Between Vineyards, the Lake and Tradition

Between Vineyards, the Lake and Tradition: The Lake Constance Wine Region Welcomes Visitors to a Summer of Wine and Enjoyment 

• The 50th Constance Wine Festival and the 50th Lake Constance Wine Festival in Meersburg are among the highlights of the 2026 wine summer.
• Four countries, eight wine-growing regions and numerous wine festivals make Lake Constance one of Europe’s most diverse wine destinations.
• Vineyard hikes, winery tours, wine tastings and grape harvest experiences invite visitors to enjoy the region throughout the year.

Constance – Whether at traditional wine festivals, on vineyard hikes or during wine tastings between the vineyards and the lake: the Lake Constance wine region invites visitors to enjoy memorable experiences throughout the summer and autumn. In 2026, two landmark anniversaries take centre stage: the 50th Constance Wine Festival (29 July–1 August) and the 50th Lake Constance Wine Festival in Meersburg (11–13 September). Together with other highlights such as the Nonnenhorn Winegrowers’ Festival (14–15 August), Schafuuser Wiiprob (27–29 August), the St. Gallen Rhine Valley Wine Tavolata (28 August), the Lochau Vineyard Wine Festival (30 August), the Bermatingen Wine Festival (4–6 September) and the Liechtenstein Winegrowers’ Festival (19 September), the cross-border wine region showcases its remarkable diversity.

Two Anniversaries Highlight the 2026 Wine Summer
The Constance Wine Festival celebrates five decades of tradition and, from 29 July to 1 August, will be held for the last time in its familiar setting on St. Stephen’s Square before relocating in future years. For four days, regional wines, live music and local culinary specialities create a vibrant summer atmosphere in the heart of Konstanz’s historic old town.
The Lake Constance Wine Festival in Meersburg also marks its 50th anniversary with a special programme. From 11 to 13 September, visitors can enjoy extended opening hours on Friday and Saturday, an exhibition tracing five decades of festival history, and a ceremonial opening featuring many former Wine Princesses.

Wine Knows No Borders at Lake Constance
The anniversary celebrations reflect the unique character of the Lake Constance wine region, one of Europe's few truly cross-border wine destinations. Vineyards stretch across Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Principality of Liechtenstein, linking eight wine-growing regions through a shared history, strong regional identity and an exceptional diversity of wines.
With around 570 hectares of vineyards, the Baden Lake Constance appellation forms the largest part of the region. Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are among its signature varieties. Along the Württemberg and Bavarian appellations of Lake Constance, elegant white wines and Burgundy varieties thrive on sun-drenched vineyard slopes overlooking the lake.
On the Swiss side, the wine landscape extends from Thurgau, home of grape breeder Dr Hermann Müller, through the St. Gallen Rhine Valley to the Schaffhausen Blauburgunderland, renowned for its Pinot Noir wines. The cross-border wine region is completed by the Principality of Liechtenstein, with more than a thousand years of winemaking tradition, and the small but distinctive vineyards of Vorarlberg, where warm foehn winds help the grapes achieve exceptional ripeness in autumn.

Wine Experiences Throughout the Year
While the wine festivals are the highlights of the summer season, the Lake Constance wine region offers memorable wine experiences all year round. Vineyard hikes, winery tours and wine tastings invite visitors to discover the region at any time of year. During the summer months, wine picnics, open-air tastings and boat cruises with wine tastings add to the programme. In autumn, the focus shifts to the grape harvest, culinary weeks and walks through colourful vineyards. Even in winter, historic wine cellars, wine shops, wine-and-dine experiences and Christmas markets featuring regional specialities ensure that the pleasures of the Lake Constance wine region continue throughout the season.

The anniversary celebrations in 2026 underline what defines the Lake Constance wine region: outstanding wines, centuries-old traditions and a unique cultural landscape that brings people together across borders.

More information under: www.bodensee.eu/en/what-to-do/culinary/lake-constance-wine 

About Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH – Tourist Board of Lake Constance: 
Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH (IBT GmbH) is the cross-border destination management and marketing organisation for the four-country region of Lake Constance. Representing the interests of nine shareholder organisations from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, IBT GmbH promotes the region as a shared tourism destination. Its flagship product for visitors and residents alike is the Bodensee Card PLUS, which brings together more than 160 attractions and tourism partners across four countries, encouraging cross-border travel and experiences.