Drinking in Twente: here’s where to do it!
Oldenzaal. Who doesn’t know it? This municipality in Twente has more than 30,000 inhabitants, and they all drink their wines at Vindom Winebar. It’s cosy and welcoming, and they serve a great many wines by the glass.
Things used to be different
When I think of Oldenzaal, I don’t immediately think of a good glass of wine. During my childhood in the east of the country, wine was not exactly at the top of the list. Beer was. Usually flying through the air. With the plastic cup it had just been in following right behind it. Quite common at barn parties with Normaal as the musical theme. The only refinement for non-beer drinkers like me was sweet Moselle wine or traditional blackcurrant gin.
Back to the roots
At Vindom Winebar, hidden beneath the thousand-year-old tower of the Basilica of St Plechelmus, you can enjoy a good glass of wine. With this Twente bar, driving force Patrick Hagen went back to the roots. After a long hospitality career abroad, he returned to his birthplace. That quintessential Twente feeling is what makes this place work.
With more than thirty wines by the glass, there is plenty to choose from. The classics, but also small wineries and unusual grapes. And at more attractive prices than many a glass in the Randstad. One of my favourites: I enjoyed a beautifully matured Chenin Blanc blend there, the South African Jackal Bird 2013 from Fable Mountain Vineyards.
The tastiest bites
You can also snack excellently with all that wine. The tiniest kitchen produces the tastiest bites. From delicious spreads to refined charcuterie. Nothing complicated, just pure and fresh. Preferably with products from the local area. ‘A little gourmet, a little bistro, but above all tasty and served with love,’ says the wine bar’s website.
Lounging the Twente way
This wine bar also simply has beer on the menu. Good beer, on tap or bottled. And when you’re sitting there with a well-chosen glass, while bells ring in the background, good music plays and a passionate owner is at the helm, that really is the ultimate way to lounge the Twente way.
Vindom Winebar
Sint Plechelmusplein 14
7571 EG Oldenzaal
0541-535959/ 06-24771009
open Thursday through Sunday
Also read:
- The best wine bars in Paris
- Red wine helps against a cold
- Our man in the provinces prepares for Dry January
