Fans of German wines have reason to rejoice. Over the next few weeks, chances to sample the goodness of the grape in the company of friends old and new comes about in the form of a head-spinning cascade of wine festivals. From fairly intimate affairs mostly attended by locals to massive Oktoberfest-style events attracting millions, a bit of insider information can make a visit more enjoyable.

Wiesbaden: Wiesbaden’s Rheingauer Weinwoche, or Rheingau Wine Week, offers visitors a step inside the world of rieslings. From Aug. 11-20, a hundred wine stands scattered around the brick-red Market Church will tempt guests with Germany’s most highly prized variety of white wine, alongside a lesser number of roses and reds. Musical entertainment from brass bands to hard rock is offered across three stages each evening.

Each year, one of Wiesbaden’s partner cities is invited to be the annual guest of honor; in 2023, the spotlight shines on San Sebastián, a city along Spain’s northern coast in the Basque region. At the red stand labeled number 1, festgoers will have the chance to taste wines made from grapes typical to the region, including tempranillo, viura, garnacha and albariño.

Another stand number to make note of is 57, where the ESWE utility company dispenses free water, and visitors using public transportation to reach the festival can pick up a voucher valid for a free drink at selected wine stands. Online: tinyurl.com/5n7ktt29

Mainz: In contrast to many other city wine festivals, the Mainzer Weinmarkt plays out not downtown but in a stately park on the outskirts of town. Just a hop-skip from the Roemisches Theater train station, the Stadtpark offers all the space needed for stages, an artist’s market and countless food and wine stands.

From Aug. 24-27 and again Aug. 31-Sept. 3, hundreds of thousands of visitors will while away happy hours beneath the trees as they sample the wines of the Rheinhessen, Rheingau and Nahe growing regions. Those after a more sophisticated tasting experience might wish to make way to the Great Wine Capitals Wine Village, where network member Lausanne, Switzerland will present its wines. On both weekends, a colorful program of music and activities is sure to keep young visitors happily distracted. Online: tinyurl.com/yaaauw4p

Stuttgart: The Stuttgarter Weindorf, or Stuttgart Wine Village, perches prettily in the heart of Baden‐Württemberg’s fine capital city. From Aug. 30-Sept. 10, the Market Square, Schiller Square and Kirchstrasse will play host to tens of thousands of enthusiastic oenophiles. This wine fest distinguishes itself from others with its uniquely Swabian folk decor— wooden huts embellished with grape vines and red checkered tablecloths.

Many of those in the know will be making their way to the stand run by the Jungwinzer, some 16 young and innovative winemakers from the Stuttgart region. Each vintner has a chance to man the stand on a rotating basis, meaning no two visits will never be the same. The stand is located in front of the terrace of the Alte Kanzlei.

The festivities officially kick off at 6:30 p.m. Aug 30 with a ceremony featuring street music in the inner courtyard of the Alter Schloss. Another traditional activity takes place Sept. 5, when various politicians will be put to work stamping grapes with their feet, freshly washed of course. Those with kids might wish to visit on either of two Sundays, Sept. 3 or 10, when a program made up of face-painting, parades, sports and clowns will keep the young ones in thrall. Online: tinyurl.com/32f3hj6t

Bad Dürkheim: Funnily enough, the name of world’s largest wine festival gives nothing away. The Wurstmarkt, or Sausage Market, is where the worlds of wine and volksfests collide. From Sept. 8-11 and again Sept. 15-18, this spa town along the German Wine Road is transformed into a pleasure zone catering to the broadest of tastes.

In the style of a giant agricultural fair back home, there’s a midway packed with loud, neon-lit rides capable of scaring even daredevils, games of luck and chance and meaty treats from the grill.

Those after a finer dining experience can make their way to an elegant white tent where a caterer serves Palatinate specialties on porcelain plates with real cutlery.

At this fest, there's no need for beer lovers to forgo their beverage of choice, as one of the tents offers freshly tapped brews and live music on most evenings.

Events to make note of include a parade set for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 8, an autograph session with Kaiserslautern's soccer team at 3 p.m.Sept. 12, and grandiose displays of fireworks at 9 p.m. Sept. 12 and 18. Online: bad-duerkheim.de