Wijndomein Oude Waalstroom is a modest 2ha family vineyard near the Waal river in the centre of the Netherlands.

The soil is a mixture of clay and sand, old river sediment and rich in minerals, very suitable for growing fruit in general and for grapes as well. All the work we do in the vineyard is to stimulate biodiversity, all the natural processes and soil life for a high natural resilience and healthy vines. So there is no spraying of any kind in our vineyard, and also no intervention with the soil. We only mow extensively, only once or twice a year, which creates a richness of flowering herbs underneath the grapes.

The grapes are growing top down in a curtain system to ensure no interference from the herbs and grasses with the young vines in spring (amongst other benefits like a better air circulation around the grapes just before harvest and of course my back...). Because we do everything by hand, also no fossil fuel is needed in our vineyard, at least not for the regular maintenance.

For some years now, we have been integrating trees for yet more biodiversity in and surrounding our vineyard. Natural elements where we do absolutely nothing, fruit trees companying the grapes near the bigger paths, but also willow trees for the grapes to grow in as natural support, so (in time) no more poles and wires are needed.

All our wines are made with spontaneous fermentation with the wild yeasts present on the grapes. Besides pressing and racking there is no intervention and nothing is added during the vinification. Only a little sulfur is added with the bottling of the wines, 10-20 mg/l depending on the wine. All to maintain all the natural qualities of the grapes with great respect for its origin.

Discover the natural wines of Wijndomein Oude Waalstroom... artisanal,  authentic and full of character!