6. St. Bernardus, Watou
This brewery in the remote village of Watou on the border with France has been making dark and blonde abbey ales since 1946. It was thoroughly renovated in 2009, adding a tasting room and a hopfield right next to the brewery.
The 90-minute tour (12.50 euros per person) includes a film and visit to the brewery, brewhouse and bottling plant. Then there's a beer tasting in the café, with guests receiving a gift pack containing beers like their Tripel, Pater 6, Prior 8, Abt 12, and a distinctive balloon-shaped Belgian beer glass. Individual visitors should reserve a place in advance.
Bonus beer: This brewery visit is easily combined with a stop at Saint-Sixtus Abbey of Westvleteren, home of the famous Trappist beer of the same name. Call to make a reservation in advance before visiting the abbey shop to purchase beer.
St. Bernardus, Trappistenweg 23, 8978 Watou; +32 57 38 80 21