last august i was happy i could find some time to swing by the newly opened wine bar BELGIAN WINES for two reasons. one, whatever JENS DE MAERE is doing these days, has my full attention. i met him while we were both ambassadors for the bordeaux wine region (remember THIS DINNER and THIS DINNER?) but he’d been running a pretty successful business since long before, bringing belgian wines to the attention of oenophiles around the world. i pretty much blindly trust his opinion on wines, but make sure to check out HIS BLOG for food and travel inspiration, too.
reason number two for my eagerness to discover the bar up close, was the fact that it was designed and created by maša and jon from KLEIN AGENCY. i met this lovely slovenian-californian couple – who came to antwerp by way of berlin and brussels – when i interviewed them about their design studio LMBRJK for KWINTESSENS magazine. over the past few years, i’ve bumped into them on several occasions, and i was always curious to get an update on what they were doing – from opening up their private dinner club (best food i’ve ever had in antwerp) to them getting married in california. they are easily some of the coolest and kindest people i know, and whatever they do, they do with such style and creativity that i’d get jealous if i wasn’t too busy being happy for them. long story short – they designed the interior of the belgian wines bar and it’s supremely beautiful.
after taking some snaps before opening hours, jens sent me home with a bottle of one of his favorite belgian wines (ALDENEYCK from maaseik) and ever since opening it up, i can’t wait to return for the full experience some time soon. see you there?
photos by stephanie duval
This spot is definitely on my list when I get back to Belgium. I’ve only been gone a few weeks and I’m already suffering from major homesickness. Discovering Belgian wines in that decor… Very appealing :)! We Belgians do know how to wine & dine, don’t we?
we sure do! and totally with you on the homesickness thing… every reason is a good one to start planning the next trip to the home base ;)
Wow, this looks like a very nice place ; just checked the address and can’t believe it’s actually at the Oudevaartplaats again. It holds a couple of hidden treasures like 12, Place du Marché .. a very nice resto too. Will add this one to my ‘must-try’ – ‘must-see’ agenda. Thanks for sharing Stephanie.
you’re very welcome – i think you’ll love this place! x