Overview
- The national final takes place Friday in Neustadt an der Weinstraße with five contenders, including the first male finalist since the contest began in 1949.
- Finalists are Levin McKenzie (Rheinhessen), Emma Meinhardt (Saale‑Unstrut), Anna Zenz (Mosel), Katja Simon (Hessische Bergstraße) and Lucia Winterhalter (Baden).
- With men now eligible, the event uses the gender‑neutral name Wahl der Deutschen Weinmajestät; a woman would be Weinkönigin, a man would hold the new title Deutscher Weinkönig.
- McKenzie says his performance will test the decision to admit men and he aims to spotlight German wine quality and connect with younger audiences if he wins.
- Fashion designer Harald Glööckler backs inclusion and defends the coronation’s symbolism, while petitions and political pushback in the Pfalz highlighted resistance as the sector contends with falling consumption, U.S. tariffs and cheaper imports.