100 Years of Grapevine Breeding at the Geilweilerhof 1926–2026

What: Open Day at the JKI’s Vine Breeding and Plant Protection Department at the Geilweilerhof
When: Sun 30 August 26 | 10 am–6 pm
Where: Geilweilerhof, 76833 Siebeldingen

Visitors to the open day can look forward to a packed programme of events on the grounds of the Geilweilerhof, which is home to the Julius Kühn Institute’s vine breeding and vine protection departments. As well as gaining an insight into the research being carried out, visitors will have the opportunity to view the exhibition in the historic manor house.

This section explains why vine breeding exists – or rather, why it is still necessary to breed new varieties at all – what pests and diseases viticulture has to contend with, and what impact climate change is having on the cultural landscape shaped by viticulture. It also covers how breeding is carried out, what the challenges are with grapevines, and what is meant by phenotyping and „smart breeding“.

On a walk along the vine trail, you’ll learn interesting facts about this cultivated plant – introduced by the Romans – almost as you stroll along. Guided tours of the vineyard and the institute’s own vine germplasm bank offer a hands-on insight into breeding research and conservation work. To mark the „100 Years of Grapevine Breeding at the Site“ anniversary, there will also be a guided tour taking visitors on a journey through history.

Of course, culinary delights are not to be missed at an event like this: as well as the wine tasting, where visitors can sample the latest PIWI grape varieties, there will be a wine bar and accompanying catering.

See also the „Anniversary page“ for more information: https://www.julius-kuehn.de/zr/100jahre-geilweilerhof

For enquiries regarding the event itself, please contact the secretariat of the local specialist institute by email at zr@julius-kuehn.de or tel. 06345/41-0

🎉 Open Day at the JKI’s Vine Breeding and Protection Department at the Geilweilerhof
📍 Geilweilerhof Institute for Grapevine Breeding
🕒 30 August 2026 | 10 am–6 pm
🔗 „Anniversary page“: https://www.julius-kuehn.de/zr/100jahre-geilweilerhof