One of the reasons why the Romans originally settled in South Limburg was probably their veneration of Bacchus the God of wine. The latter would certainly have given his blessing to the wines of Limburg. Various varieties of wine grapes, including Pinot Noir, Riesling and Müller- Thürgau do quite well on the sundrenched slopes of the Jeker Valley. For years now, winegrowers and makers such as Apostelhoeve and Hoeve Nekum have been producing excellent wines, which are also quite popular with Maastricht’s restaurant owners and chefs for. 

Wijngaard De Apostelhoeve 
On Louwberg Hill lies a 15th century farm with vineyards. Guided tours of the vineyards followed by a relaxed and enjoyable wine tasting session can be arranged beforehand for groups only. 
Susserweg 201 
6213 NE Maastricht 
T +31 (0)43 3432264 
www.apostelhoeve.nl
 
Hoeve Nekum 
Hoeve Nekum contains the second oldest vineyards in the Netherlands and lies in the Jeker Valley, the oldest wine producing region in the Netherlands. Guided tours can be arranged beforehand for groups only. Nekummerweg 31 
6212 NK Maastricht 
T +31 (0)43 3215185 
www.hoevenekum.nl

Broaden your horizons and try one of the typical Maastricht dishes such as Zoervleis (meat stew), Huidvleis (brawn) or the local Rommedoe cheese with its powerful odour and taste, finished off by a delicious piece of vlaai (sweet flan).

Winegrowing in the Netherlands might seem a bridge too far, but the vineyards excursion through the Jeker Valley is ample proof that this is not the case. Several grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, Riesling and Müller-Thürgau, thrive very well on the sun-drenched hills of South Limburg. The excursion not only takes in the most beautiful spots on Sint Pietersberg hill, it also passes several quite beautiful vineyards. 

In October, with a bit of luck, you'll be able to enjoy a scene not exactly typical of the Netherlands: grape picking. 

The vineyards excursion (not signposted) is a bit over 10 km long and starts and ends at Château Neercanne. Excursion brochures with 3 routes and maps can be purchased for €2 at the tourist office shop.

 

Maastricht enjoys a welldeserved reputation for culinary excellence. The taste and quality of the food and drink served in this gastronomic capital is basic to the city’s culture. Much attention is paid to the quality and freshness of the ingredients used and their origin. The chefs and restaurant owners also emphasise the use of local produce and products. Local and regional ingredients can often be found gracing the menus in the city, not only in regional dishes but also in surprisingly innovative contemporary dishes. 

You can also find many of these delicious ingredients and products in the culinary shops you’ll come across on your walks through Maastricht. 

At Adriaan de Smaakmaker, you can find delicious homemade mustards and chutneys. For over a century, Blanche Dael has been the address for in-house roasted coffee and specialty teas. Traditional handcrafted breads and vlaai (sweet flans) from the Bisschopsmolen are prepared from 100% Kollenberger spelt on a stone floor oven. Le Salonard has a mouthwatering selection of cheeses, wines and breads. And at Preuve Limburg, you’ll find practically all Maastricht and Limburg (Belgian Limburg as well as Dutch Limburg) specialties in one place. 

All the above products are the perfect gift to take home with you to continue enjoying….