When the summer heat sweeps across Frankfurt's Roßmarkt, countless glasses shimmer with a drink that is more than just a thirst quencher: apple wine. From 8 to 17 August, the Main metropolis is hosting its 13th Apple Wine Festival – a folk festival that pays tribute to the "Ebbelwoi" culture and at the same time showcases the region's economic power.
For City Councillor Marcus Gwechenberger, who will open the festival on Friday, apple wine exemplifies "conviviality, cosiness and living Frankfurt tradition". In the heart of the city – and impossible to miss in a new festival design inspired by historic wine presses – visitors will be able to sample a whole range of Hessian varieties. For the first time, 0.1-litre tasting glasses will help visitors sample the range of wines from Frankfurt and the surrounding area. "Every sip becomes a little journey of discovery," says Nina Malaviya from the municipal Tourismus+Congress GmbH. Apple wine needs the "right accompaniment". The stands therefore serve Frankfurt specialities – from Handkäs-Bratwurst and apple Langosch to sweet tarte flambée. The organisers hope that this will also attract guests who have only heard of a "Bembel" through hearsay. "The festival brings Hessian culture to newcomers, guests and the next generation," says winemaker Alexander Nöll, chairman of the Hessian Apple Wine and Fruit Juice Association.Frankfurt's apple wine queen Larissa I received her crown at the venue where her annual duty now takes place: "Apple wine seems to have a unifying effect," she remarks, referring to colleagues from other growing regions who also attend. Live music accompanies the event, which runs from 12 noon to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday; the complete stage programme is available online.
The festival also marks the run-up to the apple harvest. From the beginning of September, the cider presses call on owners of orchards to deliver their apples – a contribution to the preservation of a cultural landscape that provides a habitat for countless animal and plant species. "Sustainable consumption starts with regional shopping," urges association colleague Ralf Walther.
The cider may sparkle golden, but its value for the economy, nature conservation and identity is undeniable.
