DOMAINE BELLUM FAGETUM

Domaine Bellum Fagetum is a Belgian cooperative vineyard located on the heights of Liège, between Beaufays and Embourg. It is organized as a social-purpose cooperative and is built around a community of more than 1,100 cooperators who can take part in the project’s decisions if they wish. The domain covers 15 hectares in total, including 8 hectares of vines, and aims for an annual production of around 80,000 bottles. It positions itself as an independent, human-scale wine project that combines viticulture, community participation, and a strong connection to the local landscape and terroir. Key Offerings White wines : The domain focuses on Belgian white wines made from resistant grape varieties adapted to the local climate. Its range includes still white cuvées such as Carpe Diem and earlier wines like Cuvée Audace and Cuvée Harmonie. Sparkling wines : Bellum Fagetum also produces sparkling wines, including Initiale, a traditional-method sparkling wine made from Johanniter. Cooperative shares : The company offers cooperative shares at €500 each, allowing supporters to become cooperators and participate in the life of the domain. Private loans : It also raises private loans, mainly from cooperators, as an alternative financing tool for the vineyard’s development. Corporate sponsorship of vine rows : Businesses, associations, and independents can sponsor a vine row to support the project while gaining visibility and hospitality benefits. Core Values Sharing : The domain presents wine as a way to bring people together around a common project, with conviviality and collective experience at the center. Community participation : Cooperators who wish to do so can join committees, attend assemblies, and help shape the project’s direction. Social purpose : Bellum Fagetum is structured as a social-purpose cooperative and explicitly links its activity to social engagement and local inclusion. Environmental responsibility : The vineyard emphasizes agroecological practices, biodiversity, and reduced chemical use through resistant grape varieties and ecological management. Independence : The project highlights its financial independence from banks and institutions, preferring a cooperative and private-loan model that preserves autonomy. Unique Aspects Large cooperative base : The vineyard is backed by more than 1,100 cooperators and over 2,038 shares, giving it a broad community foundation. Independent financing model : The project is financed roughly half by cooperative shares and half by private loans, and it presents this structure as a way to remain free from institutional financial control. Resistant grape varieties : The vineyard is planted with Johanniter, Souvignier Gris, Solaris, and Muscaris, varieties chosen for their resistance and suitability to Belgian conditions. Strong local and social anchoring : The domain works with local social actors, including collaboration with the CPAS of Chaudfontaine and welcome initiatives for people from Les Grillons de Vaux-sous-Chèvremont. Visitor and event dimension : Beyond wine production, the domain offers visits, tastings, training sessions, concerts, games, and other community events on site.