📍 Hageland

Hageland is a hilly area in Belgium, in Flanders, east of Brussels and near the city of Leuven. It is part of the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Limburg. The land is wooded, with gentle hills, streams and villages. The soils are sandy and contain iron-bearing sandstone, which gives them a reddish tint and holds heat well.

The climate is cool and damp, maritime, so vineyards lie on south-facing slopes and in sheltered places. Grapes that ripen early are chosen: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and also Pinot Gris and others. White, red, rosé and sparkling wines are made, with a fresh taste and high acidity. Conditions suit sparkling wines especially well.

Hageland has its own protected designation of origin, Hagelandse Wijn. Winemaking is developing quickly here: in recent decades many new estates have appeared. They welcome visitors and hold tastings, and wine tourism has become part of local life.

For comparison with its neighbours: to the east lies Haspengouw, another Belgian wine area, and to the south Wallonia.