ROTTERDAM, 19 July 2024 – Rotterdam Urban Winery has introduced a new initiative transforming surplus table grapes into wine. This innovative step aims to address food waste through sustainability.
Rotterdam Urban Winery has taken a significant step in sustainable wine production by launching wines made from surplus table grapes. The initiative aims to tackle food waste, setting a new standard for sustainable practices in the wine industry. The launch event took place at Bar Stroom, where farmers, circular food entrepreneurs, and cultural figures from Rotterdam gathered to celebrate this achievement.
The birth of a sustainable winery
The concept for Rotterdam Urban Winery emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Founder Wouter Bijl, with extensive experience in using surplus fruit for cider production, was inspired when a supplier inquired about utilising excess grapes. Initially hesitant, Bijl and his team decided to experiment, eventually securing funding through Citylab010 and a Rabobank innovation loan. This support enabled Bijl to bring his vision to fruition.
Rotterdam Urban Winery’s mission is to make sustainable enjoyment accessible and enjoyable. “We are not pretentious, nor overly expensive, but rather enjoyable and approachable,” emphasises Bijl. “Our wines may never become a Grand Cru, but they do not need to. We are happy to contribute to the United Nations' goal of halving food waste by 2030, one sip at a time.”
Rotterdam winery rescues surplus grapes
From surplus grapes to fine wine
Each year, Dutch traders and supermarkets discard millions of kilos of table grapes due to various reasons, including geopolitical disruptions or quality standards. Rotterdam Urban Winery collects these surplus grapes and transforms them into flavourful wines. “The fact that we discard perfectly usable food is, in my opinion, absurd,” says Bijl. “We aim to combat food waste by making sustainability enjoyable, sociable, and delicious.”
Innovative laboratory with ambitious goals
Located in the Keilepand, Rotterdam Urban Winery has established a lab dedicated to continuous experimentation and improving efficiency and circularity in wine production. The team’s ambitions range from vinification and barrel ageing to employing the champagne method and even ageing wine on the seabed. “We love to experiment,” says Bijl. “I enjoy proving that things deemed impossible can actually be achieved.”
Wine selection and availability
Currently, Rotterdam Urban Winery offers two wines, which can (soon) be ordered via their website, and are available at several Rotterdam establishments, including Bar Stroom, Bar Alaska, Marseille, and Biergarten. Additional varieties, including a red wine and a brut, will be released later this year.
Sparkling White #01
A demi-sec with 7.5% alcohol, made from Thompson grapes. The wine features a light, sweet flavour with elderflower and tropical fruit aromas, offering a subtle and full taste with a pleasant acidity and finish. Perfect for sunny days on the terrace.
Sparkling Rosé #01
A sparkling sec with 9.5% alcohol, made from Sable grapes. This wine has light pink bubbles with a rich muscat aroma, a full flavour, a dry finish, and soft tannins, making it ideal for summer salads, as an aperitif, with BBQs, or with seafood.
