Greta's Beer Drinking Tours

Dollar vs Euro

2008-10-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

I'm putting this project on hold until we see what the dollar is going to do.

May 2008 - Trip Update

2008-05-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

In early April, I went on an abbreviated version of the planned trip. I went to three different breweries in Belgium. The first was in Brussels, where I toured a very old establishment that features a micro-environment. It's necessary for the yeast to grow. Beer is made as it was hundreds of years ago - and was VERY good.

The second brewery was near the French border, still in Belgium. A modern place, it began as a farming family brewing beer in their off season. Now, it's a fantastic place and features a splendid restaurant - and the beer with the highest alcohol content in the nation!

The third brewery was in Flanders and was a monastery. In 2005, it was awarded the best beer in the world - and I got to taste some on the last night of our trip. I get teary-eyed just thinking about it. So few have that opportunity.

But Renier and I have decided to start the trips in April 2009. He already has the itineraries in place that feature restaurants whose chefs use locally brewed beer in their recipes, nearly 2 dozen breweries, educational seminars and a host of opportunities to learn about the Old Country.

This really isn't a "beer drinking tour." It's educational, fun, entertaining - and I stress educational. You're learning all along the way. Did you know some beer is stored in wine barrels? Did you know the female hops flower is used in the making of beer? Have you ever seen hops grow? How often do you hear Flemish, Dutch, French and English all at the same time?

I'm getting the promotional materials together now and setting up logistics here in America. So please bookmark this site and come back for updates.

Thanks!
Greta

Dec '07 - Here's How it All Started

2008-01-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

When Joel Leonard and I were in Belgium in November and December 2007, we stayed a few days in Bruges where we stumbled across the Beer Temple. The store carries 450 different brands.

Regnier De Muynch was a big help to us, sharing information about the different types, and he suggested several to us. The three of us continued our conversation at a delightful restaurant down the street.

Regnier is actually the one who gives the tours. So, since I love to travel, drink beer and want to return to the area, he and I started talking about putting together a beer drinking tour.

Joel and I are going over to Belgium in April 2008. Regnier will give me a preview tour so I can post photos and videos of what the tour entails. And, I'll have a better idea of cost after my trip.

We'll be working with a bona fide travel agency, probably in Greensboro or Winston-Salem and will have radio and newspaper media sponsors. Each tour lasts several days and is limited to 20-25 people.

So, please bookmark this blog, or email me at gretalint@embarqmail.com to let me know of your interest. Let's stay in touch!

Greta