Van Grotel – Blauwe Bessen Cultuur is a family-run farm located in Nuenen, in the Brabant countryside, specializing in growing blueberries for over 25 years. The farm has been cultivating blueberries on its fields for more than 50 years, starting with the founder’s parents who initially grew asparagus, vegetables, and strawberries before turning to blueberries in 1970. The farm emphasizes natural growing methods and careful plant care, including winter pruning and the use of bumblebees and bees for pollination in spring. The farm offers a 15,000 m² self-picking field where visitors can pick their own blueberries during the picking season, which typically runs from July to August. Guests receive buckets and instructions upon arrival and can take their picked berries home at a reduced price. In addition to fresh blueberries, the farm sells a variety of products made from its own blueberries, including frozen blueberries (available from July to mid-September), jam, syrup, juice, compote, blueberry beer, wine, liqueur, honey, chocolate, macarons, muffins, bavarois, and ice cream. The farm is wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance available. The farm is a member of the Cooperative Royal Fruitmasters Group.
The farm operates with different opening hours depending on the season. During the blueberry season (approximately July 1 to September 1), the farm is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00, and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. During the winter period, the farm is closed on Monday through Thursday, open Friday from 13:30 to 18:00, and Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00, and closed on Sunday. The farm’s shop and self-picking field follow these hours accordingly. Soft ice cream is available from the garden house until 21:00. Dogs are not allowed on the self-picking field.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm is widely celebrated by visitors as an excellent and enjoyable destination, primarily for its high-quality blueberries. The experience of picking one’s own berries is a particularly popular activity, often highlighted as a fun and engaging outing suitable for individuals, families, and children. Many reviewers consistently praise the freshness, sweetness, size, and flavor of the blueberries, noting their suitability for both immediate consumption and long-term storage, such as freezing.
The self-picking option is generally considered to offer great value, with prices typically ranging from €4 to €5 per kilogram, often significantly more economical than supermarket alternatives. The farm also features a shop with a variety of appealing blueberry-based products, including flavorful tea, wines, liqueurs, muffins, macarons, and highly recommended sorbet and ice cream. While most products receive rave reviews, some visitors have found specific items, like the jam, to be less impressive, or pre-picked berries and certain prepared goods to be somewhat pricier than the self-picked option. Additionally, other seasonal fruits like strawberries and cherries are sometimes available, although these may be sourced from other local farms.
The atmosphere is consistently described as friendly and welcoming, with staff often noted for their helpfulness and good service. Many patrons have made visiting the farm an annual tradition, some for over 30 years, appreciating the quality produce and the overall pleasant experience. Practical advice from visitors includes bringing your own container for picking and considering mosquito repellent for comfort during sunny days in the fields.