Essenheim: Winegrowing, History and Art

Essenheim combines winegrowing with a distinctive local history and contemporary art. The village lies on the southwestern slope of the Selz Valley and has around 200 hectares of vineyards. Churches, squares and vineyard sites give your trip different points of focus: you can explore the village’s history, experience art or include wine-related activities in your plans.

Winegrowing and trails in the Selz Valley

Domherr and Teufelspfad are the two named vineyard sites in Essenheim. The topography is also part of the winegrowing area: the vines belonging to Wagner Winery grow on the southern slopes of the Selz Valley. Two signposted wine trails start at the winery. Wagner also offers wine tastings and guided vineyard walks for groups. For hikers, the winery can provide a map, glasses and suitable wines.

Another option for an outing is the Terroir hiking trail, which passes through the area around Essenheim. It is not the same as the two wine trails that start at Wagner Winery. If you are cycling, be prepared for the steep climb the Selz Valley Cycle Route follows to reach Essenheim. The routes therefore have distinct stated focuses: the wine trails start at the winery, while the cycle route involves a challenging climb to the village.

Wagner’s seasonal Straußwirtschaft (traditional wine tavern) serves typical Rheinhessen dishes on weekends. Its season runs from late April to mid-September; check the current dates before visiting. In summer, the winery courtyard becomes a cultural venue for theatre, jazz, readings and wine tastings. The summer programme may change from year to year.

Church, village history and memorial sites

The Protestant parish experienced the Reformation in 1533 and is considered the oldest Protestant parish in Rheinhessen. The church brings together traces from different periods: its tower probably dates from the 15th century and is a remnant of the former fortified church, from which the village’s defences were organised. The church nave in its present form dates to 1775. The old rectory is thought to be the only Essenheim house still standing from the Thirty Years’ War.

A historical walking tour passes various landmarks in the village’s history: the former village ditch and fortified churchyard, the Protestant church, the Jewish cemetery and the historic town hall. Other listed stops include the site where a Roman sarcophagus was found and the distinctive former tithe barn on Domherrnstraße. Stolpersteine (memorial plaques set into the pavement) commemorate Essenheim’s former Jewish residents. Together, these places and memorials offer insights into different chapters of the village’s history.

The “Straße der Geschichte” (“Street of History”) exhibition was a project from 2016. It presented Essenheim’s social and historical development at ten private farmyards, in the Protestant church and in the Old School.

Art and village life at the Dalles

The Dalles is the historic centre of village life: an elevated circular square with a view, right next to the Kunstforum. The Essenheim Art Association presents contemporary art and documentary films; its programme includes six to seven exhibitions a year. Admission to events is free. As the programme and admission arrangements may change, check the current dates and conditions before visiting.

Other places also bring Essenheim’s architectural history and culture together: the newly redesigned steps between the church and the town hall courtyard are used as a stage for concerts and theatre. The Domherrnhof is a half-timbered building with a vaulted cellar. Together with the Kunstforum at the Dalles, these venues offer another way to discover Essenheim, alongside winegrowing and its historic sites.

Plan your stay around your interests

If you are looking for accommodation in Essenheim, it helps to plan your trip by first deciding which activities and dates suit you. Wine tastings, group walks and the seasonal Straußwirtschaft offer a different focus from a visit to the art association or exploring local history. In particular, check the latest seasonal and event dates before choosing when to travel.

Within the broader Mainz-Bingen destination, Rheinhessen is part of the wider regional context: the wine-growing region covers around 26,300 hectares of vineyards and is considered Germany’s largest. This provides regional context and complements Essenheim’s own vineyard area without equating it with the region’s total vineyard area.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Appenheim, Nackenheim, Ockenheim, Sankt Johann, Guntersblum, Wintersheim, Bodenheim, Eimsheim.

To the broader travel overview: Mainz-Bingen.