Essenheim lies on the southwestern slope of the Selztal valley. Winegrowing, local history and contemporary art offer different focal points for a stay. When choosing what to do, consider whether you would rather focus on the wine-growing landscape and wine experiences or on historical and cultural attractions.
Winegrowing and Trails
Essenheim has around 200 hectares of vineyards. Domherr and Teufelspfad are wine-growing sites in Essenheim. At Weingut Wagner, the vines grow on the south-facing slopes of the Selztal valley. The Selztal Cycle Route reaches Essenheim via a steep climb; take this into account when planning your route. The Terroir hiking trail runs through the Essenheim area.
Church and Local History
The church nave’s present form dates from 1775. The church tower is thought to date from the 15th century and is a remnant of the former fortified church, from which the village’s defenses were organized. The Protestant parish experienced the Reformation in 1533 and is considered the oldest Protestant parish in Rheinhessen. Stolpersteine memorial plaques commemorate Essenheim’s former Jewish residents. The old rectory is thought to be the only Essenheim house still standing from the Thirty Years’ War.
Stops on a historical walking tour include the former village moat and fortified churchyard, the Protestant church, the Jewish cemetery, the historic town hall, a Roman sarcophagus find, and the striking former tithe barn on Domherrnstraße. In 2016, the “Street of History” presented Essenheim’s social and historical development across ten private courtyards, the Protestant church and the Old School.
Art and Culture in Town
The Dalles is the historic center of village life: a raised circular plaza with a view, right next to the art forum. The Domherrnhof is a half-timbered building with a vaulted cellar. The newly redesigned staircase between the church and the town hall courtyard serves as a venue for concerts and theater.
The Essenheim Art Association presents contemporary art and documentary films in six to seven exhibitions per year. Admission to the association’s events is free; the program, exhibition schedule and admission arrangements may change. Check the latest dates before your visit.
Experience Wine and Plan Seasonally
In summer, the courtyard of Weingut Wagner becomes a cultural setting for theater, jazz, readings and wine tastings; the program may change from year to year. The winery also offers wine tastings and guided vineyard walks for groups. Two signposted wine trails start there. The winery can provide hikers with a map, glasses and suitable wines.
The winery’s seasonal Straußwirtschaft serves typical Rheinhessen dishes on weekends. Its season runs from late April to mid-September. If you plan to visit for a seasonal offering, check the latest dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Trechtingshausen, Mommenheim, Oberdiebach, Aspisheim, Grolsheim, Schwabenheim An Der Selz, Dolgesheim, Heidesheim am Rhein.
Back to the regional travel overview: Mainz-Bingen.
