Kapittelberg

On the Kapittelberg we see the Kapittelhoeve of the Willekens family. It is a wine-growing company. The Kapittelberg itself is about 32 meters high and is protected along the north and east flanks by a forest belt. The southern flank, planted with 14,000 vines over an area of 4 hectares, opens into a green valley of nature and silence. The subsoil consists of sandstone and limestone and, together with its special location, there is a microclimate that is very favourable for viticulture. Slightly fruity and slightly sweet white wines are made on the estate. Some red wines enjoy a subtle wood aging. The Willekens family opts for environmentally friendly and organic viticulture. For example, ladybirds are released in the vineyard as a natural enemy of the aphid.
The region has a long history of viticulture. As early as the 15th century, wine from the region was supplied to the abbeys of Averbode and Tongerlo. During this period, the priest Jan Poortman donated the land to the chapter of Aarschot to become a canon. Hence the name Kapittelberg.
The farmhouse you see here was only built in 1963. Not far from here stood the former Kapittelhoeve. It was burned down in 1914 during the invasion of the German army. The owner and his two daughters were left in the fire.

Jan Rymenams