My husband and I will be in Brussels the end of April and would like a day trip wine tour from the city to one of the wine regions close by. We are looking for a company that has tours or a driver we could arrange to visit some vineyards. We do not want to rent a car while tasting wine. Any one know a company that has group or private tours or a driver?
Thanks,
Peggy
I’m afraid you picked the wrong country. Even though global warming is responsible for the wineries in Europe to be moving northwards slowly, causing Belgium and even the Netherlands to now have several wineries with decent wines, these wineries are still scattered here and there. Belgium does not have wine regions like the Loire, the Champagne, the Bordeaux or the Alsace wine region in France, where you’ll find rows of wineries next to each other.
The closest wine region from Brussels would probably be the Champagne in France. But even that is at least a 3.5 hour drive before you reach the first Champagne house, hence not doable.
How about a beer tour? Most of us go to Belgium for the beer.
I appreciate your input, I have visited many wine regions in Spain, France, Portugal, Italy etc. Brussels does have some wineries within a 2-hour drive that have tours. Wine Tourism has several listed on their website but no transportation option. I have in many small wine regions found a local driver or tour groups to hire in other European countries. So, I'm looking for a driver I can coordinate a day trip with. Daytrip is an option that I have used in many areas. Just seeing if someone has a local driver they can suggest.
Thanks again for your reply
We are definitely planning a beer tour also! Do you have a suggestion for a tour? We are in the wine industry in the States and enjoy seeing other countries vineyards and wineries and their wine making process. Thanks,
I don't know of a driver, but having looked at your Wine Tourism website, I would pick just the winery near Dinant (because Dinant is worth seeing anyway and there is a lot in the area), and take the train to Dinant. To find a driver, I would contact the tourist office in Dinant and see what they come up with. Or else just look at the private drivers from Brussels on the list on Viator and reach out to one of those companies and see if you can negotiate something. If it's possible to get drivers to Luxembourg, well, that is in the same direction.
Lavandula
The wine industry in Belgium is booming and knowing it’s reputation as foodies there is a good reason to take it serious. As you says it’s more a question how to get in contact with someone organizing tours to a number of wineries.
Hopefully this can be helpful: https://www.winesinbelgium.be/index.php/en/welcome/ and https://wob.belgischewijnbouwers.be/index.php/wines-of-belgum/wines-of-belgium-en/
Many wineries can be found between Brussels and Liege. You can contact the TI’s of both places: and Sint-Truiden a traditional center of fruit growing.
https://www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/plan-your-trip/tourism-information-desks
https://visitezliege.be/en/DemandeContact/contactindividuel
https://www.visitsinttruiden.be/en/contact/
Great advice and ideas! Thanks to everyone for taking the time to help me. I'll keep you posted on what I decide. Have a wonderful weekend!
Take care,
Peggy
Peggy - Glad it's helpful for you. In case you are looking for high end quality you can contact too Ter Groene Poorte in Bruges. It’s Belgiums most prestigious school about gastronomy and many famous chefs had their education there and like to use local products. So must have interest about local wine making too and think they can tell you more about the best wineries and beer breweries to look for. Contact info at the bottom side of this website page: https://www.tergroenepoorte.be/ (in Dutch / Flemish only)