Wijnboerderij 't Heekenbroek

The Netherlands

"We knew very little about winegrowing. We knew wine tasted good…"

Achterhoek, one of the largest wine regions in The Netherlands

We took a beautiful drive to the countryside of the Province Gelderland, better known as the Achterhoek. In this easternmost part of the province you will not encounter any large cities. Instead you drive on winding roads, through the woods, alongside meadows with characteristic farmhouses and even quite a few estates and castles. We have to admit that it beats being stuck in traffic on the freeway.

Directions to winery Wijnboerderij 't Heekenbroek

Changing course to become a winemaker

Job and Neeltje Huisman, owners of Wijnboerderij 't Heekenbroek, are originally farmers from Groningen in the north of the Netherlands. After years of being co-owner of an animal feed plant they decided to change course in 2005.

The idea to start a vineyard on the outskirts of a village called Drempt took shape the next year. They wanted to return to what they consider the ideal way of life: working in and on their own farm. The name Heekenbroek refers to an area that borders the winery and that used to belong to neighboring historic estate De Ulenpas.

$The entrance of Dutch winery Wijnboerderij \'t Heekenbroek$

Johanniter vines, a popular grape variety in the Netherlands

$Dutch winemaker Job Huisman at work at Wijnboerderij \'t Heekenbroek$

Ecologically sustainable winegrowing

The first vines were planted in 2006 and it finally resulted in a two hectare vineyard with seven different modern grape varieties. Johanniter, Solaris and Souvignier Gris are hybrids used to make white wines with. For the reds they also planted hybrid varieties like Cabertin, Pinotin, Cabernet Noir and Cabernet Cortis. These grape varieties help them to work as ecologically sustainable as possible, while their background in farming is also very helpful.

Roses act as early warning of mildew at Wijnboerderij 't Heekenbroek

Tasting Dutch wines of Wijnboerderij 't Heekenbroek

The Achterhoek is home to quite a few Dutch wineries. It also offers a great number of bicycle routes and walking paths through the woodlands and farm fields. An excellent combination we’d say, but by car it’s a well worth scenic drive as well.

Nearby historic towns are Doesburg and Zutphen. Wijnboerderij ’t Heekenbroek offers a terrace, visitors space and also a bed & breakfast in the farmhouse. Tastings are possible of course, individual or in groups, but make sure you contact the winery in advance.

Domein Hof te Dieren

Domain Hof te Dieren is located in the village of Dieren, in the province Gelderland. It is the largest walled vineyard in the Netherlands. The construction of the vineyard on this historic estate that dates back to the 13th century, started in 2004.

Wijnhoeve De Colonjes

Wijnhoeve De Colonjes is one of the largest vineyards in the Netherlands and is located in Groesbeek, near Nijmegen. At three locations, several new grape varieties are planted and what started in 2001 as a hobby has now become a 13 hectares winery.

Wijngaard Hof van Twente

Winery Hof van Twente is located on the outskirts of the small village of Bentelo. The first vines went into the ground in 2000, and later on the wine cellar, winery and tasting room were built.