Hoegaarden
About this Place
Hoegaarden is a village in Flemish Brabant whose name has become synonymous with Belgian witbier. Brewing has been recorded here since the fifteenth century, and although the local tradition almost disappeared in the twentieth century, it was revived by Pierre Celis in the 1960s. Today Hoegaarden remains one of the world's best-known names in Belgian brewing.
Visitor notes
Although modern brewing continues in Hoegaarden, the village's greatest significance lies in the revival of Belgian witbier. Pierre Celis' decision to recreate the traditional spiced wheat beer rescued a style that might otherwise have disappeared.
Visitors can explore the village and appreciate its place in brewing history, even though brewery access is limited. Hoegaarden also makes a convenient stop when exploring the wider brewing heritage of Flemish Brabant.