Exclusive wines, a fun festival, the beautiful countryside…

Welcome to the wonderful town of Bertrix, where the grape meets the eye and the wine fills the glass. Situated in the lovely Wallonia region, Bertrix offers immersive wine tasting experiences, an insight into the production and premium lists of wines. It consists of the two Vin De Pays (Country wine region) of Flanders and Wallonia. Want to indulge in this luxe side of Bertrix? Let me show you how. 

Bertrix Wine Producers Festival 

Location – Bertrix, Wallonia, Belgium

Foire des Vignerons de Bertrix, or the Bertrix wine producers festival, is a celebrated wine festival held in the Wallonia region of Belgium, and is a hotspot for wine enthusiasts, displaying a vast tapestry of European Premium wine bottles. Let’s talk about this year, where over 59 exhibitors from renowned wine regions like Bordeaux, Champagne, Alsace, Val de Loire, Burgundy, Côtes du Rhône, Jura & Savoie, Languedoc, and many other international selections came over.

A highlight of the festival is the Vinoquizz, which is an interactive blind tasting competition where participants taste 10 French wines and aim to identify the grape variety, region, vintage, and appellation. There is even a raffle as well as food trucks and an elegant brasserie area under a marquee. 

Let’s talk about Culinary Delights and Exclusive Pairings 

What to expect and where to go? 

Since Bertrix is known for its rich local ingredients, expect artisanal cheeses, the infamous Herve or Orval paired with premium wine bottles, maybe local or even imported. Charcuterie and Ardennes cuisine, along with seasonal menus, are made by top chefs that feature some of the freshest and rarest local ingredients, like local variety truffles, farm-raised meat, and forest mushrooms.  

The place is filled with well-known restaurants offering traditional cuisine, like the Les Amis de l’Ardenne, which uses the local ingredients to create amazing signature dishes, like Flemish Beef Stew and Fish stew, that pair excellently with over 40 curated beers and Premium wine bottles, which are available at the bar nearby. There is even a bed and breakfast, L’Inattendue, that serves freshly made homemade jams, pastries, the local farm-raised meat like ham, and a selection of cheeses that just showcases the lovely Ardenne Cuisine.

What to look for/ what to try

Many wine producers bring a few cases of rare or reserve wine for special occasions like the Bertrix wine festival. This might include barrel-aged selections, single parcel wines, organic, or back vintages from personal cellars. Sometimes, some producers can even offer access to premium new releases, which means you can taste the wine before it hits the general market.

There are even certain commemorative packaged premium wine bottles done exclusively for an event or tasting ceremony, which can be deemed as a ‘true collector’s item if you are a wine enthusiast. There is even an option to customize your own special blend wine/engraved premium wine bottles as a keepsake or a gift, which is done by some high-end producers.

This also includes VIP tastings done in an intimate setting, where guests can taste premium wines, limited edition vintages, and special cuvées. The session will be led by expert sommeliers who will guide you through the tasting notes, food pairing suggestions, and winemaking techniques. 

Bertrix proves to be the perfect wine-infused getaway, and since its annual wine festival is always held in late April, it is the perfect spring holiday plan. The picturesque region of Ardenne is perfect in the springtime, as the grapes will be in full bloom, providing the perfect wine tasting experience. Bertrix also has its own selection of top luxurious hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and cafes offering a selection of premium wine bottles, with really fresh Ardenne food.

The Wallonia countryside itself is a treat to visit! The place is full of historic castles and monasteries that spread the vibe of beer, cheese, and wine, along with its roughly 230 vineyards, the region’s wine industry is blooming. So pack your bags, mark your calendars, and toast to Bertrix!