As a man who enjoys a pint, I’m often surprised to see a woman sipping on a glass of lager or knocking back a measure of ale.

However after visiting beer-making capital, Belgium, I re-evaluated my ignorant views and realised without women, we wouldn’t have many of the beers we love drinking today.

The country is a beer lover’s paradise, with over 1,500 tipples made at breweries around the Flanders region.

Visit Flanders has launched a campaign to show off the region’s brewing heritage, set alongside the region’s landscape, with a focus on why women should be recognised.

These are just some ideas for different activities based on my schedule. But the list of brewery tours and workshops are endless.

Day 1

After travelling by Eurostar and taking a 30-minute local train we arrived in Ghent. A city that plays home to 65,000 students, perfect for hundreds of pubs, bars, breweries and micro breweries.

Across its rivers and canals, you can lose yourself in narrow streets leading to fascinating squares with beautiful churches, magnificent castles and bars serving some of the world’s best beers.

We visited female brewer Annick de Spenter. She spent five years working to find the perfect recipe for the beer she brews at the GRUUT brewery on the banks of the Muinkschelde canal.

Day 2

When I was offered a ‘Breakfast Beer’ at Brewery De Ryck I was reassured by owner Ann de Ryck it was only 5.5% alcohol, so was completely acceptable to drink at 10am.

Ann is the fourth generation of her family, and the first woman to run the brewery in Herzele. The factory produces eight varieties sold in bars and restaurants around Flanders.

During a tour you can see the beer-making process from malting the crops, brewing and bottling, followed by a chance to taste some of the products.

Day 3

In Mechelen we enjoyed an aperitif on St Rumbolds Tower, greeted by a small glass of beer when we reached the top. In a city where the skyline is dominated by fine churches, we climbed the 538 steps up the tower which overlooks the central market. Consecrated in 1312, the colossal building features two sets of working bells that chime every 15 minutes.

A short walk from the St Rumbolds is Het Anker, the last remaining brewery in the city. We were greeted by Sofie Van Raphelghem, a pioneer for women and beer, having worked to break down perceptions about the drink for many years.

During a presentation we enjoyed a four-course meal, pairing various beers with a range of delicacies. A highlight for me was the sour cherry beer, produced at the brewery, which complemented the warm chocolate brownie well.

Day 4

Belgium is also famous for chocolate and not missing a trick, chocolatiers in Flanders are cashing in on the beer trade, offering pairing workshops.

Patrick Aubrion, owner of Antoine in Leuven has devised a chocolate truffle and beer taster menu, matching six beverages with their cocoa counterparts.

The 43-year-old uses South African cocoa beans and prepares all his chocolate truffles in his shop close to the breath-taking City Hall, which dates back to the 13th century.

The city is known by many as the birthplace of Stella Artois with the firms brewery based just outside, however more than 1,100 independently manufactured drinks are served in pubs and bars around the city.