The Netherlands: Not only windmills but also Dutch vineyards with quality wines

Holland is a country mainly known for its wind-mills, tulips and wooden shoes.  At least that's what most people think of when they speak about this beautiful country in Europe. No one would expect that there also is some serious grape cultivation  going on in the country, even though the weather conditions are sometimes very poor..

However, here comes the big surprise. Holland  has some very passionate wine growers which have proven to the skeptic's that it is possible to grow grapes and produce excellent wine in this part of Europe.

Today (2011) there are roughly 200 vineyard  in Holland (of which 150 are commercially run), where 202.5 hectare (500.6 acres) is planted with wine producing grapes. Many of the vineyards that were started have come about as a result of passionate and pioneering spirited people, which is typically Dutch. .

Together these wineries have produced 1.353.400 bottles of wonderful Dutch wine. An increase in this production up to 210 hectares according to 160 commercial winery´s in the year 2012  can be expected. To find out for yourself pay a visit to any of these many wonderful wineries and be astonished about the quality of the wine and craftsmanship of the Dutch wine growers. Those who have tasted Dutch wines all say there certainly  are some marvelous local wines to be found in Holland.

On September 10, 1999 the Dutch vinicultaralist-guild was officialy founded. For more information about the Craft-Guild you can contact the secretary at: info@wijngaardeniersgilde.nl.

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