Lady walks through vineyard in Zuid Limburg

The Netherlands: a wonderful wine country

Wherever you go in the Netherlands, you will find a vineyard nearby. Small and larger wine estates produce wine all over the country, from Groningen to Zeeland and from South Holland to Gelderland. For the last 20 years or so, the Netherlands has been a great place to enjoy a nice glass of wine while relaxing on a terrace in the vineyard. And what's more, there is' a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.

Jekerkwartier Maastricht two ladies having lunch with wine

This modern viniculture emerged in the Maastricht area around 50 years ago, with pioneers such as Frits Bosch of Slavante and Hugo Hulst of De Apostelhoeve. They were inspired by Jean Bellefroid, a Belgian who experimented with making wine in his hometown of Borgloon, just across the border from Maastricht. Bellefroid was so excited by everything he read about medieval viniculture in the Southern Netherlands that his enthusiasm for his newly planted vines also spread to the Dutch.

More hours of sunshine

The Netherlands is generally known for its cool, wet climate. Unfortunately, climate change is rapidly changing that. Extremes such as high temperatures and drought now go hand in hand with abundant rainfall. However, the increased hours of sunshine per year mean that grape varieties that are usually associated with countries like France and Germany are now maturing increasingly well in the Netherlands. You needn't go any further than Limburg, Brabant or Zeeland for your glass of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris or Auxerrois these days!

Sunrise over the vines of Wine Farm de Kleine Schorre

Feel like you're in France

The southern provinces get more sun than the north and average temperatures are rising. Starting from this year, you can even savour a fruity glass of Viognier at the Netherlands' oldest and best-known winery De Apostelhoeve.
This grape variety has traditionally felt most at home in southern France, but the Hulst family of De Apostelhoeve decided to adapt its vineyards to the changing climate a few years ago and is now experimenting with grapes from warmer regions. With success!

A word about soils: Dutch wine originates from many different types of soil, including loess or marl in the province of Limburg, 'shell layers in Zeeland, terp soil in Groningen or sandy soil in Gelderland'. This creates a fantastic variety of flavours and textures in your glass. The character of the silty Zeeland wines is very different from that of wines from Limburg, where the grapes grow in rich loess soils. While several vineyards in places such as Friesland, Gelderland or Brabant are located on poorer sandy soils.

Did you know?

The Netherlands has 9 protected designations of origin (PDOs) for wine. The designation 'Maasvallei Limburg' applies in both the Netherlands and Belgium.

Sustainable viniculture in all provinces

The arrival of special grape varieties specially developed for the northern European climate has caused a big growth in the number of vineyards in the Netherlands since 2000. It i's important to note that these new grape varieties, with names like regent, cabernet cortis, johanitter, solaris or souvignier gris, require much less pesticides. Which is ideal because it's better for the environment! It also allows winegrowers in the more northern provinces of the Netherlands to make delicious wines in a sustainable way.

Smart agriculture controlled by drone over wine vineyards FreeProd33

Many winegrowers, even when located in the northern provinces of Groningen or Friesland, go a step further. They are looking for alternatives to eliminate pesticides altogether. On a terp mound in Groningen's Groot Maarslag, Elma Middel's johanniter and solaris grapes benefit from the salty breeze that is perfect for drying the vines. In South Limburg, Stan Beurskens of Wijndomein Sint Martinus uses drones to keep an eye on the vineyards. The drones measure the aromatic substances in the vineyard, which helps him to determine the best time to start harvesting.

Sparkling experiments

Fancy a glass of sparkling wine? Thanks to all the experience that Dutch winegrowers have now acquired, you can find a large range of special types of wine in the Netherlands. Dutch wines tend to be slightly more acidic than those found elsewhere, which makes them excellent for sparkling wines. No more trips to the Champagne region for sparkling wine: it's made right here in the Netherlands.

Are you a fan of orange or amber wines, the skin-fermented white wines that often have a beautiful orange colour? Then you're in luck. From Betuws Wijndomein to Wijngaard Dassemus and from Wijngoed Wolf to Wijngaard VieVinVjenne, many winegrowers are exploring the possibilities of this ancient and now hugely popular type of wine. And grapes such as souvignier gris, solaris and muscaris lend themselves perfectly to orange wines.

Get on your bike or put on your walking shoes to explore the Dutch vineyards.

Alcohol-free?

Sulphites have been used for centuries to preserve wines properly. But they are unfortunately not very good for your health if added in too large quantities. Sint Martinus in Vijlen and The Colonjes in Groesbeek conducted their own research into substitutes for sulphite, which has already yielded great results. For those who want to go alcohol free, Dutch winemakers are also developing alcohol-free wines and non-alcoholic alternatives. Examples include the well-known and loved alcohol-free sparkling wines and teas from Betuws Wijndomein.

If you want to get to know these special wines and vineyards better, just hop on a bike or put on your walking shoes. There are several beautiful wine routes you can follow, especially in Gelderland and South Limburg, with stops at welcoming wineries where you can sample refreshing wines. But you can also do this in Drenthe, or Overijssel - in fact, you will' find plenty of opportunities throughout the country to enjoy the vineyards and wines by bike or on foot.

120,000 new vines were planted in 2023

Sleeping at the winery

After a cycling or walking tour of the vineyards, enjoy a great night's sleep at one of the many wineries that also rent out rooms. Or become acquainted with the house wines during a nice dinner. It's the best way to treat yourself. The production of Dutch wine is limited since most vineyards are small, which is why you won't find Dutch wines in the supermarket.

Guests B&B Life Contains Beautiful Things enjoy fire pit

Viniculture in the city

Stadswijngaard Hof van Almere is managed in an environmentally and people-friendly way

No desire or time to head out of town? No problem. There are city vineyards in The Hague, Amsterdam, Almere and Utrecht, where locals tend to the grapes together with professional winegrowers. You can often contribute to these green oases via crowdfunding or become a friend of the vineyard. The Urban Winery is another option. Located in the heart of Maastricht's charming Wyck district, they make wine for smaller Limburg winegrowers who don't have their own equipment. Why not stop by for a tasting?

Wine with food

Thirsty? Many restaurants already cook with local produce, and they now increasingly add local wines to the menu. Interested in trying some? Wine shop bob in Amsterdam offers tastings of the best Dutch wines. And if you just want a glass rather than a full tasting of Dutch wines visit one of the modern wine bars in cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Amersfoort. Utrecht-based Hemel en Aarde has a great wine menu! Another tip: order a glass of local wine paired with a Dutch cheeseboard! Wine and Dutch cheese: it doesn't get more authentic than that!

Tips from Marco Westra

Wine tip: Jasmijn Orange Wijn 2020

This wine from Betuws Wijndomein in Erichem is made from carefully selected souvignier gris grapes. They're harvested by hand and aged in old barriques for 9 months. It has a specific nose and playful flavour. Gorgeous!
Wine tip: Cuvée XII from De Apostelhoeve

I always serve this Maastricht wine to foreign guests who ask how it is possible to make wine in the Netherlands. This wine is delicious proof that it can be done. Taste it for yourself!
Wine tip: Regent from Wijndomein Aan de Breede Beek

This wine estate in Nijkerk is all about regenerative viniculture with a focus on biodiversity in and above the ground. Enjoy this wine with its beautiful flavours of blackcurrant and spices, and a soft, pleasant finish.