The Belgian wine sector is joining forces to launch BelBul: the first official quality label for sparkling wines produced on Belgian soil.
This joint initiative by the non-profit Belgische Wijnbouwers – Vlaanderen and the Association des Vignerons Belges – Wallonie marks a major milestone in the professionalisation of the sector and affirms Belgium’s position as an emerging producer of premium sparkling wines.
The BelBul label guarantees 100% Belgian sparkling wine made using the traditional method. It stands for quality and aims to increase the recognition and positioning of Belgian sparkling wines both domestically and internationally.
Sparkling wines that wish to carry the BelBul label must meet clear quality and origin criteria:
- Produced on Belgian territory with grapes grown in Belgium
- Use of the traditional method (méthode traditionnelle)
- Recognized appellation of origin (BOB/AOP)
- Membership in one of the two professional associations and participation in the cooperative structure
The Belgian wine sector has seen remarkable growth in both volume and quality in recent years.
Today, over 100 Belgian wine estates produce sparkling wines, the majority using the traditional method, which results in wines with fine bubbles, fresh acidity, and refined aromas.
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Due to favourable soil conditions and climate, Belgium offers ideal conditions for producing elegant sparkling wines. Chardonnay remains the most planted grape variety, followed by pinot noir and johanniter. Disease-resistant varieties such as johanniter, solaris, and souvignier gris are gaining popularity due to their climate resilience and reduced need for crop protection.
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The introduction of BelBul not only strengthens the sector’s identity but also contributes to economic development. Wine production creates employment in agriculture and tourism and stimulates the export of Belgian quality wines.
The Association des Vignerons Belges – Wallonie (AVW) is an organization dedicated to promoting and developing viticulture in Wallonia. It brings together professional winemakers from the region, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and the defense of sector interests.
The association represents 102 Walloon winemakers, accounting for two-thirds of all winemakers in Wallonia.
AVW’s initiatives aim to strengthen the quality and recognition of Walloon wines while supporting winemakers in their professional growth.
The ASBL Belgische Wijnbouwers – Vlaanderen was founded in 2009 and has become the leading organization representing the interests of the Belgian wine sector.
Today, it represents more than 85% of professional winemakers in Flanders.
The association is an active dialogue partner for authorities, research institutions, and other professional organizations.
It supports its members through training and advice and is committed to promoting Belgian wines both domestically and abroad.
