Belgian top fruit farmer to cultivate wine grapes too

There is not a prosperous future in growing apples and pears, he says, so he thought of something else. "The coming years for apples, in particular, look grim. We had a very difficult season, partly due to the Russian debacle. The weather was also a contributing factor. It is a different story with pears, but this fruit also has its ups and downs. So, two years ago, we decided we are going to cultivate wine grapes", says Peter Nijskens from Sint-Truiden. "Of course it can be a failure, but if it is successful, it will be wonderful!"

Photo: Mine Dalemans

Enclosed
He goes on to say: "We had an area of two hectares of wine grapes and this week an extra three were added near the Duras Castle. This walled vineyard is surrounded by a five meter wall. This creates a special climate, which traps warmth for longer. This means it is possible to cultivate a variety - the Reisling - that is hardly ever produced in Belgium."

Photo: Mine Dalemans

Gloire de Duras
Cultivating grapes, is according to him, not too difficult. "Naturally, as a fruit grower, I have experience with the production of fruit. The wine making is a bigger challenge, so I have enlisted help. The wine is in casks at the moment and from September 2017, will be sold under the name of 'Gloire de Duras'. "Now we wait to see how the wine tastes and everything goes. We are, not, however, discontinuing our hard fruit production. The apple and pear orchard is now about about 22 hectares."

For more information:
Peter Nijskens
[email protected]
+32 475 833 068

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