Domein De Wijngaardsberg

The Netherlands

"We're in the hottest spot in the Netherlands here..."

Dutch wine history

Some people might think that winemaking in this country is some new and foolish idea. Be surprised... the oldest evidence of winemaking in The Netherlands can be found in the southern province of Limburg. On the current location of Domein De Wijngaardsberg vines were planted as early as in 968! The vineyards disappeared around 1800, but in the beginning of the 19th century the weather slowly started to get a little warmer. Nowadays the nearby city of Maastricht has the same climate as Dijon (yes, Burgundy!) in the 1970’s. So it’s not that strange that in 2002 a new start was made and a first half hectare of vines was planted here.

Vineyards in South Limburg, Domein De Wijngaardsberg

Wines from Limburg

We visited passionate Limburg winemaker Jules Nijst on a beautiful sunny day. Excellent conditions to shoot a short film between the vines. The first half hectare of these vines that were planted here consisted of classic grape varieties like Pinot Gris and Auxerrois. In 2008 he planted another 1,5 hectares, but now with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Nowadays Jules has three hectares and makes Burgundy-style varietal wines of these four classic grape varieties and also a Traditional Method Brut, a blend from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Mergelland PDO

The composition of the soil, which consists of a layer of loess with marl underneath makes this location, Mergelland, quite suitable for wine cultivation. The climate, geography and this composition together make up for a unique situation in the Netherlands. Quite recently, since the beginning of 2018, Mergelland is now an officially registered Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and there are more PDO's for winemaking in the culinary province of Limburg in the Netherlands! Perhaps the most well known producer of PDO wines from Mergelland is Wijngaard Apostelhoeve, which is also the oldest commercial vineyard in the Netherlands.

Grapevines in South Limburg, Domein De Wijngaardsberg

Enjoy the good life in Limburg

Domein De Wijngaardsberg is situated in the southernmost part of the province of Limburg, just a fifteen minute drive from the old historical city of Maastricht. This region borders on the east with Germany and in the west and south on Belgium. Inhabitants of the South of Limburg are known to enjoy the good things in life and so you can also find quite a few craft food producers here. Multiple wineries and breweries are waiting for you to pay a visit, so what are you waiting for? Please contact De Wijngaardsberg beforehand if you’re interested in a tour and tasting.

Wijnkasteel Genoels-Elderen

The foundations of Wijnkasteel Genoels-Elderen in the Belgium province of Limburg date back to Roman times. The Romans knew already that the conditions for winemaking were really good in this area. In 1990 this winery started the renaissance of winemaking in Belgium by planting the first vines again. What began merely as a hobby turned into an impressive winery.

Wijngaard Apostelhoeve

Winery Apostelhoeve, the oldest commercial vineyard in the Netherlands is located in the south, in the province of Limburg. The first vines were planted in 1970 where apple and pear trees once grew.

Wijndomein Aldeneyck

Wijndomein Aldeneyck used to be a fruit company. Karel Henckens and his wife Tine decided that life could perhaps be more beautiful when, instead of just growing apples and pears, they grew grapes and made wine.