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Founder and Editor-in-Chief

Niels Aarts

Niels is a leading authority in the world of fine wine. Working with top tier wineries and wine regions across the world he has not only built a personal connection with them but also accumulated valuable insights and understanding of the industry.

Besides Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Dutch Wine Apprentice Niels is a frequent speaker on the topic of fine wine, with a focus on positioning, distribution and fine wine sales. He still takes time to write his own reflections and articles on the Dutch Wine Apprentice website.

Read all publications from Niels

California meets Amsterdam, Jackson Family Wines tasting organized by Kemme Wines.
7 February 2026

Kemme Wines and Jackson Family Wines: A Focus on California

Kemme Wines presents a focused California wine tasting featuring Jackson Family Wines, highlighting terroir-driven Chardonnay and mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from some of the state’s most respected estates. Through a curated selection spanning Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Knights Valley, and Napa Valley, the tasting showcased modern California wine defined by freshness, structure, and long-term ageing potential.

Niels Aarts

Château Haut-Bailly.
4 February 2026

Château Haut-Bailly – Custodians of Style Beyond Fashion

Château Haut-Bailly is one of the great reference estates of Pessac-Léognan, defined by more than eight centuries of history, a commitment to elegance over fashion, and a distinctive, tactile wine style. In conversation with Véronique Sanders – van Beek, this in-depth article explores Haut-Bailly’s philosophy, recent evolution, and tastings from 2015 to 2022, highlighting why the château remains a benchmark for classic yet contemporary Bordeaux.

Niels Aarts

Château Phélan Ségur.
28 January 2026

Château Phélan Ségur – Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Saint-Estèphe

Château Phélan Ségur has quietly redefined its position in Saint-Estèphe, producing precise, terroir-driven Bordeaux wines that increasingly stand alongside classified growths despite its unclassified status. Based on an in-depth interview with General Manager Véronique Dausse and extensive tastings, this article explores how viticulture, cellar precision and long-term vision have allowed Phélan Ségur to break the glass ceiling on its own terms.

Niels Aarts

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