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The Rich History of Winemaking in Huy

Huy, a city steeped in history, has been a centre for winemaking since the 5th century when King Clovis and later Charlemagne encouraged viticulture in the fertile Meuse Valley. By the Middle Ages, nearly every hillside in the region was adorned with vineyards, with the left bank especially favoured for its abundant sunlight.

The golden age of Huy’s viticulture emerged between the 13th and 15th centuries, driven by the efforts of local abbeys and vintners who developed techniques and cultivated the renowned “Briolet” wine made from small Pinot Noir grapes. Over time, Gamay and other varietals were introduced, evolving the character of Huy’s wines.

Despite challenges like the cooler climate shifts of the 14th century and changing economic conditions, the tradition of winemaking endured, marked by skilful cultivation and community pride. Vineyard practices included innovative techniques for resilience, like replacing white grape vines with more robust black varietals in the 18th century.

Today, at Domaine Dochen, we honour this rich legacy of Huy’s vineyards. By blending history with modern approaches, we aim to continue the story of winemaking in this exceptional terroir, contributing to the enduring tradition of excellence that defines the wines of Huy.

The Beginning of Domaine Dochen: A Revival of Huy’s Winemaking Heritage

Nestled on the historic slopes of La Sarte in Huy, Domaine Dochen is a modern tribute to the centuries-old winemaking traditions of the Meuse Valley. While the precise name of the original vineyard remains uncertain, the presence of the beautifully restored vide-bouteille—a rare structure once central to vineyard life—serves as a tangible link to the region’s rich viticultural past.

In 2022, the vineyard embarked on its journey by planting its first 1,250 Chardonnay vines. Known for their elegance and adaptability, these vines laid the foundation for Domaine Dochen’s vision. A year later, in 2023, the estate expanded with the introduction of Pinotin, a robust and sustainable grape variety. In 2024, the vineyard welcomed Floreal, a resilient white grape celebrated for its aromatic complexity and natural resistance to disease. Together, these plantings now cover approximately 3,400 vines.

The ambition at Domaine Dochen extends beyond its current achievements. With the favourable terroir and sunlit slopes of La Sarte, the vineyard aims to grow to around 6,000 vines, establishing itself as a player in the revival of Huy’s winemaking legacy.

Domaine Dochen is more than a vineyard—it’s a testament to the enduring connection between history, innovation, and a passion for fine wine.

Why Domaine Dochen?

The name Domaine Dochen carries a heartfelt story and pays tribute to a remarkable woman who played a pivotal role in its creation. Our vineyard is named in honour of our beloved neighbour, Ghislaine Dochen, whose kindness and generosity made it all possible.

Ghislaine gave us the opportunity to acquire the land she fondly referred to as her prairie, along with the historic vide-bouteille that stands as a testament to Huy’s rich winemaking heritage. Her vision and trust in our passion allowed us to transform this land into a flourishing vineyard.

Though Ghislaine sadly passed away, we are grateful that she witnessed the first planting of Chardonnay vines in 2022. To honour the special bond we shared and her significant role in the vineyard’s creation, we named Domaine Dochen, ensuring her memory remains an integral part of our journey.

Every vine planted and every bottle produced at Domaine Dochen celebrates Ghislaine Dochen’s friendship, trust, and legacy, whose spirit continues to inspire everything we do.

The Rich History of Winemaking in Huy

TODAY, AT DOMAINE DOCHEN, WE HONOUR THIS RICH HERITAGE OF THE VINEYARDS OF HUY

Discover Our Historic ‘Vide-Bouteille’

At Domaine Dochen, we proudly preserve a rare piece of the Meuse Valley’s winemaking heritage: our historic vide-bouteille. These unique structures, once integral to vineyards across the region, reflect Huy’s long-standing traditions of viticulture.

Originally, a vide-bouteille was a storage space for essential vineyards and winemaking tools, protecting them from the elements. Nestled on the valley’s slopes, these small yet practical buildings were often located at the heart of the vineyards.

The vide-bouteille at Domaine Dochen has been beautifully restored to honour its history. Its square design is charming and functional and built from brick with a pavilion-style roof.

Today, our vide-bouteille has been given a vibrant new purpose—it now hosts the kitchen for Saveurs Scandinaves, blending history and modern culinary artistry. This unique transformation combines the vineyard’s heritage with the flavours of Scandinavian cuisine, creating an unforgettable experience for our visitors.

Visit Domaine Dochen to explore this remarkable piece of history and enjoy the exceptional culinary delights it now houses!

Our Great Team

Egil Haaseth
A Culinary Artisan with a Passion for Wine

Egil Haaseth, a Norwegian chef based, is renowned for his exceptional culinary skills and his passion for pairing cuisine with fine wines. With his years of experience in gastronomy and internships at some of the most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants in France, Egil has refined his craftsmanship into a harmonious blend of Scandinavian simplicity and refined culinary techniques.

Previously, he gained acclaim as the owner of Up North, a celebrated Brussels restaurant that introduced diners to the rich flavors of Scandinavian cuisine. Though Up North closed its doors a decade ago, it left an indelible mark on the Brussels dining scene, praised for its creative dishes and innovative use of traditional ingredients like marinated reindeer and cod paired with dried lamb and blueberry sauce.

Today, Egil channels his culinary expertise and love for wine at Saveurs Scandinaves, where he continues to innovate, offering a unique gastronomic experience that celebrates the synergy between food and wine. His approach reflects not only his Norwegian roots but also his deep appreciation for the artistry of French gastronomy, making every dish a celebration of flavor and tradition.

At Domaine Dochen, Egil’s talents shine in the kitchen of our historic vide-bouteille, where his dishes are perfectly complemented by the vineyard’s rich history, creating an unforgettable culinary journey.

Philippe Vangeel
From Passionate Wine Enthusiast to Partner at Domaine Dochen

Philippe Vangeel has always deeply appreciated the art of winemaking, which perfectly complemented his role as a partner in the celebrated Brussels restaurant Up North. With Chef Egil Haaseth, Philippe helped bring authentic Scandinavian cuisine to life, while his growing interest in wine added an extra dimension to the dining experience.

Eager to enhance his wine knowledge, Philippe pursued the Master of Wine program to refine his understanding of winemaking and food pairing. This journey was driven by his desire to support Up North and his fascination with wine as both a craft and a science.

Today, as a partner at Domaine Dochen, Philippe channels his skills and enthusiasm into supporting the vineyard’s mission of producing exceptional wines. With his unique blend of practical knowledge and passion, Philippe hopes to contribute to the legacy of viticulture in Huy while continuing his journey as a wine lover and advocate.