Brewery visits in Scheldeland

If there's one thing we Belgians are good at, it's brewing unbeatable beer. Lightly sparkling on the tongue, full of flavour and providing refreshment envied by the rest of the world. In short, we Belgians are and remain masters of beer. And that's clear in Scheldeland.

A heart for beer

You may not expect it, but this region is incredibly well positioned to create balanced beer. So no wonder so many brewers chose Scheldeland for their beer production. Whether it's a local speciality or a global favourite, beer after beer is christened here. 

And there's more to it than the production alone. Here is where new concepts are invented, talented brewers come together to change the sector, unprecedented beer varieties see the light of day and all efforts are dedicated to pure craftsmanship. Today, you can become part of it. During a visit to one of the region's famous breweries.

The Tripel Karmeliet from Bosteels Brewery in Buggenhout is a prize winner. Whichever international festival this topper takes part in, it never fails to succeed. Also on the menu at this brewery – a family brewer that is now part of AB InBev  – is Kwak, a unique beer with its characteristic glass. For 7 generations the Bosteels family has been refining the art of beer brewing.

At the weekend you can join a (pre-booked) tour. The brewery itself is also well worth seeing. The building is an architectural delight. You may know the architect: Louis Minard, the designer of the Minard Theatre in Ghent. And of course, after your tour you will stick around to sample the full range from this brewer for yourself. Have a drink, and get someone else to drive! Or why not spend a wonderful night in accommodation nearby. There are plenty of nice places to choose from.

Wherever you happen to be on the planet, if you say to anyone that you're from Belgium their response is sure to be: “Ooooh, Doevel!”. This age-old classic lives on and has a strong reputation worldwide. But you'll need to be quiet during your tour. After all: Ssst, hier rijpt den Duvel!

During the tour you learn what makes Duvel so unique and how to correctly pour this heavenly nectar. You can visit the brewery with a group of 12 or more people. If you go in more limited company, you can join another group.

The characteristic pink elephant: you surely have seen it? Huyghe Brewery is the creative brewer behind the world-famous Delirium Tremens – in 1998, even voted the world's best beer. It's one of the country's largest breweries. Besides the Delirium Tremens there are another eight beers to sample.

You can come and admire the brewery throughout the week – provided you make an appointment. Feel free to join a scheduled tour, then you won't miss a thing on the fascinating brewing process. Bookings can be made on the website!

What once began as a hobby, developed into a flourishing brewery with some strong names on its track record. Perhaps the most famous: the Vicaris. During your guided tour you'll be immersed - not literally - in the entire brewing process. As the manager and founder, Vincent can tell you the delicious details of how the brewery saw the light. Including the unique origins of its flagship, Vicaris. About his unique evolution from dental technician to successful brewer.  Or how the future of the business is secure, thanks to his 4 daughters, who have now joined him in the brewery. Afterwards, plenty of time is devoted to testing one of the 5 delicious beers.

Brewery visit in Scheldeland? Good plan!

Worked up a thirst from reading this article? Don't run to the fridge, instead book a tour at one of these award-winning breweries in Scheldeland immediately. And while you're at it, book a wonderful weekend away in the neighbourhood. Cheers!