And the best wine bar is…
Wijn bij Stijn in Den Bosch has been named Wine Bar of the Year 2017. According to the jury, the Den Bosch wine bar has developed into a true wine bar with a fantastic atmosphere in a short time. The atmosphere, the passion, the wine list, the staff’s knowledge and expertise, and simply the delicious glasses of wine make this place a true winner.
Over the past few months, more than 10,000 wine lovers voted for their favorite wine bar via wine-bars.nl. This year’s top 15 consisted of these winners, the jury’s wild cards, and the preferences of the wine bar owners themselves. It turned out to be a colorful collection of incredibly fun wine spots. With one thing in common: an enormous passion for wine.
Surprise visit
The professional jury (one of whom I was lucky enough to be—what a punishment) then literally traveled from Groningen to Maastricht and from Oldenzaal to The Hague. All fifteen finalists were visited in person, but above all unexpectedly. To choose the best one. And that was extra difficult this year. It is almost impossible to compare the wine bars with one another. In the four years this election has been held, not only have more and more been added, but the level has also continued to rise. And they are everywhere: of course in the major cities, but increasingly in unexpected places too. But the biggest change is their diversity from one another.
From robot arms to French cheese
Alongside the ‘classic’ wine bar (Vindom, Zuster Margaux), there are now more and more that go for a complete experience. For example, we saw a spectacular robot arm pouring wine (Mr Mofongo) and a place where you can pour your own wine (Raleigh& Ramsey). There are culinary wine bars with an extensive kitchen (Barrica, Bouzy, Vino & Friends, Wijn bij Stijn). Or a wine bar that consciously limits itself to traditional wine accompaniments, such as Spanish ham and beautiful cheese (Barrel). You also see specialization, such as the natural wines at Bar Centraal and the Italian style at Solo Vino and Vino & Friends. Bottles & Bites, Brut, Via Mucca, and Het Wijnhuis each have their own pleasant character as well.
Simple & amazing
But naturally, there can only be one winner. It had to be a place where you can simply drink an affordable glass of wine, but where the enthusiast can also discover that one incredible wine by the glass. Preferably served in state-of-the-art glassware, with something delicious to snack on. A lot or a little—it doesn’t matter. As long as it fits and is of good quality. Of course, the staff’s passion for wine must shine through. Then whether the interior is Spartan or offers a great deal of atmosphere actually doesn’t matter.
And the winner is…
Wijn bij Stijn! From now on, this wine bar may call itself Wine bar of the Year 2017. According to the jury: The absolute top in wine experiences. They also show that they are constantly developing. The points for attention in last year’s jury report had now been completely addressed. A deserving winner, then. Many a wine lover’s heart will beat faster here. Ours certainly does.
A special mention for the Amsterdam wine bar Rayleigh & Ramsay. According to the jury, a cosmopolitan wine bar for the wine taster who wants to travel the world: more than 100 wines by the glass or by the sip!
Top 15 Wine Bar of the Year 2017
Bar Centraal in Amsterdam
Barrica Wine & Food bar in Amsterdam
Barrel Wijnlokaal in Groningen
Bottles & Bites in Den Bosch
Bouzy Wine & Food in The Hague
Brut in Dordrecht
Het Wijnhuis in Zwolle
Mofongo’s Rooftop Wine Bar in Groningen
Rayleigh & Ramsay in Amsterdam
Solo Vino in The Hague
Via Mucca in Maastricht
VINDOM in Oldenzaal
Vino & Friends in Maastricht
Wijn bij Stijn in Den Bosch
Zuster Margaux in Amersfoort
Jury
Sharon van Lokhorst (editor-in-chief of WINELIFE Magazine), Robert Verhoeven (PitchPR, founder of Wine Bars), Ron Vermeulen (hospitality expert and Food Market), Robert van Dijk (Coravin), Hans van de Meeberg (Misset Horeca and SpecialBite). Guest jury members: Marco Westra (maître/manager De Hoefslag), Romy Kooij (wine journalist).
Image: Wijn bij Stijn via Facebook
