Wine Farm 't Heekenbroek

The Netherlands

"People are often surprised by the quality of Achterhoek wines."

Achterhoek wine region 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.

Dutch winery Wijnboerderij 't Heekenbroek in the Achterhoek region

Changing course to become a winemaker

Job and Neeltje Huisman, owners of wine farm '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 at Dutch winery Wijnboerderij t Heekenbroek

Dutch winemaker Job Huisman at work at Wijnboerderij t Heekenbroek

Ecologically sustainable Heekenbroek wines

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 Dutch winery Wijnboerderij 't Heekenbroek

Achterhoek wine tourism

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.

Job and Neeltje have now reached retirement age and unfortunately decided to clear the vineyard due to a lack of successors. Since they wanted to continue living in this beautiful location, this was their only option.

Updated: 17-02-2025

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