Facts and Figures

General data:

Federal State: Rhineland-Palatinate
County: Bernkastel-Wittlich
Height: 140 m above sea level
Area: 17.59 km²
Inhabitants: 951 (31 December 2007)
Population density: 54 persons per km²
Postcode: 54487
Area code: 06534
Car license plate: WIL
Community code: 07 2 31 133
District council address: Gestade 18, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues
Website: www.wintrich-mosel.de
Mayor: Dirk Kessler

Geographical location:

The local community lies in the natural, viticultural landscape of the Moselle valley on the right bank of the river; here the valley widens into a landscape highlighted by undulating river plains and former Moselle river bends. The fairly steep slopes covered with vines and woodlands rise up towards the Eifel hills on the opposite side of the river.

Location

Our neighbouring communities are Minheim, Kesten and Brauneberg. The nearest town centre is Bernkastel-Kues, about 10 km away and Wittlich, about 20 km from Wintrich. Trier is situated approximately 40 km away.

Climate

Protected by the Eifel hills Wintrich is in the rain shadow of west winds which also sometimes have a Chinook wind effect. At the same time the air is warmed due to little air exchange coming in from the surrounding area. As a result we have an almost Mediterranean climate. Proof of this is the record temperature measured in our neighbouring Brauneberg in August 1998 of 41.2 ° C in the shade – the highest temperature ever measured in Germany.

History

Celts, Romans and Franks settled in the area of today’s village community. Wintrich was first mentioned in a deed in 960 a.D. The Celtic-Roman name vintriacum means “wine village” showing that viticulture has been practiced for centuries. Half-timbered houses, crooked lanes and old wineries stand witness to our historical tradition.

Viticulture

Winegrowing is practiced in the wine slopes called Geierslay, Ohligsberg and Stefanslay. Outside of the region, Wintrich has become well known for its wine slope “Großer Herrgott” (Great Lord). In 1968 a unique 9-metre high crucifix was placed at the top of the Geyerskopf slope in the vineyards, paying tribute to the old name. It has become the symbol of the village and can be seen from afar both in the day time and at night when it is floodlit. Not only the famous Riesling grape is cultivated here but also Burgundy, Rivaner and Dornfelder grape varieties flourish.

Wintrich Passion Play

The passion plays in Wintrich have been performed over a period of several weeks every five years since 1902. They represent a part of the life of Jesus. The plays are well visited and at the centenary performance over 8,000 visitors came. The festival location is the local church in Wintrich providing the most authentic atmosphere.  Most of the actors belong to the passion play amateur dramatics club boasting 350 members. Apart from the actors one of the most important elements is the choir. The last passion play took place in 2012 meaning that the next performance will be in 2017.

Economy and Infrastructure

There is a river weir at Wintrich. A by-pass road leads traffic past the inner centre of the village.