Brouwerij & Distilleerderij Wilderen
brewery
About this Brewery
Brouwerij & Distilleerderij Wilderen occupies a remarkable historic farm complex near Sint-Truiden. The estate's history can be traced to 1642, while the surviving brewery buildings date from 1743. Like many large farms of the period, Wilderen brewed beer for its own workers and used spent grain to feed livestock. An industrial distillery was added in 1890.
Mike Janssen and Roniek Van Bree acquired the neglected site in 2007 and undertook an extensive restoration. A modern brewery opened in 2011 within the former ox stables, creating a striking contrast between contemporary brewing equipment, the preserved farm buildings and the nineteenth-century distillery.
The brewery produces beers including Wilderen Goud, Tripel Kanunnik, Cuvée Clarisse, Clarisse Rouge, Wilderen Kriek and the amber ale Betty Ford. The distillery produces whisky, gin, jenever, rum liqueur and eau-de-bière.
Today Wilderen combines brewing, hospitality and heritage. The site includes a brewery café, terraces, shop and visitor facilities, making it one of Belgium's more accessible brewery destinations.
Wilderen is a brewery designed to welcome visitors. The restored buildings provide historic character, but the experience is modern and family-friendly, with a large café, extensive outdoor seating and facilities for children.
The brewery shop is a dedicated space selling the full range of beers, spirits, gift packs, glasses and brewery merchandise. It is an excellent place to discover the breadth of the Wilderen range, whether buying a single bottle, a gift set or something for a larger gathering.
The brewery is easy to reach by car, with clear signage and parking available on site. It is a realistic destination from Brussels or other Belgian cities for a relaxed lunch, drinks or a longer visit. The surrounding countryside adds to the appeal.
Address: Brouwerij & Distilleerderij Wilderen, Wilderenlaan 8, 3803 Wilderen tel: 011 580680
Curator's Note
I visited Brouwerij & Distilleerderij Wilderen in August 2026. Our visit was brief, following lunch at nearby Brouwerij Kerkom, but it confirmed Wilderen's reputation as a visitor-focused brewery. The café and terraces were busy on a Saturday afternoon, with families, groups and dogs all comfortably accommodated.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the visitor areas, including the shop, and the outdoor spaces make Wilderen particularly suitable for visitors combining a brewery trip with a walk or day out.