Good Wine Resolutions
With the December festivities behind us, it’s high time to get the 2017 wine calendar in order. Otherwise, before you know it, the most enjoyable events will already be over. Because whether it’s a festival, a fair, a trip or a walk, if wine is involved, it’s always fun.
That’s why here’s a handy fridge list of the – currently known – vinous highlights.
What: Horecava | Wine Professional
When: Mon 9 to Thu 12 January 2017
Where: RAI Amsterdam
Horecava is actually a trade fair for professionals, but these days almost everyone is one. So if you’ve managed to get tickets, this is the ultimate place for drinks, food and everything related to them. The Wine Professional – for true wine professionals – takes place in the adjacent Europafoyer (Mon to Wed).
What: Amsterdam Wine Festival
When: Fri 24 to Sun 26 March 2017
Where: Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam
The first edition of the Amsterdam Wine Festival in the Gashouder promises to become a true wine paradise. Everything good in life will supposedly be found here – according to the website, at least: with a Vonkelbar, sabrage workshops and perfect wine and food pairings. In any case, that sounds very promising.
What: Bacchus Winter Wine Festival
When: Fri 10 to Sun 12 March 2017
Where: De Duif, Amsterdam
After three successful summers in the Amsterdamse Bos, Bacchus is now presenting the ‘Winter Edition’. A smaller version in a beautiful church. Still with lots of wines and tastings, and you can even transform into a wine god or goddess.
What: Grand Tasting California Wines
When: Mon 13 March 2017
Where: Radisson BLU hotel, Schiphol-Rijk
New World here we come. This is the place to get to know California’s excellent wines. With more than 100 Californian wineries, around 600 wines, interesting seminars and a genuine Winemaker Dinner.
What: Culinary Wine&Food Trip Umbria
When: Sun 23 April to Sat 29 April 2017
Where: B&B Podere del Buongustaio, Umbria – Italy
This is a holiday and a chance to gain culinary and vinous knowledge all in one: the Italian spring in beautiful surroundings, learning to cook at star level and discovering local specialties and wine. Adje Middelbeek, together with chef Joop Zwiep, will provide a unique experience. You’ll also go searching for truffles, wild mushrooms and fresh herbs, among other things. Sounds like a must!
What: Fonteyn Festival – Wine, Food & Music
When: Fri 12 May to Sun 14 May 2017
Where: Janskerkhof, Utrecht
Already the fifth edition of this wine festival, with lots of wine bars and mobile kitchens. Wineries and wine cafés from the region serve their finest wines here. At the same time, DJs, live music and theatre provide a convivial setting.
What: Villas Wine Theatre Weekend
When: Thu 25 to Sun 28 May 2017 (Ascension Day)
Where: Velserbroek
The third edition of four days of beach, wine, music on vinyl and food by master chefs. This is culinary enjoyment in the already famous burlesque style of the Wine Theatre, with sand between your toes and sea wind in your hair.
What: Taste of Amsterdam
When: Fri 2 to Mon 5 June 2017 (Pentecost)
Where: Amstelpark, Amsterdam
For the ninth time, the gathering place for local restaurants and their finest dishes. It is, of course, actually a food festival, but the chefs’ signature dishes are naturally accompanied by the finest wines.
What: Bacchus Wine Festival
When: Fri 9 to Sun 11 June & Fri to Sun 18 June 2017
Where: Amsterdamse Bos, Amsterdam
For the fourth time, a gigantic wine celebration in the woods. With lots of wine and matching food. Tastings, food trucks, pop-up restaurants and music create a genuine festival atmosphere.
What: Dutch Wine Festival
When: Fri 22 to Sun 24 September 2017
Where: Groesbeek
The 11th edition of three days of (Dutch) wine, wine workshops, wine markets, music and food in the wine village of the Netherlands. But the real highlights are the Open Vineyard Days, the Election of the Wine Queen and the Dutch Wine Barrel Rolling Championship.
What: WineWeekend
When: Sat 25 & Sun 26 November 2017
Where: Broodfabriek, Rijswijk
The third edition already of this large festival for wine lovers. With many different wines from around the world and a wide choice of (free) workshops. All in the presence of winemakers and importers. You can buy most of the wines on the spot, so you can happily continue enjoying them at home.
What: WineFoodWalk
When: Sunday afternoon, all year round
Where: throughout the Netherlands
Almost every Sunday afternoon, a culinary walk along top restaurants is organized somewhere in the Netherlands. At each restaurant, you taste a small dish with a matching wine. Fun, surprising, delicious! And it also gives you a little exercise.
