SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 11, 2025 – A glamorous evening of fine wine, musical brilliance, and unforgettable flair is coming to Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler on Friday, November 7, 2025, as the prestigious “Ahrwein des Jahres” wine award opens its doors to the public for the first time.
Held at the iconic Steigenberger Kurhaus-Saal, the event promises to shine a national spotlight on the Ahr Valley with red carpet elegance, top-tier entertainment, and a showcase of the region’s best wines — all wrapped in a festive, feel-good atmosphere that wine lovers won’t want to miss.
A new chapter for Germany’s unique wine award
The “Ahrwein des Jahres” isn’t just another wine prize. It’s the only state-recognized wine award in Germany that brings together an entire wine region. All local wineries and cooperatives take part, making it a truly one-of-a-kind celebration of regional excellence. For the first time ever, the public is invited to attend.
„Dieser Weinpreis steht für die herausragende Qualität und die starke Gemeinschaft im Ahrtal. Mit der diesjährigen Gala öffnen wir das Event zum ersten Mal für Weinfreunde aus ganz Deutschland – ein Schritt, der dem Ahrwein die überregionale Aufmerksamkeit geben soll, die er verdient,“ explains Guido Mombauer, Vorstandsvorsitzender der Kreissparkasse Ahrweiler.
This milestone event is organized by Kreissparkasse Ahrweiler, the International Wine Institute in the Ahr Valley, and Ahrwein e.V.
Red carpet glamour and world-class entertainment
Beloved TV personality Stefan Mross will guide guests through the evening with his signature charm and humor. As the longtime host of ARD’s “Immer wieder sonntags,” Mross is one of Germany’s most recognized faces and brings just the right sparkle to the Ahr wine celebration.
The musical highlight of the evening comes from U.S. musical star Deborah Sasson, who will perform live and mesmerize the audience with some of the most iconic songs from The Phantom of the Opera. With her powerful voice and internationally acclaimed stage presence, Sasson is set to make this gala truly unforgettable.
An indulgent evening for wine lovers
Guests will be welcomed at 5:30 p.m. with a sparkling wine reception in the elegant Baroque Hall. Following that, the beautifully decorated Kurhaus-Saal will host an exquisite four-course dinner crafted by the Steigenberger kitchen, perfectly paired with the six winning wines of the evening and other top selections from the Ahr region.
During the gala, coveted awards will be presented in the following categories:
- Spätburgunder Kultwein
- Spätburgunder Premium
- Spätburgunder Klassiker
- Bester Frühburgunder
- Bester Blanc de Noir
- Sonderkategorie: Bester Riesling trocken
„Der Spätburgunder bleibt das Aushängeschild des Ahrtals, aber gerade beim Riesling sehen wir in den Altenahrer und Mayschoßer mittlerweile eine hervorragende Qualität – deshalb ehren wir ihn dieses Jahr mit einer Sonderkategorie,“ emphasizes Lukas Sermann, Vorsitzender des Ahrwein e.V.
Celebrate into the night
After the awards ceremony, the celebration continues with a stylish after-show party back in the Baroque Hall. Guests will have the chance to enjoy more tastings of the winning wines and unwind in an exclusive, festive atmosphere.
Those who want to turn the evening into a mini-vacation can take advantage of a special accommodation package available at the Steigenberger Hotel Bad Neuenahr — making it easy to fully immerse in the Ahr Valley experience.
Learn more at www.ahrwein-des-jahres.de