where authentic local culture meets delicious wine and hearty food. Expect convivial atmospheres and shared tables. Here are some top picks:
Here are our favourite places in the Mainz city center :
Restaurant Willichs – A favorite for its superb selection of regional and international wines and excellent plant-based cuisine. Conveniently close to the train station.
Weinhaus Wilhelmi – One of the oldest wine taverns in Mainz, offering a genuine experience with tasty wines and hearty dishes. Located near the town hall.
Heiliggeist – Set in a stunning former religious building, this venue serves contemporary dishes and an extensive wine list featuring Rheinhessen’s best. Perfectly situated between the riverside and the cathedral.
Weinhaus Schreiner – A humble, owner-operated restaurant popular with locals for its sound cuisine and excellent selection of local wines.
Deisters Weinbar – This modern wine bar in the old town boasts one of Mainz’s largest by-the-glass wine selections.
Shop Wines in Mainz like a pro!
Even in the age of online shopping, Mainz has some fantastic owner-operated wine shops:
– Weinraumwohnung Located on the edge of the city center, this shop focuses on Rheinhessen wines and emerging winemakers, offering great value for money.
– Weinkontor Kessler Tucked away in a historic old-town building, this beautiful shop features a top-tier selection of Rheinhessen and Pfalz wines. It’s a hidden gem worth finding.
– Weinhandel Laurenz This shop specializes in Rheinhessen wines and occasionally transforms into a wine bar where you can enjoy your chosen bottle alongside local tapas.
Take a Wine Tour into the regions of Rheinhessen and Rheingau
Mainz sits right between the winemaking regions of Rheinhessen and Rheingau. Within a 15 minutes’ drive you will be in the vineyards of either wine region. For drop-in tastings, visit Castle Johannisberg, Monastery Eberbach in Rheingau, or – on the Rheinhessen side of the River – the estate Wasem and the Winzerkeller in Ingelheim.
If you would like to visit small or family winemakers directly at their estate, better call in advance and make an appointment. Agree on a price for the tasting, else you may be be expected to buy a couple of cases.
At BottleStops we offer guided tours and tastings, both in and from Mainz as tastings but also as daytrips into the wine regions.
