Join us for our fourth annual German Christmas Market

As we prepare for our fourth Annual German Christmas Market, we once again reminisce about our wonderful adventure exploring the Christmas Markets of Germany in 2019.

During our trip we spent time visiting the Christmas Markets in several enchanting German towns and villages. Each town puts their own special spin on their markets. Most are held in the town square in the shadow of the town's cathedral, some are held on primeval castle grounds, other towns have three or four separate markets and others include specialty markets, such as the Medieval Market held in Esslingen, where artisans create their goods with textiles and tools from centuries past.

While the town and market locations may vary, there are consistencies across all the markets: whimsical artisan vendor stalls topped with red and white striped canopies that are filled to the brim with handmade goods, exquisitely decorated Christmas trees covered in thousands of tiny white lights, local choral groups filling the air with pleasing Christmas music and timeworn cobblestone streets lined with delightful food stalls where you can grab a quick bite. You can find everything from bratwurst and pretzels to Gluhwein, a warm mulled wine, and hot cocoa. And don't forget, lots and lots of bundled up shoppers, arms teeming with purchased treasures.

After our Christmas Market visit, we knew we wanted to recreate this memorable event at our winery. We held our first Market in December 2020 with 14 artisan vendors, Gluhwein (made from an old German family recipe) along with German food and sweets. It was a huge hit! Since then, our German Christmas Market has grown significantly. This year we will host over 60 artisan vendors, including 10 youth vendors. Poke Express will be with us on Saturday preparing food with a German twist. We will be preparing Brat Meals and fresh cooked giant pretzels each day, along with our delicious Gluhwein, hot cocoa and beer. Mud Hut will hold an ornament painting class both days and we will once again have strolling carolers on both Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, our Old-World Santa will be strolling the market on Saturday.

Immediately following this year's Christmas Market, we will once again return to Europe to enjoy nearly two dozen Christmas Markets in Dresden, Prague and Budapest! We are excited to return and experience one of our favorite European traditions. Who knows, we might even return home with some fun ideas to incorporate into our 2024 Christmas Market.

Mark your calendars for this enchanted holiday event: Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 from noon to 6 p.m. This event will be held rain or shine, or snow! Dress warm and come out to visit our fully decorated tasting room and expanded gift shop (currently open). Shop our unique vendor stalls and plan on grabbing lunch or dinner along with a glass of wine, hot cocoa or beer. Warm yourself with a glass of delicious Gluhwein by one of our fire pits! It will be a magical weekend; one you won't soon forget! See you here!

Dorner Family Vineyard is located at 18274 Old Ranch Rd.