Netherlands has more and more wine growers, especially in Gelderland and Limburg

The Netherlands has almost two hundred companies that make wine. That is 43 percent more than five years ago, according to figures from the Chamber of Commerce (KVK). Almost half of the winegrowers come from Limburg or Gelderland. The latter province is the leader, with 47 producers. Limburg follows closely behind, with 42 wine growing companies. An increase has been seen in all provinces over the last five years, with the exception of Groningen. The fact that wine growing is mainly active in Limburg and Gelderland is partly due to the soil. In the west and north of the country there is mainly low peat. This is less suitable than, for example, lime or sand, says Manon de Boer of the association of wine producers VNWP. The landscape and climate also play a role. "Limburg is traditionally a suitable wine region thanks to its southern location and the slopes. The Achterhoek is also slightly sloping, which is advantageous," De Boer explains. One of the winemakers in that region is ...