Despite all the skepticism, the Netherlands is home to many vineyards and wineries. This region is slowly starting to be recognized. Limburg is a small area of land between Germany and Belgium with an excellent climate for grape cultivation. My understanding of wine as a legal drinker like Hubrechduijker, is enlightening and multifaceted. It is also free from any purist mindset. To create an eclectic view of wine, I spent six months traveling around the world visiting various vineyards. My wine journey has taken me to incredible places such as France, Turkey, the Netherlands, UK, and Turkey. My journey in wine will continue for 15 to 21 more months.
Domein Holset
This vineyard is located in the south of the Netherlands and overlooks three countries simultaneously, with Germany and Belgium. Domein Holset has been making sparkling wines using the traditional method since 2009. The vineyard produces sparkling wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir mix and experiments with more regionally specific varieties like Johanniter or Souvignier Grs. Domain Holset offers daily tours in Dutch and a tasting room where you can taste their bubbles.
St Martinus
St Martinus, Holland’s largest wine producer, is just a ten-minute drive from Domein Holset. Their winery is housed within a massive production facility, and they are also partners with some local vineyards, including Domein Holset. St Martinus uses modern wine-producing technology such as the Buchlin Vaslin delta R2 Vistas. Artificially intelligent systems provide analytical data that allows for better planning of vineyard practices and determining the quality of grapes before they are produced. St Martinus’s estate wines are a testament to the industry’s ability to preserve tradition and innovate. St Martinus is incomplete without a guided tour of their 11-hectare vineyard, tasting room, and tasting area.
Rubaiyat
Rubaiyat uses a lyre-trellised system for their vineyard. The lyre system has many benefits for growers, including maximizing sun potential. However, there have been some significant drawbacks to the approach in recent years. For example, increased vineyard maintenance has made it less popular.
Rubaiyat offers a rare opportunity to view the lyre system. It is one of only a few in Holland. Rubaiyat cultivates seven varieties of grapes on three hectares. You can taste their wines in the fully-stocked tasting room.…