robbers & van den hoogen - Wine traders since 1842
In the Netherlands, almost 200 years ago, we didn’t buy our wines from the Wineries in bottles, but we bought them in barrels, bottling them in our own warehouses. One of those wine-importers, Robbers & van den Hoogen, is still active today and I visited them in Arnhem. Robbers & van den Hoogen started importing wines since 1842 and is doing so ever since. They nowadays have extended their business and even opened up a museum, so that people can understand the production proces of the wines, and see how they bottled wines back in the days.
I’ve met up with Henk van de Scheur, a vinoloog working for Robbers & van den Hoogen for over 25 years, starting off in purchasing and who was working the land in Loire when he first started his career in France. For more on that, see below!
A bit of The history of Robbers & van den Hoogen:
“The wine house Robbers & van den Hoogen has existed for 181 years, making it one of the oldest wine houses in the Netherlands. This anniversary should not go unnoticed. This history can be found throughout the company. Knowledge, versatility, and quality result in modern yet solid business operations. We cordially invite you to celebrate the anniversary with us.
History
In 1842, Antoon Robbers started the Robbers Wine Trade on the Rijnkade in Arnhem. A favorable location for the delivery of wine by ship. After Antoon's death, the business is continued by, among others, his wife Henrietta Theodora van den Hoogen. The company name Robbers & van den Hoogen is born.
Donders Family
Joseph Donders took over the wine house in 1911. He had been an employee of the company for some time. From that moment on, Robbers & van den Hoogen is led by the Donders family. The fourth generation is already at the helm, and time and business operations do not stand still. The company moved to Velperweg in 1926, 10,000m2 of wine cellars are set up, a wine museum is established, and for 25 years, the largest wine house in the Netherlands, Robbers & van den Hoogen, even bears the title of Royal Warrant Holder.”
The Treasure Room - A sealed space for only the best of the collection of Robbers & van den Hoogen. Such as a 1908 Vintage port and Petrus bottles worth around 5000,- EUR each
They did an amazing job decorating the winebar and wine shop. It’s so inviting to come and have a glass of red wine :D
Wine Cellars
In many different countries I’ve visited different wineries and saw cellars with a lot of wines - but never have I seen such a wide variety of different wines from different producers from all over the world, stored in this amazing cellar, where many customers have ‘forgotten’ their precious wines - some of them are ‘done’ and won’t be opened, some of them still in perfect shape and waiting to be opened.
As we talked about wines and their history, it became clear to me that they also import portwines. Their history of importing port wines goes way back too. Currently they are selling Kopke and Real Compania Velha.
Lets have a look at some of their wines
At the Museum
In the museum, many unique pieces of wine-accessoires can be found. We will focus a bit on the portwine accessoires that can be usefull for opening portwine bottles, and some interesting merchandize that was collected over the past 200 years. I am sure you won’t find this kind of stuff anywhere else in The Netherlands.
Interview with Henk van de Scheur - Vinoloog at Robbers & van den Hoogen
Henk van de Scheur's love affair with wine began quite early. At the tender age of 13, he had his first sip of wine, and it wasn't just any wine – it was the illustrious Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The taste, the aroma, the way it danced on his palate; it was a moment of revelation for young Henk.
His parents, both wine enthusiasts, often spoke about the art of winemaking, the nuances of flavors, and the beauty of vineyards. Their passion was infectious, and it wasn't long before Henk decided to delve deeper into the world of wines.
During his school vacations, Henk took up work at the Loire vineyards. The picturesque Loire Valley, with its sprawling vineyards and historic châteaux, was the perfect backdrop for a young man's initiation into the wine industry. But Henk didn't stop there. He further honed his skills in Bordeaux and Cognac, two of France's most renowned wine regions.
At 21, Henk took on the role of a representative in France. However, the journey wasn't always smooth. He often worked without pay, immersing himself in the labor-intensive tasks of the vineyard. From picking and pruning to harvesting, Henk did it all. He even braved the biting cold, pruning Cahors wines at temperatures plummeting to -20°C.
It was during these formative years that Henk realized his commercial acumen. During the Christmas season, he assisted in the hospitality sector, understanding the business side of wines. His natural flair for commerce combined with his profound knowledge of wines led him to pursue formal education as a vinologist.
For the past 25 years, Henk has been an integral part of Robbers & van den Hoogen. From the very beginning, he wanted to influence the purchasing decisions, ensuring that only the best wines made it to the shelves.
As for the future? Henk dreams of a romantic vineyard in France. A place where he can cultivate, nurture, and produce wines that tell a story – much like his own journey from a young boy tasting Châteauneuf-du-Pape to a seasoned vinologist with a legacy in the wine industry.
