On a wine tour in Maastricht

Maastricht, the city where (commercial) Dutch winemaking first saw the light of day in the 1970s, is in 2024 not only the perfect starting point for wine tours throughout Limburg; it also boasts countless (hidden) gems where wine lovers can truly indulge. Join us as we explore some of these spots during a weekday wine trip through the capital of Limburg.

House wine at Vaeshartelt | The Urban Winery | Vino&Friends | Wake up like a king/queen in France | Nekum farmstead | Wines at Bar1717 |
  • Apostelhoeve vineyard sunshine wine cuttings

House wine at Vaeshartelt

Just outside Maastricht is Vaeshartelt. Although you can have a lovely stay there, we are there this trip for another purpose. For several years, Buitenplaats Vaeshartelt has had a vineyard with 400 vines on the estate, part of the site's sustainability initiative. A small edition of sparkling house wine has been made from the grapes grown here since 2023. The first edition of this won't be presented until November, 2024. Nonetheless, there is already plenty to taste. After a stroll through the orchard, you can enjoy various wines and matching delicacies here, such as bitterballs made from their own oyster mushrooms.

The Urban Winery - In the winery with Maurice and Guy

They pick the grapes themselves at Vaeshartelt. The winemaking, however, is outsourced to The Urban Winery in Wyck, a district of Maastricht and the next stop on this wine tour. This city winery is located on Alexander Battalaan. Earlier this year, it was taken over from the previous owner by Maurice Warnier and Guy Plasqui of Wijndomein Riesenberg in Gronsveld. With their first harvest approaching, the two wine enthusiasts decided it was time to start their own winery.

From this autumn, they’ll be producing not only their own wines at The Urban Winery, but also wines for small-scale vintners in the region. In addition, they vinify imported grapes for restaurants and businesses. During a tour of the winery, Guy walks you through the winemaking process. At the tasting session that follows, Maurice introduces you to the diversity of Limburg wines.

  • The Urban Winery

    Step inside The Urban Winery Maastricht, near central station, and discover our wine craft. Enjoy a guided tour, tasting and learn all about Limburg wines! More info on The Urban Winery

    The Urban Winery

Vino&Friends - Italian wines

For dinner, we opt for Vino&Friends, the Italian gastro and wine bar just a stone’s throw from the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein. The atmosphere, setting, and even the language spoken by the staff immediately transport you to Bella Italia. Host Alex sets the tone with a wine bible boasting 600 Italian wines – all of which are stored in ‘the church’ in the cellar of the building. Throughout the evening, authentic Italian flavours take centre stage: antipasti to start, two types of homemade pasta, croccante alla mozzarella (an Italian-style cheese soufflé), tagliata di manzo, and a selection of Italian desserts. Each course is paired with a beautiful Italian wine – ranging from renowned labels to lesser-known producers offering surprising flavours. Most of these wines, along with a variety of Italian delicacies, are available for purchase in the on-site wine shop.

  • Vino&Friends

    Vino&Friends in Maastricht is an atmospheric Italian restaurant in the historic Stokstraat quarter. Here you will enjoy refined Italian dishes prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients. More info about Vino&Friends

    Vino&Friends Vino & Friends dish

Wake up like a king/queen in France

During a wine trip to Maastricht, spend the night at Château Neercanne, in one of the luxurious suites that opened earlier this year. Here, you’ll enjoy not only a romantic setting and every imaginable comfort, but also, in Suite 1, a breathtaking 270-degree view of the Jeker Valley, the marl caves, the château’s kitchen garden, and its own small vineyard. The grapes from this vineyard, along with those from other Oostwegel Collection estates, are transformed by Limburg winemaker Stan Beurskens into an exclusive line of house wines under the name ‘Heritage’ – and a glass awaits you on arrival. After a blissful night’s sleep, you’ll head to l’Auberge – the restaurant in the château’s former stables – for a sun-drenched and exquisitely prepared breakfast. Perfectly recharged for another day of wine adventures in Maastricht.

Nekum farmstead - Wines of the Jeker Valley

Besides its own small vineyard, we find two more wine estates in the immediate vicinity of Château Neercanne. The Apostelhoeve and Hoeve Nekum are the two oldest wineries in the Netherlands. In the 1970s, Hugo Hulst on top of the mountain was the first in the Netherlands to make wine on a commercial basis. Neighbour Math Bollen planted the first vines in 1988 and has been making red, white and rosé wines ever since. Here, Math gives tours of his seven-hectare wine estate and winery. We end our morning with a tasting of various vintages and grape varieties from the estate's own vineyard.

Wines at Bar1717

After a few hours of shopping - Maastricht is, after all, also a real shopping city - we end the wine trip at Bar1717. This is the wine bar of Thiessen Wijnkoopers. Here you can taste (almost) all wines from the collection of the oldest winery in the Netherlands. Although recently you can also drink a wine from its own label there. The mineral pinot gris called Guillaume, named after the winery's founder, was made in collaboration with Domein Holset and has only been on the market since the end of August. The kitchen brigade led by Daan Evers will provide a selection of appetisers.

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