Groesbeek wine route

Groesbeek can proudly call itself the Wine Village of the Netherlands. In 2001, the first vines were planted at Wijnhoeve De Colonjes. A successful initiative, because Groesbeek wine regularly wins prizes during wine inspections. Five agricultural entrepreneurs have now followed suit and the area under vines has grown to ten hectares and several more hectares are being planted. Also get to know the wine village of the Netherlands. During this cycle tour through the beautiful Groesbeek hilly landscape you will pass several vineyards. Some vineyards are freely accessible, others have fixed opening hours. For an excursion and/or tasting outside the stated opening hours, please contact the relevant vineyard. Sights: Wijngaard De Holdeurn, Oude Kleefsebaan 132 Berg en Dal, T. 024-6842682, near junction 58 The vineyards of the Groesbeek agricultural entrepreneurs, such as the 0.30 hectare vineyard at De Holdeurn in the beautiful hilly Berg en Dal, are planted in the autumn of 2006. In 2007, the young vines produced a first, modest harvest that was bottled in the spring of 2008. Wijnhoeve De Heikant, Cranenburgsestraat 47 Groesbeek, T. 024-3971442, www.wijnhoevedeheikant.nl, near junction 83 Wijnhoeve De Heikant is located on the Groesbeek-Kranenburg-Kleef draisine route. The new Wine Chateau will be opened here in September 2009, where you can taste wine from De Heikant and look out over the vineyard. Every last Wednesday of the month, during the construction of the Wine Chateau, you will have the opportunity to view the progress and take a tour. Wijngaard De Plack, Ketelstraat 36 Groesbeek, T. 024-3978358, www.wijngaarddeplack.nl, near junction 78 In April 2006, Wijngaard De Plack was constructed in the Groesbeek church village of De Horst, at the foot of the extensive Reichswald. This organic vineyard is 1 hectare. Tasting room open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM for tasting and purchasing. Guided tour/tasting by appointment. Wijngaard Van Ditshuizen, Knapheideweg 76 Groesbeek, T. 024-3974403, near junction 80 The Van Ditshuizen family started an organic vineyard in addition to the organic horticultural company in 2004. They grow blue Pinotin and white Cabernet grape vines on half a hectare. Wijngaard Klein Amerika, Klein Amerika 3 Groesbeek, T. 024-3972005, www.klein-amerika.nl, near junction 25 Wijngaard Klein Amerika bottled its first wine in 2008, with the appropriate name Cuvee Bosrand. Both white and red grape varieties have been planted. The company also has a country store, where many fresh products, including asparagus, are available. There are tastings, excursions and open days throughout the year. Organic Wijnhoeve De Colonjes, 2nd Colonjes 4 Groesbeek, T. 024-3973754, www.wijnhoevedecolonjes.nl, between junctions 25 and 78 The Groesbeek wine adventure started in Wijnhoeve De Colonjes in 2001. The vineyard now covers five hectares (plus a planned expansion of several hectares) and is home to various grape varieties. The Cabernet Blanc 2007 is the first Dutch wine to achieve enough points for a gold medal at the famous wine competition, the Berliner Wein Trophy. There is also a beautiful panoramic picnic area in the vineyard, which is freely accessible (after reporting to the winegrower). A bottle of wine for the picnic can be purchased on site. This cycling route is offered to you by the Regional Office for Tourism Arnhem Nijmegen. For more information, visit www.lekkerfietsen.nl.