Domein Holset Wine Estate in Lemiers
The Netherlands
"The soil is very well suited to the quality and complexity of sparkling Holset wines."
During a short autumn break in South Limburg, we were staying just a stone’s throw from Domein Holset, a winery renowned for its sparkling wines. Naturally, we couldn’t resist a visit to explore the vineyard, learn more about its winemaking and taste some of its bubbly creations. With the grape harvest in full swing, it was also a wonderful opportunity to experience the vineyard at one of the most exciting times of the year.
From an idea to a sparkling wine estate in South Limburg
In 2008, owner Erik Leferink and co-founder Marianne Blijdesteijn came across a run-down farmhouse in the picturesque hamlet of Holset, near Vaals in South Limburg. Situated close to the highest point in the Netherlands and the famous Three-Country Point, where the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany meet, the location sparked an idea: why not turn this beautiful place into a vineyard and winery? The farmhouse, opposite the medieval village church and surrounded by the rolling hills of the Limburg countryside, offered the perfect setting for a wine estate.
What began as an ambitious idea gradually developed into Domein Holset, a thriving winery. Establishing a vineyard takes time, patience and dedication, but over the years, the estate has grown into a distinctive wine destination in the southernmost part of the Netherlands.
Classic and modern grape varieties at Domein Holset
In 2009, Domein Holset began planting its first vineyards in South Limburg, combining modern hybrid grape varieties such as Souvignier Gris and Johanniter with classic varieties, including Cabernet Blanc, followed later by Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. To guide the vineyard's development and winemaking, the founders sought advice from renowned oenologist Stan Beurskens of neighbouring Wijndomein St. Martinus.
From the outset, the ambition was to specialise in high-quality sparkling wines, a bold choice in a country where sparkling wine was traditionally reserved for celebrations such as New Year's Eve. By embracing the traditional method of sparkling wine production and combining innovative grape varieties with classic grapes, Domein Holset has established its own identity in Dutch winemaking and built a loyal following among lovers of fine sparkling wines.
Domein Holset Bed & Breakfast
While Erik envisioned a vineyard and a winery specialising in sparkling wines, Marianne dreamed of welcoming guests to stay among the vines. As the first sparkling wines became available for sale, around five years after the vineyard was planted, the renovation of the farmhouse was also underway. The property was carefully refurbished using circular and ecological building materials, and in 2017, Domein Holset welcomed its first guests.
Today, the wine estate in South Limburg offers eleven guest rooms, some with views of the surrounding vineyards. Other rooms overlook the rolling hills of the South Limburg countryside or the picturesque village square of Holset. Not half bad, honestly.
Dutch sparkling wines
In 2023, Domein Holset wine estate expanded by acquiring Wijngaard Raarberg, a local producer that made around 10,000 bottles of sparkling wine annually. The acquisition added 1.6 hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines, bringing Domein Holset’s total vineyard area to 13 hectares. By Dutch standards, that's quite a large vineyard.
The estate’s core range includes Novo, made from Souvignier Gris and Johanniter. The Classic, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and Dame, made from 100% Chardonnay. You can buy these Dutch sparkling wines at the estate’s shop or through the Domein Holset webshop.
But we think the best way to discover them is with a guided vineyard tour and tasting. And since you’re already there, why not make it a longer visit and stay overnight at the estate?
Updated: 17-10-2026
