Netherlands

The Netherlands is often considered an unlikely location for grape cultivation. However, most of its vineyards are located east of Maastricht, placing them farther south than those in the Belgian part of Brabant. As of 2023, there are approximately 170 commercial vineyards in the Netherlands, predominantly in the southern provinces of Limburg and Gelderland. These vineyards primarily cultivate white grape varieties such as Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Auxerrois, and various German hybrids. Notably, Apostelhoeve is a renowned winery in the Limburg region, producing wines from Auxerrois and Riesling grapes. In recent years, the Netherlands has also embraced disease-resistant hybrid grape varieties like Regent, Johanniter, Muscaris, Solaris, and Souvignier Gris. These varieties are better suited to the Dutch climate and have contributed to the improvement of wine quality. Overall, Dutch wines are characterized by their fresh and crisp profiles, making them delightful companions to a variety of dishes.