The Flemish municipality of Hoeilaart is looking for people to grow their own grapes in the municipality's authentic greenhouses. All grape growers have to do is pay a little rent, but then the entire yield is yours. ‘Grape-growing is such a beautiful tradition in Hoeilaart that should not be allowed to be lost,’ says alderman Stefanie Van Dooren.
Hoeilaart, together with Overijse, Huldenberg and Tervuren, all belong to the Flemish grape region, the area of Flemish Brabant Province, where table grapes, fruit intended for consumption as fresh fruit and not for wine-making, are grown. Flemish grapes are famous for their thick, sweet qualities. They are traditionally grown in greenhouses, but growers have become rare in recent years. In the mid-20th century, there were hundreds of grape growers and Hoeilaart was even called the ‘Glass Village’.
The municipality of Hoeilaart is now looking for people eager to rent greenhouse space and tend a grapevine in the authentic greenhouses of Kelleveld. Alderman Stefanie Van Dooren wants to breathe fresh life into the practice. ‘It is such a beautiful tradition in Hoeilaart that should not be lost. People receive training and get to harvest the produce, the bunches of grapes, themselves.’
Renting and working a grapevine in Hoeilaart only costs 75 euros a year. From spring onwards, you can participate in all activities. Support is available to steer you in the right direction. By September and early October you will be able to enjoy your own harvest.
In neighbouring Overijse, a similar initiative has existed for a long while, in greenhouses belonging to Solheide, the old provincial test centre. The ‘Become a Greenhouse Grape-grower’ course and renting and tending a grapevine have become tremendously popular!