Wine in Belgium

Belgium is located in Western Europe, bordered by France, the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and the North Sea. Wine production here has expanded notably in recent decades, driven by improved vineyard management, suitable site selection, and a warming climate.

Viticulture is concentrated mainly in Flanders and Wallonia, with vineyards often planted on south-facing slopes and well-drained soils. Belgium does not follow a single historic regional model; instead, production is organized around appellations and protected designations that reflect local conditions.

Both still and sparkling wines are produced, with sparkling styles gaining particular recognition. Common grape varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Auxerrois, alongside limited plantings of other cool-climate varieties. Wine production remains small-scale, with a strong emphasis on quality and domestic consumption

Belgium's wine production is organized under Protected Geographical Indications (PGI / IGP) and Protected Designations of Origin (AOP / PDO), reflecting local climate, soils, and production traditions. Viticulture is concentrated in Flanders in the north and Wallonia in the south, with cool-climate conditions influenced by the North Sea and inland river valleys.

PGI (IGP) Wine Regions

IGP Vlaamse Landwijn

Covers most of Flanders and forms the broad geographic base for Flemish wine production.

IGP Vin de pays des Jardins de Wallonie

Covers Wallonia outside the more specific AOP zones and allows flexible grape selection and wine styles.

AOP (PDO) Wine Regions

AOP Hageland

Located east of Brussels around Leuven and Tienen, one of Belgium's oldest recognized wine areas.

AOP Heuvelland

Situated in West Flanders near the French border, characterized by rolling hills and cool maritime influence.

AOP Haspengouw

Located mainly in Limburg, known for fruit-growing soils and increasingly important wine production.

AOP Cotes de Sambre et Meuse

Extends along the Sambre and Meuse river valleys around Namur, benefiting from river-moderated climates.

AOP Cremant de Wallonie

Applies to traditional-method sparkling wines produced across Wallonia under defined quality rules.

AOP Vin Mousseux de Qualite de Wallonie

Covers quality sparkling wines made using approved methods within Wallonia.

Belgian wine production remains relatively small in scale, with a strong emphasis on quality, cool-climate grape varieties, and both still and sparkling wine styles.