May 2008 - Trip Update

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