Convent harvest is second to nun

A Dutch convent is celebrating a bumper harvest by selling cases of its wine.

Sister Maria Magdalena from SintCatharinadal in Oosterhout said: “We had a lovely summer last year and it promises to be an excellent harvest of more than 60,000 bottles.”

The convent started its vineyard in 2014 to generate income for the maintenance of its buildings, recruiting about 130 volunteers. “We didn’t find beer in a convent so appropriate,” explained the sister. “Wine fits better, it is biblical and it points to Jesus.”

Local farmers’ groups have helped the nuns with their retail endeavours and cases of their 2022 white blend of Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, or a Pinot Noir/Gamay rosé can be bought online or in person at £12.80 a bottle. The Guardian, April 20