2023-07-18 17:54:00
Domaine W is one of the many wine estates that are developing all over Wallonia. Located in Saintes in the commune of Tubize, the 100% Belgian and 100% organic vineyard hosts nearly 35,000 vines in order to offer its sparkling wine using the Champagne method.
The Domaine has recently invested nearly 1.5 million euros in new wine-growing infrastructure. The objective: to improve the quality of the wine and develop hospitality within this old farmhouse while reducing energy expenditure such as its CO2 consumption by 37,000 kg per year. The objective is also to increase the production of “Brut de Brabant” and aim for 50,000 bottles per year instead of the current 30,000.
With these investments, Domaine W was able to acquire various assets useful for its production such as a large aging cellar, enlarged vats, three rainwater cisterns, etc. But also 120 photovoltaic panels. And the reception of visitors is not left in the background either thanks to a new panoramic terrace of 300 m2, overhanging the vines.
“No one believed it when we started.”
To celebrate all of these new facilities, the Walloon Minister for Agriculture and the Economy, Willy Borsus (MR), the Governor of Walloon Brabant, Gilles Mahieu (PS), and the Mayor of Tubize, Michel Januth ( PS) participated in a site visit. Specific to Domaine W, it is partly financed through member subscriptions. And each alley of vines has the name of one of the “gold” members or an inscription of his choice.
Minister Borsus will be able to join them on an honorary basis, the last existing aisle is dedicated to him.
Behind Domaine W hide Sophie Wautier, descendant of the owners of the farm, and her husband Dimitri Vander Heyden. The couple started with a wacky idea to launch the vineyards: crowdfunding. With the 1,200 participating members, some funding up to several thousand euros, they were able to launch the business seven years ago. And be in balance from the first year whereas it takes more than 10 years to be in normal times.
A crazy bet, especially since their production is biodynamic. In other words, with even stricter conditions than for organic wines. “Nobody believed it when we started and when we wanted to do that in Belgium, we were called crazy. That it was better to shave everything and start from scratch”. But the project held and over time they even won the trust of the banks.
Each year the Domaine W reopens 100 to 200 places to enter the Club. In exchange for donations, depending on budget, sparkling wine enthusiasts can join the adventure and recover the “raw” investment over the years.
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