
© Domingos Oliveira / RTL
The summer holidays have just begun and with the weather picking up as well, both locals and visitors had the perfect opportunity to enjoy culture and wine near the Moselle at the "Éiner Wënzerdag" on Sunday.
A 2023 Riesling was presented at Sunday's "Éiner Wënzerdag," accompanied by plenty of fanfare.
Watch the report in Luxembourgish here:
It was an early start on Sunday for Ehnen residents as the festivities kicked off at 10am with a lively procession through the heart of Ehnen, ending at the church. Residents of all ages, including the young, were enjoying the celebrations and, as has become tradition over the years, a unique barrel of grape juice created by local youth was enjoyed by attendees. "Éiner Wënzerdag" organisers believe it is crucial to involve young people in local traditions to preserve the cultural heritage of the Moselle region.
Martine Kohll from the Institut Viti-Vinicole commented: "For about 10-12 years now, children have been super involved in the celebrations. After all, they are our future winemakers. Therefore, it is important that they are just as involved and someday will hopefully present their own Ehnen wine on Wënzerdag."
As part of the tradition, a 20-litre barrel of Ehnen Riesling blend is tapped. Historically, Ehnen was known for its Rivaner wines, but their popularity has waned over recent decades. Currently, wine production in Ehnen covers 54 hectares, with 9 wineries remaining, including 5 private wineries.
Martine Kohll explained: "Over the past 20 years, Rivaner production has declined in Ehnen. The focus has shifted to Burgunder varieties like Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris for Crémant wine production. Since 1991, Luxembourgish Crémant has become a success story, and we have adapted accordingly."
At 11.15am, the wine was officially tapped, marking the start of the 39th edition of the festival, whether visitors wanted to celebrate with or without alcohol.
Martine Kohll added: "Ehnen is a beautiful, charming, little village with narrow streets, many flowers, and decorated houses. I believe it's the charm of the village, combined with the hospitality of Ehnen residents, that attracts people to the wine festival and to the Moselle region every year."
Traditionally, tourists head to the Moselle village after 2pm to enjoy wines from six different domains and wine cellars. A festival that has something to offer for everyone, whether young or old.