From grapes to bubbles
Stadswijnerij en Wijngaard Raarberg, Maastricht
Bottles of wine from the Raarberg always open with a festive pop. The urban winery produces sparkling wines right in the heart of Maastricht. In the atmospheric building you’ll find yourself up close to the vinification process, seeing exactly how winemaking takes place.
Winemaker Ralph uses the méthode traditionnelle: an artisanal and sustainable way of making sparkling wine. He cultivates traditional grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In September, the ripe grapes are brought from the vineyard to the city winery, where the winemaking process begins. At both locations you are welcome for a guided tour with tasting.
Growing grapes in the countryside and making wine in the city—this has been common practice in the Champagne region for centuries. In South Limburg, winemaking goes back even further. It was the Romans who first planted vines here and introduced us to the taste of their wine.
Discover
- Guided tour with tasting in the unique urban winery
- Visit the beautifully situated vineyard just a few kilometers away
- Learn all about the traditional method of winemaking
- Stock up on a few bottles for later or as a special gift
Fun to know
- Winemaking in South Limburg
- The sunny hills, the poor limestone soil, and the fact that it is often a degree warmer here than in the rest of the country, make South Limburg an excellent region for viticulture. The Romans discovered this some two thousand years ago, when they occupied the area. Napoleon later forbade viticulture in South Limburg to protect French wine. For several decades now, wine has once again been cultivated here. Its popularity is growing: new vineyards are planted every year.