New figures point to Belgium's growing wine culture

Belgium’s wine sector has reached a new milestone, with production hitting a record high and vineyard area surpassing 1,000 hectares for the first time.

According to figures from the Belgian economy ministry, wine production rose sharply to more than four million litres in 2025, about a quarter higher than the previous record.

The growth follows a difficult 2024, when poor weather significantly reduced output.

Favourable weather conditions played a key role in the rebound. “All the conditions were perfect,” said Vincent Dienst, technical director at Domaine W, a vineyard based in Walloon Brabant.

“There were no spring frosts. Spring and summer were quite dry, which meant the grape bunches formed well.”

The sector is also expanding structurally. Belgium now counts about 350 winegrowers, while vineyard surface area has increased to about 1,040 hectares.

Regional differences remain marked. While Flanders has slightly more vineyard land, Wallonia produces more wine overall.

“The difference in production is explained by specialisation," the economy ministry said.

"Wallonia focuses heavily on sparkling wine, which generally offers a higher yield per hectare because winegrowers can plant twice as densely.

"In Flanders, production is more diversified, and still wine represents a larger share.”

Belgian production continues to be dominated by white and sparkling wines, with red and rose making up a smaller share.

At the same time, new trends are emerging. Orange wine, produced using white grapes but with extended grape skin contact, was recorded separately for the first time, with about 10,000 litres produced, mainly in Flanders.

Despite the strong growth, producers warn of increasing competition. “There are more and more Belgian winemakers expanding,” Dienst said.

“Where five to 10 years ago it was relatively easy to sell these bottles of wine, that's no longer really the case.”

Photo: ©Chateau de Bioul