Stella Artois
About this Brewery
Stella Artois is one of Belgium’s most internationally recognised beers, with roots in Leuven’s brewing history. Its ancestry is traditionally traced to Den Hoorn brewery, recorded in 1366. Sébastien Artois became its master brewer in 1708 and purchased the business in 1717, subsequently giving the brewery his name.
Stella Artois itself was introduced in 1926 as a special Christmas lager. “Stella”, Latin for star, referred to the Christmas star, while “Artois” preserved the family name. Its popularity encouraged the brewery to make it available throughout the year.
Brouwerij Artois merged with Piedboeuf of Jupille in 1987 to create Interbrew. Further international mergers produced InBev in 2004 and AB InBev in 2008, turning the Leuven business into part of the world’s largest brewing group. Stella Artois remains one of its principal international brands and continues to be brewed in Leuven. The modern brewery can be visited on organised guided tours.
Address: Brouwerij Stella Artois, Aarschotsesteenweg 20, 3000 Leuven tel: 016 203020