The Netherlands is a young wine country with a fast-growing sector. Because of the cool, wet climate many growers work with fungus-resistant grapes, the so-called PIWIs. South Limburg and Zeeland also grow classic varieties such as Pinot Noir, Auxerrois and Chardonnay. Here you will find the key grapes, the protected origins and a selection of winemakers per region.
PIWI stands for the German pilzwiderstandsfähig: fungus-resistant. These are crossings that include other Vitis species besides Vitis vinifera, so the vine suffers far less from powdery and downy mildew. In a wet maritime climate that is the main growing risk, so PIWIs need much less crop protection. Many varieties also ripen early and tolerate frost.
For a long time PIWIs were not allowed in PDO wine. Since Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 they are, and the PDOs Oolde, Achterhoek-Winterswijk, Rivierenland and Twente permit varieties such as Regent, Pinotin and Cabernet Cortis. At the same time plantings are shifting: in 2025, for the first time, more black than white vines were planted, with a lot of Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for sparkling wine.
The varieties you will most often find on a Dutch label.
Often called “the white grape of the Netherlands”. The Riesling parent shows in the fresh acidity.
White wine from a grape with pink berries. It was the most planted new variety in the Netherlands in 2024.
Ripens very early and often gives a fuller, more alcoholic wine than the other white PIWIs.
Planted on a smaller scale, but recognisable by its pronounced Muscat nose.
Not to be confused with Sauvitage, a different variety. About 5 ha in the Netherlands.
The key classic white grape in Limburg and Zeeland. Permitted in the PDOs Mergelland, Maasvallei Limburg, De Voerendaalse Bergen and Schouwen-Duiveland.
The most important black PIWI variety. Gives a deeply coloured wine.
The Cabernet Sauvignon parent shows in the blackcurrant and a spicy, herbal note.
Gives a soft, Pinot-like red wine.
Very dark in colour. Widely used to add colour and body to a blend.
A growing variety with plenty of colour and structure. Permitted in the PDOs Vijlen and Rivierenland, among others.
Dutch wine with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO, Dutch: BOB) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI, Dutch: BGA).
South Limburg, from Maastricht to Vaals. Loess over limestone (marl). Vitis vinifera only.
Gravel soils along the Meuse. The only PDO shared by the Netherlands and Belgium.
Around 200 metres up, the highest PDO. Loess with flint and limestone.
Gelderland, loamy soil. One of the first PDOs with PIWI varieties.
Eastern Gelderland, loam and limestone.
Clay and sandy-clay soils from Culemborg to Doetinchem. Almost exclusively PIWI varieties.
Six hills near Voerendaal on Kunrade stone rather than marl.
The whole island in Zeeland. Marine clay with shell lime and more sunshine than the rest of the Netherlands.
Overijssel, loamy soils. Replaced the smaller PDO Ambt Delden in 2024.
Every province has its own PGI, for example Limburg, Gelderland or Zeeland. At least 85% of the grapes come from that province. A PDO requires 100% from the area and an annual tasting panel.
A selection per region. Not a ranking, but estates worth knowing as a student or wine lover.
The oldest and largest wine region, with 147 ha across Limburg. Loess and marl, south-facing slopes and many classic varieties. Three PDOs: Mergelland, Vijlen and De Voerendaalse Bergen.
The oldest working wine estate in the Netherlands. Hugo Hulst planted the first vines on the Louwberg in 1970.
Website ↗At 32 ha the largest vineyard in the Netherlands. Started as a hobby vineyard in 1980 and was the driving force behind PDO Vijlen.
Website ↗The 1999 Riesling was served at the wedding of Willem-Alexander and Máxima in 2002.
Website ↗The only winery within PDO De Voerendaalse Bergen.
Website ↗Gravel soils along the Meuse in one of the driest parts of the Benelux. Home to the cross-border PDO Maasvallei Limburg.
Founded by Harry and Mieke Vorselen. Works mainly with classic varieties.
Website ↗The province with the most growers (50 estates, 75 ha). From the loess near Groesbeek to the river clay of the Betuwe and the loam of the Achterhoek. Mostly PIWI varieties. PDOs Oolde, Achterhoek-Winterswijk and Rivierenland.
Organic vineyard on loess and a social enterprise. Since 2017 also home to the Dutch Viticulture Centre (Nederlands Wijnbouwcentrum).
Website ↗Winemaker Diederik Beker was named Winemaker of the Year in 2017.
Website ↗Makes wine under PDO Achterhoek-Winterswijk.
Website ↗Works entirely with PIWI varieties.
Website ↗Loamy soils and a strong PIWI tradition. Since 2024 the PDO Twente, which replaced the earlier PDO Ambt Delden.
Co-founder of PDO Twente and, before that, PDO Ambt Delden.
Website ↗One of the wineries within PDO Twente.
Website ↗23 estates on sandy and loamy soils, with both PIWIs and classic varieties.
Demeter certified since 2021: biodynamic viticulture with 13 varieties.
Website ↗Vineyard of the Norbertine nuns of the oldest active convent in the Netherlands (1271).
Website ↗One of the oldest vineyards of the modern Netherlands, started as a hobby vineyard.
Website ↗Marine clay with shell lime, lots of sunshine and little spring frost. PDO Schouwen-Duiveland since 2023.
Set up together with Luxembourg wine house Cep d’Or. The only winery within PDO Schouwen-Duiveland.
Website ↗Smaller vineyards showing that PIWIs ripen well north of the big rivers too.
Verriq · Last updated: 2026-10-02
