Vleck - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Every six weeks Michiel ter Heide, owner of Vleck Wines, travels throughout France to hand pick some of its finest wines. Buying directly from small vineyards for many years, Michiel has become close friends with many local producers. Back in Amsterdam he offers some great wines along with good stories from the informal atmosphere of his small, cozy store.

When setting up Vleck Wines, Michiel has kept his store as low-profile as he could. Everyone is free to drop in and sample the latest acquisitions. Less then a year after the opening, Vleck Wines has already become an integral part of the neighborhood.

Many of his clients come by frequently for a chat with Michiel, a freshly brewed cup of coffee and of course some nice bottles of wine. Besides these regulars, Vleck also counts a steadily growing list of restaurants and cafés amongst its clientele.

While Michiel enjoys telling the stories behind his wines, he knows their taste is what matters most

He insists to only sell wines with as little chemical additives as possible, preferably none. "Additives like sulfur dioxide make wine more stable, but also more predictable. And why would anyone want to drink a predictable wine?".

Most of Vleck's wines are from vineyards that use no artificial manure or pesticide. "The result is, these winegrowers háve to grow good, healthy grapes, or their harvest will perish." Even though adding sulfur has become a common practice in the wine business, according to Michiel it is one of the main causes for undrinkable wines. And for those stingy next morning headaches. "Winegrowers who risk chemical-free produce are often the ones who really care to get the best out of their grapes."

After learning the tricks of the trade, working for a major wine importer for several years, Michiel is glad he started his own business. Running it from day to day, his passion for great wines is catching to all who enter, experts and novices alike.

Besides the relaxed atmosphere, a varying selection of quality wines and regular evening wine tastings, Vleck's most pleasant surprise is that good wine does not have to be expensive. With bottles running from €2,50 to €180, the majority of Michiel's wines sell between five and fifteen Euros each.