Vineyard burials available: Dead can now be interred amongst grapevines in Mainz-Laubenheim
In the heart of Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz, a city steeped in wine history, has recently introduced a unique burial option for its residents: vineyard burials. However, a search for specific information about these burials in Mainz has yielded no results, with the focus mainly on general attractions and accommodations [1][2][3][4][5].
Vineyard burials, a practice where graves are located in or near vineyard areas, symbolize the deep connection between the deceased and the land used for vine cultivation. In Mainz and the Rhineland-Palatinate region, vineyards play a significant cultural and economic role, with many famous wine-producing areas [6].
Historical burial practices near vineyards may exist, but they are typically documented in local cemetery records, church archives, or specific cultural heritage studies. Mainz offers traditional burial options such as municipal cemeteries, Jewish cemeteries, and church cemeteries [7]. Dedicated vineyard burials, however, are not a standard or widely documented practice in Mainz based on available popular or tourist information.
To delve deeper into the history of vineyard burials in Mainz, one would need to consult local historical societies, municipal offices, or specialized publications on regional burial customs and land use. There may also be family or private vineyard burials not publicly documented.
For those interested in vineyard-related experiences near Mainz, such as walking tours, tastings, or cultural visits, these are widely available [2][3][4], but these do not include burial services.
This summer, the Mainz-Laubenheim municipal cemetery has introduced vineyard burials, offering an opportunity with a regional connection and a theme that has connected people during their lifetimes [8]. The vine stocks planted provide space for urn row graves, affectionately known as "Schorlegraber". The new grave field contains 72 urn choice graves and 36 urn row graves, with more space planned for columbaria and tree choice graves [9].
The vineyard graves in Mainz are a testament to the city's deep connection with wine, even in death. The Mainz economic operation, which manages the 13 Mainz cemeteries, created these vineyard graves to offer a unique opportunity for individuals to be buried under Sauvignon Gris vines [10].
For more information about the Mainz cemeteries, including the vineyard burials, visit the city of Mainz's website [11]. As Jeanette Wetterling, head of the Mainz economic operation, stated, "much of life in Rhineland-Palatinate revolves around wine" [12]. The city is known for implementing new ideas promptly when they fit, as Ronny Pietsch, the responsible department head for cemeteries and burials in Mainz, explained [13].
- Although not widely documented, historical vineyard burials may exist in Mainz, given the city's deep-rooted wine history and connection to vineyards.
- Despite the popularity of vineyard tours, wine tastings, and cultural visits around Mainz, the unique opportunity of vineyard burials is a recent addition to the city's home-and-garden and lifestyle offerings.
