That was the keynote message to emerge from a major wine awards and launch of the third edition of the Gault&Millau Belgian Wine Guide.
The new edition features 24 additional wineries and 29 new references, bringing the total number of wineries and 236 selected wines to 123. Of these, 63 received a “coup de cœur” label, 27 of which were awarded a Belgian Wine Award 2024.
The event was told that Gault&Millau had reaffirmed its commitment to remaining the benchmark for quality Belgian wines, in line with a dynamic and constantly evolving national wine sector.
The event, on 2 June, heard that Belgium has more than 320 registered winegrowers, collectively cultivating approximately 950 hectares of vineyards.
Alongside this quantitative expansion, the guide also notes a continued improvement in wine quality.
“The awarding of the new Belgian Wine Awards is tangible proof of this,” said Marc Declerck, CEO Gault & Millau Benelux.
He believes this Belgium confirms its position as an emerging wine-producing country, whose influence on the European scene continues to grow.
The texts dedicated to all wine estates are available not only in the guide, but also on the Gault&Millau Wine Guide Belgium website which offers a practical interactive map listing all the estates. The printed edition, which provides a detailed description of all the selected wines and contains 192 richly illustrated pages, can be ordered online.
Further comment comes from Véronique D’haese, Sales Director at Vivium Insurance, a parter of the Guide, who said, “Just like the winegrowers, we, as a Belgian insurer, emphasise entrepreneurship, quality, and local expertise through our extensive network of partner brokers.”
“Belgian wine is the fruit of passion, vision, and know-how. Each glass reflects a unique moment – shared, celebrated, or simply enjoyed. The winegrowers shape these moments.We are enthusiastic about putting our expertise at the service of the entrepreneurs who are making Belgium a wine country.”
The event, at Brussels’ Hotel des Douanes, heard that Belgian wine sector continues to grow positively in the country, as evidenced by the emergence of new estates and new vintages over the years.
As consumers discover the quality and richness of the Belgian wine offering, each new edition of the Gault&Millau Belgian Wine Guide aims to increasingly establish itself as an essential reference.
Wine lovers, says the Guide, increasingly recognise the pleasant yet subtle personality of Belgian wines.
It adds, “They are willing to spend a slightly higher budget and are also often eager to learn more. With this in mind, the editorial team brings together each year a valuable collection of expertise and information, constantly enriched and updated, of a unique scope.”
“This insight and context deepen the tasting experience and also encourage enthusiasts to further explore the diversity of Belgian vineyards.”
