Explore exceptional wines and top vineyards in Flanders

By Malin Norman

The wine industry in Flanders is still relatively small, but with a microclimate suitable for wine production and a range of outstanding wines, the region is seeing a steady growth in wine tourism. We take a closer look at two main wine growing areas, Limburg and Heuvelland.

Belgium might be more famous for its ex cellent beers, but Flanders is establishing a presence on the global wine scene. The rolling hills and the mild climate offer the perfect conditions for vine cultivation and vineyards here are offering a diverse range of grape varieties.

Explore exceptional wines and top vineyards in Flanders

Photo: Den Nachtengael

Photo: Entre Deux Monts

Two wine growing areas in Flanders dominate: Limburg in the east, near the Dutch border, and Heuvelland in the west, which is part of the historical Flanders Fields. Local winemakers are seeing an increase in demand for tours and tastings, and the chance to experience local gastronomy and wines. If in Flanders, you can discover fantastic vineyards on foot, by bike, and even from the air.

Photo: Wijndomein Aldeneyck

SUNNY VINEYARDS IN LIMBURG

Known for its gorgeous landscapes and sunny vineyards, Limburg is nestled in the Meuse Valley and surrounded by picturesque towns. The lush hills and good soil make wine growing possible and wineries offer top quality wines, often with a crisp, elegant and fruity profile.

In the heart of the Meuse Valley is Aldeneyck, sitting on the sunny South Eastern slopes of the Meuse river. On the mineral-rich terroir, wines are cultivated with a great deal of passion. Aldeneyck is also praised for its annual wine festival, which takes place on 14 September this year.

Photo: Den Nachtengael

One of the oldest and largest vineyards in Flanders is Wijnkasteel Genoels-Elderen, situated not far from Tongeren. It has a range of varieties, including Pinot Noir, Auxerrois, and Chardonnay – and its own castle and rose garden.

Borgloon Wine Guild includes two vine-yards: De Groot Mot, with 5,800 vines, and Castle de Clee, with 2,300 vines. Also in Borgloon is Wijndomein Otimbulles, producing around 10,000 bottles annually and specialising in traditional Champagne grapes. And near St. Truiden, you will find Wijndomein Kitsburg, with around 3,000 wines, as well as Helshoven Wijndomein, which has its own bicycle café.

Explore exceptional wines and top vineyards in Flanders

Photo: Wijndomein Kitsburg

ROLLING HILLS IN HEUVELLAND

West Flanders, particularly around Heuvelland, is known for its rolling hills and proximity to Flanders Fields, the site of World War I battles. The landscape, the influence of the North Sea, and the iron-stone soil make Heuvelland a special grape region, with wines often considered to be fresh, elegant and balanced.

The family-run wine estate Entre-Deux- Monts, in the heart of Heuvelland, has been cultivating a passion for winemaking for generations. During a visit, you will get the chance to hear about the rich heritage and dedication to quality that defines its wines.

Photo: Wijnkasteel Genoels-Eld

For those keen to explore the surroundings, the Entre-Deux-Monts walking route takes you along the vines – a great way to enjoy the outdoors. A ride on the Cordoba cable car, the only one in Flanders, offers fabulous views – with the vineyards at your feet. In clear weather, you can even see the North Sea looming over the hills.

Wijndomein Ravenstein is a relatively new vineyard in Wervik, featuring a large collection of 11,000 vines. Wijndomein Vidaigne is a small vineyard in Westouter with about 1,200 vines, using eco-friendly practices. And Klienrijselhoek is notorious for using disease-resistant grapes to avoid chemicals.

Other vineyards worth checking out are Wijndomein D’hellekapelle, Wijndomein Koudekout near the French border, with a mix of red and white grape varieties, Wijndomein Zilver Cruys in the Ypres area, with a variety of traditional and experimental grapes, and small vineyard Wijndomein ‘t Zwaluwnest in Klijte, with its own Bed & Breakfast. And do not miss state-of-the- art Den Nachtengael, famous for its sparkling rosé blends.

Photo: Wijndomein Aldeneyck

Heuvelland Vintage Cycling Route

The Heuvelland Vintage Cycling Route is a 37.7 kilometre route with various vineyards on or not far from the route. Along the way, signs shaped like wine bottles provide information about the wine estates. Cyclists can enjoy sce nic views and, of course, stop to taste wines at the wineries or in local cafés and restaurants.

Information about Limburg and Heuvelland

www.visitlimburg.be, www.toerismeheuvelland.be and www.toerismewesthoek.be

For tips on what to see and do in Flanders, you can check out www.visitflanders.com