September is harvest month. We tend to think of Burgundy, Bordeaux, or Tuscany—but much more rarely of Walloon Brabant. Yet, just forty minutes from Brussels, a vineyard thrives within the walls of Villers Abbey in Villers-la-Ville, and Cistercian monks were already harvesting grapes there in the 14th century. And it’s not the only one: Belgium has several wineries that are open to visitors, and some even let you get your hands dirty in the vineyards during harvest time. Here are three spots less than an hour from the capital.
A medieval vineyard amid the ruins of Villers Abbey
This is the most beautiful of the three—and the closest. Right within the walls of Villers-la-Ville Abbey, a 20-are vineyard climbs across five levels —the plain and four terraces. The abbey’s archives document the existence of a vineyard as early as 1312! The Cistercian monks produced their own wine for church services, the refectory, the infirmary, and to welcome travelers. Abandoned for centuries, the vineyard was restored in 1990 by a brotherhood of enthusiasts. Since Pinot Noir proved too temperamental in our climate, they now grow Regent, Phoenix, and Muscaris grapes using organic and permaculture methods. Guided tours take place from April through September, on the first Saturday of the month at 2:30 p.m. Fun fact: the wine isn’t sold to the public; it’s reserved for members-only events. So people come for the setting, not for the bottle.
The country’s largest family-owned vineyard
Head to Hainaut for the Domaine du Chant d’Éole in Quévy-le-Grand, which bills itself as Belgium’s largest family-owned vineyard. The tour here is much more structured. You’ll follow every step of the process, from planting to bottling, including grape selection and work in the underground cellars. It concludes with a tasting of three wines: the Brut Blanc de Blancs, the Brut Rosé, and the Elixir Saint-Georges. The cost is €15 per adult; admission is free for children under 12. Tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays year-round. Please note : stairs and cellars make access difficult for people with limited mobility, and dogs are not allowed.
Get your hands in the vines
For those who’d rather participate than just watch, Château de Fumal, near Braives, organizes participatory grape harvests in September. You join the team for the harvest, and the estate promises “reunions, sharing, a breath of fresh air in the heart of nature,” and a hearty meal to finish. You can book here. Another, more athletic option: the Walloon Brabant Vino Trip, a 71-kilometer bike ride between Villers-la-Ville, Genappe, and Nivelles, connecting Villers-la-Vigne, the Domaine du Chapitre, and the Domaine de Gablais . Crémant de Wallonie included.
