Wine and Spirits Guide
Belgian beer is one of the most famous in the world, and the fact that a relatively small country produces literally hundreds of different beers is testament to its brewing passion and excellence. The beers are generally very strong and of particular interest are the Trappist beers, brewed at long-established monasteries. The larger supermarkets generally stock a good selection and there are also many specialist beer stores in Brussels. For enthusiasts it may be of interest to tour a monastery where you can sample the beer they brew, as well as cheeses depending on the monastery.
Wine is also very popular in Belgium and though Belgian wines are not widely renowned, there is some wine production. Most wines produced are white wines, with Burgundy-types the most highly commended. Wine production is in both Flanders and Wallonia. Spirits are also very popular and along with wine are readily available in supermarkets, wine and liquor stores around Brussels. Cocktails are fashionable in Belgium and a local favourite is “Genever”, which is taken as a shot and comes in many flavours. Stores are open regular opening hours (9am-6pm) though there are “night-stores” all over the city where you can get wine and spirits much later. Below is a list of specialist wine and beer stores.
Beer Mania – Beer store selling many beers from around the world. Chaussee de Wavre 174-176, Brussels 1050. Telephone: 025121788. http://www.beermania.be/
Migs World Wines – Wine shop with over 600 wines available or on order, and often hosts wine-tasting events. Chaussee de Charleroi 43, Brussels 1060. Telephone: 025347703. Website: http://www.migsworldwines.be/index.php
Maxi Vins – Store with wines for all budgets from all over the world. Avenue Prekelinden 83, Brussels 1200. Telephone: 027353200. Website: http://www.maxivins.be/
Velu Vins – Wine store specializing in European wines. Rue de la Bienvenue 19, Brussels 1070. Telephone: 025206068. Website: http://www.veluvins.be/site/
Wine-Not – Store specializing in French wines. Rue du College 39, Brussels 1050. Telephone: 025134774. Website: http://www.wine-not.be/
L’Antiquaire du Vins – Store specializing in rare wines and accessories. Avenue Brugman 202, Brussels 1050. Telephone: 027339594.
A more comprehensive list of wine stores in Brussels can be found at http://www.wine-searcher.com/merchants/belgium,x,1,c,126
