People usually drink both while eating hot Maroni (sweet chestnuts) or Zwiebelkuchen (onion cake). This last dish tastes better than it sounds, I promise...
The calendar in Landau and the surrounding region revolves around the production of grapes and wine in the local vineyards. The vineyards provide money for the local economy, and tourists come from far away to taste the juice and wine from the region. The Festival of the Federweisser celebrates that historical connection with the vineyards. It also gives citizens and tourists the opportunity to relax and enjoy each others' company outside before the winter months keep everyone indoors.
Absolutely. Federweisser was historically produced only in grape-growing regions, because the bottles need to stay cold and cannot be sealed. The festival also coincides with the end of the grape harvest, when farmers have less work to do, and they can enjoy themselves more. The tradition of eating chestnuts has everything to do with the calendar as well. Late September/early October is the time of year when the chestnuts drop from their trees. The first time I came to Germany, I had no idea what these nuts were, but now I know that they are delicious and add to the specialness of this festival.
