Betuws Wijndomein

The Netherlands

"Dutch winegrowing is a pioneering business and that's what makes it a challenge."

Visiting the Betuwe region

This beautiful fertile region in the province of Gelderland, in between the rivers Maas (Meuse), Waal and Rhine is renowned for its fruit production. The main fruits cultivated here are cherries, apples and pears. The geology and soil conditions of this area make it some of the best agricultural land in the Netherlands.

We love to head out here, particularly in springtime, when all the fruit trees are in full bloom. Depending on the weather, April and May are the best months to head on over to the Betuwe for the famous Blossom Tour. It’s an absolutely wonderful time of year to cycle or walk here, following the winding rivers and dykes.

Winemaking courses in Germany

In 2004 winemaker Diederik Beker planted the first couple of vines on one hectare, together with his father. His family used to have a small arable farm here with, among other things, sugar beets. With seven hectares now he runs, together with his partner Arina, one of the larger vineyards in the Netherlands.

Although Diederik studied plant-breeding at a University of Applied Sciences, winemaking was still quite a pioneering business in the Netherlands. By following winemaking courses in Germany he gained the necessary knowledge. While the vines got older, the quality of the grapes also got better. In 2017 he was named Winemaker of the Year and received five gold medals for his wines.

Sustainable winegrowing in the Netherlands

The planted grape varieties are chosen with care. To be able to work in a sustainable way the choice was not difficult because hybrid varieties are much more suitable for cooler climates. Diederik now has planted 70% white grape varieties like Johanniter, Solaris, Palatina, Cabernet Blanc and Souvignier Gris. 30% is used for rosé and red wines and are varieties like Regent, Cabernet Cortis, Pinotin and Muscat Bleu.

The wines with names like LingeRood, LingeWit, LingeBruut and LingeParels are named after the nearby scenic river the Linge that meanders through the Betuwe region. It is one of the longest rivers that flows entirely within the Netherlands.

Tasting local Dutch wines 

Betuws Wijndomein is a winery that offers something for everyone. Tasting the local wines and taking a tour are definitely possible, just make sure you contact the winery beforehand. Besides that they also offer a variety of events, lunch and diner between the vines, a flower picking day and yes, you can also have the complete experience and get married here.

Looking for an original meeting location in the province of Gelderland? Take your group or company for a product presentation or workshop to the winery and conclude your meeting with a guided tour and a good glass of Dutch wine. Don’t forget to visit nearby and over 600 years old town of Buren. Attend the yearly wine festival Chateau voor Buren at the end of August and you might run into us as well.