Until recently, the Netherlands’ northernmost province wasn’t exactly known for its gourmet food and fine wines. Even the Dutch language uses the term Bourgondisch to refer to the luxurious dining in the south of the country. But now, Frisian chefs and wine makers are returning to their roots, recognising the quality of produce from land and sea that Friesland provides, and starting their own quiet wijn-spijs revolution.
Five gourmet things to do in Friesland 1 Tour and taste at Friesland’s wineries Forget English sparkling. Frisian “Brûswyn” is the next northern European wine to watch. In Friesland, there are two wineries you can visit – both of which offer variations on vineyard tours and wine tastings.
Note that you’ll want to be in Friesland on a Friday and/or Saturday, since they’re both only open to the public on these two days. The northernmost vineyard in the Netherlands, Wijngaard de Frysling offers tours and tastings during the summer months (these are extremely popular so book well in advance). But it’s also possible to stop by, have a wander through the vines and pick up a bottle or two from the shop.
There are several sparklings on offer, from Brut Nature to Brut (which refers to sweetness level), both white and rosé, and both traditional (Champagne) method and tank (Prosecco) method. Frysling also makes white, rosé and red still wines from various lesser-known grapes, including Solaris, Souvignier Gris, Cabernet Cortis and Pinotin. There�.