The Belgian Wine Scene: Wine Bars, Shops, and Culture
Why Belgium is one of Europe's best countries for wine lovers
The Belgian Wine Scene: Wine Bars, Shops, and Culture
Why Belgium is one of Europe's best countries for wine lovers
Updated April 2026 | By expertvin — Belgium's Wine Specialist
Belgium may not grow much wine (yet — climate change is changing that), but it is one of the world's greatest countries for drinking it. A sophisticated dining culture, proximity to every major European wine region, a strong tradition of independent wine importing, and a population that takes food and drink seriously — Belgium punches far above its weight as a wine destination. From Brussels' wine bars to Wallonia's countryside caves, here's your guide to the Belgian wine scene.
expertvin.be is part of this story — two wine bars and an e-commerce platform dedicated to making great wine accessible.
Why Belgium for Wine?
The Belgian advantage
Geography: Within a day's drive of Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace, the Rhine, and northern Italy. Belgian importers have direct access to Europe's finest producers. Culture: Belgium's restaurant scene (more Michelin stars per capita than France) demands excellent wine lists. The population has a sophisticated palate shaped by centuries of gastronomy. Distribution: Independent importers like expertvin (since 1691) maintain direct relationships with 3,000+ producers across 23 countries. Climate: Belgian cellars naturally sit at 12-14°C — perfect for wine storage without climate control. And yes, Belgian wine production is growing: sparkling wines from Wallonia and Flanders are increasingly impressive.
expertvin: Our Wine Bars
Two locations, one philosophy
20hVin — La Hulpe: An intimate wine bar in the green heart of Brabant wallon. Curated wine list, tapas-style food pairings, weekly tasting events. The name says it: wine time starts at 8pm. Perfect for after-work discovery. La Cave du Lac — Genval: Nestled by the lake of Genval, a larger space for wine dinners, private events, and extensive tastings. The cellar holds our deep collection including rare allocations. Both bars serve wines available on expertvin.be — taste in person, then order your favourites for home delivery anywhere in Belgium.
Belgian Wine: Yes, It Exists
Climate change has made Belgian viticulture viable — and increasingly interesting. Domaine du Chenoy (Namur): Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and hybrid varieties. Serious sparkling wines. Wijnkasteel Genoels-Elderen (Limburg): Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a castle setting. Clos d'Opleeuw (Limburg): One of Belgium's pioneering estates. Vin de Liège: Cooperative producing still and sparkling wines from the Meuse valley. Belgian wines are still niche, often expensive for what they are, but improving rapidly. Worth trying for curiosity and national pride.
Frequently asked
Where are the best wine bars in Belgium?
20hVin (La Hulpe) and La Cave du Lac (Genval) — our two bars, focused on expertvin's curated selection with regular tasting events. In Brussels: Le Wine Bar des Marolles, Chabrol, and Titulus. In Ghent: Publiek. In Antwerp: Graanmarkt 13. Belgium's wine bar scene is thriving.
How does expertvin.be work?
We curate wines from expertvin's 3,000+ reference catalogue, focusing on quality-to-price ratio across all regions and styles. Order online for delivery across Belgium. Or taste first at 20hVin (La Hulpe) or La Cave du Lac (Genval) — every wine on our site is available to taste in our bars.
Can I buy wine directly from French/Italian producers in Belgium?
Some producers sell direct, but most quality wine enters Belgium through professional importers who ensure proper transport and storage. expertvin (our partner, established 1691) is Belgium's largest independent wine distributor with relationships across 23 countries. expertvin.be gives you access to this network.
Is Belgian wine any good?
Improving rapidly. Belgian sparkling wines (especially from Wallonia) are increasingly competitive. Still wines are more variable. Climate change is expanding what's possible. Try Domaine du Chenoy or Genoels-Elderen for a taste of Belgian terroir. It's niche but genuine.
What wines do Belgians drink?
Belgium is remarkably eclectic: French wines dominate (especially Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rhône), followed by Italian, Spanish, and New World. Belgium has one of Europe's highest per-capita consumptions of Champagne. The craft beer culture creates an open-minded palate that translates well to wine exploration.
Do you ship across Belgium?
Yes, expertvin.be delivers to all Belgian postcodes through expertvin's logistics network. Standard delivery within 2-5 working days. Same-day pickup available at our warehouse for Brabant wallon customers.
Can I host a private tasting?
Yes! La Cave du Lac (Genval) hosts private wine dinners and tasting events for groups. Contact us through expertvin.be to arrange a bespoke experience — we design the tasting around your preferences, budget, and occasion.