So the decision to expand was quickly made; another 5,000 grape plants were planted in April 2022. In autumn 2022, the first grapes were harvested and in the winery run by and in close cooperation with Roelof Visscher and his team, we have several fine wines produced under the name Eskerwijn.
Discover our vineyard on the Esker of Twente
Our vineyard, De Mandjesberg, is located on sloping land in the north of Twente, near the German border. The soil, rich in gravel due to the presence of an esker, provides the perfect breeding ground for grape cultivation. This inspiring landscape formed the basis for Wijngaard De Mandjesberg, where we have been lovingly growing six different grape varieties since 2021.
What is an Esker?
An Esker, also known as a meltwater ridge, is a hill formed by meltwater under an ice cap, such as a glacier. This hill consists of clay loam, coarse sand, gravel and boulders, which ensures moisture-retaining and well-draining soil. This unique mixture makes the soil perfect for growing various grape varieties. This above-ground Esker is the only one in the Netherlands, which makes our vineyard in Twente extra special.
First Planting
Under the guidance of winemaker Roelof Visscher from Neerlands Wijnmakerij in Bentelo, we planted the first 7,000 grapevines in May 2021. The decision to use this soil for growing grapes proved to be the right one; it was wonderful to see how quickly the plants grew and how a beautiful vineyard emerged within a few months!
First harvest and production of Eskewijn
Timeline
2020
In 2020, the idea of starting a vineyard was born. After consultation with Roelof and Ilse Visscher of Twentewijn in Bentelo and the positive result of the soil samples, the decision was made and the grape plants and materials were ordered.
2021
In May 2021, the first 7,000 grapevine plants were planted: the Cabernet Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Shortly afterwards, all the stakes were placed, the wires were pulled and the drip line was installed, so that the young plants could get enough moisture even during dry periods.
2022
A further 5000 plants, Sauvignier Gris and Cabaret Noir, were planted in April 2022. This September and October saw the first harvest, with a total yield of about 1,000 kilos.
2023
In 2023, we harvested again from the first 7000 plants, once more not a full crop. We also harvested from the Cabaret Noir and Sauvignier Gris planted in 2022. Despite an unusually wet summer, we are extremely pleased with the quantity and quality of this harvest! Furthermore, this year saw the implementation of an anti-frost system, whereby small sprinklers keep the buds wet when it freezes so that they are protected. We had to make use of this in May and fortunately it did its job well.
2024
This year, we launched our first six Esker wines: Esker Sekt Cuvee, Esker Parel Rose and four still wines: Esker White Chardonnay, Esker White Cuvee (a blend of various grape varieties), Esker White Cuvee Select and Esker Rosé Blend. These wines, produced in Twente, reflect the unique characteristics of our vineyard on the Esker. In addition, we expect a “reasonably full” harvest of Cabernet Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir this autumn, as well as Cabaret Noir and Sauvignier Gris. On 15 September, we held the first edition of our vineyard dinner, in collaboration with Drostes and Adebaer vineyard. This was a great success and therefore worth repeating; the second edition will take place in September 2025. We hope to see you there (again)!
2025
This year, we introduced four new wines: the Rose Blend, the Chardonnay Barrique, the Cuvée Select and – finally – our first Pinot Noir, which are available in our webshop (unfortunately, the Chardonnay Barrique is already sold out). In September, we held the second edition of our vineyard dinner, and once again it was a success. A large number of guests enjoyed dinner among the vines, resulting in a magical evening. But the highlight of this year was definitely the gold medal for our Chardonnay Barrique, which we are extremely proud of! The 2025 harvest was exceptional, both in terms of quality and quantity. We look forward to introducing you to a new range of wines next year.
2026
The exceptional harvest of 2025 forms the basis for a special wine year. This year, we will be introducing no fewer than 12 new wines: from refined whites and powerful reds to rosés, sparkling wines, bubble wines and characteristic barrique wines. A versatile range that will surprise every wine lover. We are eager to present this complete range – the first tastings and analyses are certainly promising!
Vineyard the Mandjesberg
Our grapes
Carbernet Blanc
A white Swiss grape, a hybrid between Cabernet Sauvignon and Regent. A resistant variety with even and vigorous growth. The bunches are loose and the skin of the grape is fairly thick. The grape produces fragrant white wines; fresh and dry with a long aftertaste.
Pinot Noir
A popular grape variety for its mild flavour and versatility. It grows best in cool, temperate climates. The soil and climate in which the Pinot Noir grape grows has a great influence on the taste of the wine. In Germany, this blue grape is called Spätburgunder and is mainly used to make red wine.
Chardonnay
A white grape variety originating in Burgundy in France and planted all over the world, with remarkable adaptability in terms of climate and soil. Depending on where it is grown and how the wine is made, this grape offers a variety of flavours.
Souvignier Gris
Souvignier Gris is a lesser-known grape variety, which is more resistant to colder and damp weather. It is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Bronner; a cross between a blue grape and a white grape. This creates a pale pink grape, which produces a white wine due to the short fermentation of skins.
Riesling
The Riesling grape originates from Germany and is very versatile. It grows on many different soils and therefore absorbs the characteristics of the soil in which it grows. The Riesling grape evolves optimally in a slightly cooler zone where slow ripening emphasises its aromatic character.
Cabaret Noir
This is a hybrid between Cabernet Sauvignon and an unknown resistant grape. An early ripening, loose and frost-resistant grape that produces red and rosé wines. Cabaret Noir is well suited to northern wine regions.
