Netherlands Destinations: Discover the Food and Wine of Friesland

Until recently, the northernmost province of the Netherlands was not really known for its food and wine. Even the Dutch language uses the word Burgundy But now, Frisian chefs and winemakers are returning to their roots, recognising the quality of what Friesland has to offer, both by land and sea, and starting their own quiet wine revolution.

Top five culinary destinations in Friesland

1 Visit and taste wine at a Frisian winery

Forget English bubbly bars. Frisian “Brûswyn” is the next Nordic wine to watch. In Friesland, there are two wineries to visit – both offer vineyard tours and wine tastings. Note that you’ll need to visit Friesland on a Friday and/or Saturday, as they’re open to the public only on both days.

The northernmost vineyard in the Netherlands. Frislin Vineyards Tours and tastings are available during the summer (very popular, so book in advance).

But you can also stop by, wander the vineyards and pick up a bottle or two from the shop. There’s a wide selection of sparkling wines, from Brut Nature to Brut (referring to the sweetness), whites and rosés, both traditional (Champagne) and canned (Prosecco). Frysling also makes whites, rosés and reds from a variety of lesser-known grapes, including Solaris, Souvignier Gris, Cabernet Cortis and Pinotin. There’s a lot to try!

Further south, near the Flevoland border, you’ll find De Heideplaats Winery The wine list is small but full of charm. On arrival you can pick up a map and information and tour the vineyards (Solaris, Riesel and Johanniter white grapes and Regent red grapes) on your own, before enjoying a drink on the terrace.

On a sunny day, surrounded by lavender bushes, de Heideplaats feels like a little slice of Provence. Their “Vespers” white wine is a citrusy, floral blend of the three white grapes mentioned above, with more body than you might expect. Normally, de Heideplaats makes red and rosé wines from their Regent grapes, but last year’s harvest did not allow for a 2023 vintage.

Wijndomein de Heideplaats also has Bed and Breakfastthis is your place to relax and unwind, and it is also an ideal starting point for the rest of your trip.

2. Enjoy Frisian cuisine

Conveniently located in Wergea, equidistant from two wineries, Oan Tafel serves modern, creative, fine cuisine using local Frisian ingredients. You can sit in the open kitchen and watch the chefs at work, or enjoy a fixed menu of four, six or eight courses.

Expect dishes such as “hard tartare with foie gras” – raw mullet with thinly sliced ​​beans, white bean cream, bean broth, ginger oil, puffed wild rice and tiger milk foam, full of flavour. As you’d expect, you’ll have to pay for all this (six courses at €86 per person, excluding drinks) – but the quality is worth it.

In addition, Oan Tafel serves some of Frysling’s wines. For example, their “Brûswyn Johanniter” is a traditional method sparkling wine made from the hardy Johanniter grape: combining crisp apples and pears with soft brioche and creamy mousse, it is the perfect aperitif.

3. Enjoy snack time

For those with a smaller budget but a big appetite, head to Grou to book a table at the ever-popular Hermann ServeltThis family business, run by a charismatic Uruguayan owner and his Dutch-Uruguayan daughter, calls itself a tapas restaurant, although it incorporates a very different flavour from Spanish tapas. There is no menu here: everyone gets a few rounds of hot and cold dishes, and the only choice you have to make is whether or not to have dessert, too.

Cold cuts include white gazpacho, toast with chickpea dip and chili cream cheese, shot glasses with smoked salmon, shrimp and dill sour cream, and summer pasta salad with Spanish olives and salted almonds.

Hot dishes include a whole gambas with samphire, teriyaki chicken, and a medium-rare steak skewered with a tortilla and padron peppers in a creamy thyme sauce. The food is great value at €35 per person, and the wines are reasonably priced (even if you go for the top-end oaky tropical white Rioja on the list). You won’t go hungry!

4. Visit a cheese farm

While in Friesland, you will definitely want to buy some of the delicious produce you sampled during your trip. De Deelen Cheese Farmfollow the road between Aldeboarn and Tijnje, stopping at the farm shop for a selection of homemade cheeses: creamy Gouda, fresh sheep’s cheese, spicy smoked cheese and their signature “Riperkrite Tsiis”, a blend of celery, leeks and garlic. Not to mention Frisian smoked sausages and a variety of other local products.

5. Buy a special bottle

If the Frisian wine wins your heart, you can buy more, plus several other local specialty liqueurs, including Frisian whiskey, limoncello, beer, and bitters. Gru’s Silersshop. But there’s plenty of international wine here, too: the friendly staff at this booze treasure trove can recommend wines from Europe and further afield, depending on the occasion (or the type of cheese you just bought).

Where else can I eat?

If you want to have a light meal at lunchtime, you can certainly find many cozy cafés in Friesland. Try Knee bending At Akkrum, try the home-brewed triple beer and the “12 uurtje” lunch special: mustard soup, beef roll and smoked rib-eye steak for only €14.50.

Or go for a real American burger Butler Restaurantright next to Grou train station: they offer a wide range of hearty burgers, tasty fries and delicious beers. Try one of the Frisian craft beers: Bartele Farmhouse Ale (easy drinking, slightly peppery) or Koningshert Amber Ale (fruity and unfiltered).

How to get there

Although many towns in Friesland have train stations with regular routes to major cities, you will still need to drive to reach wineries and cheese farms.

anything else

If you have a few days in Friesland, check out our tips Harlingen Or go Wadden Sea Island Hopping It is located off the Frisian coast.