Sipping local wine might not be the first thing that comes to mind when visiting Scandinavia, but this colder northern region is making its mark on the wine map as an emerging enological destination.
Hundreds of commercial vineyards are now scattered across Denmark, Sweden, and even Norway, as the first generation of professional winemakers transforms what was once a hobby into a small yet thriving industry.
Far north of France’s Bordeaux or California’s Napa Valley, over 10,000 vines grow on a hillside in Zealand, Denmark’s largest island. Most Scandinavian vineyards cultivate solaris, an aromatic hybrid grape variety well-suited to cooler climates. It ripens easily and is more resistant to disease, eliminating the need for pesticide use.
According to the BBC, Denmark currently has 150 commercial wineries covering 125 hectares of vineyards, alongside more than 1,000 hobbyist growers. Similarly, Sweden boasts 47 commercial wineries with 193 hectares of vineyards.
Recent studies reveal that Denmark and Sweden have experienced an average temperature increase of nearly two degrees Celsius over the past 40 to 50 years. These climate changes, resulting in milder winters and longer growing seasons, have provided favorable conditions for Scandinavian winemakers.