Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen has a history as winding as the River Zenne itself. What began in 1882 as an inn and geuze blender in Beersel grew into a legend under Armand Debelder. In the 1990s, when lambic and geuze were at their lowest ebb, he stubbornly and passionately carried on. In doing so, he sowed the seeds for the renewed success we see today. Armand is no longer with us, but 3 Fonteinen remains a beacon of craftsmanship, with strong local roots – from Pajotse grains to the cherry orchard next to the brewery.
Find out more about Lambiekland and the various breweries and events
Practical
Book your group visit here.
This brewery is part of the Lambiekland Passport.
Alcohol abuse is harmful to your health.
Location and accessibility
Bicycle racks provided.
Story
What began as an inn in 1882 grew, under the guidance of lambic legend Armand Debelder, into a leading brewery and blending house. In the 1990s, when authentic geuze was in danger of disappearing, Armand stubbornly held fast to his convictions. He even began brewing himself, rather than merely blending.
Today, everything revolves around terroir, craftsmanship and local roots. The brewers use barley and wheat from the Dubbeldoel organic farm in the Pajot region, and the spent grain is returned to the cows. Lambic is drawn from hand-woven baskets, crafted by master craftswoman Gerda Legrand. In 2019, 3 Fonteinen donated 120 cherry trees to local families, who are welcome to bring in their fruit at harvest time. And the peaches come from an orchard in the Hageland region.
Craftsmanship does not stand in the way of innovation. The brewery experiments with macerations of plums, grapes, raspberries and blackberries, and has collaborated with De Mederie on a blend of lambic and fruit mead. The Vintage blends feature labels with artwork by Felix De Boeck. And yes: rapper Zwangere Guy once released a grape lambic from 3 Fonteinen, in honour of his album *Pourriture Noble*. Authentic and contemporary – that’s 3 Fonteinen.
Experience
With its own visitor centre (lambik-O-droom) and guided tours, visitors are warmly welcomed at the 3 Fonteinen Brewery.
Visits and guided tours
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can join a guided tour of the brewery. Groups of 25 or more can book a private tour.
🧍🏻Public guided tour: Fridays and Saturdays at 3.00 pm. Sundays at 2.00 pm. The tour is aimed at both individual visitors and small groups (up to 5 people). No advance booking is required; the maximum group size is 20, participation is free, and the language of the tour is determined according to the group. Participation is free.
🧍🏻🧍🏻Private guided tour: Groups of 25 or more can book a paid private guided tour via lambikodroom@3fonteinen.be. The tour lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes and costs 15 euros per person, including tastings. Bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance.
lambik-O-droom
With lambik-O-droom, Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen has created a visitor centre featuring a tasting room and an inviting terrace, complete with a view of the barrel room.
💶 Free admission.
🕙 Open on Fridays and Saturdays from 2.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Service until 7.30 pm.
Open on Sundays from 1.00 pm to 7.30 pm. Service until 6.30 pm
🦽 Accessible throughout. Adapted toilet facilities available.
👦🏻 In good weather, there’s a bouncy castle set up and you can have a go at petanque.
Walking and cycling in the area
