Swedish Wine on the Rise: Triumphs at European Competition

Swedish vineyards are impressing with top-quality wines. This was confirmed at the recently held The Swedish Wine Tasting event, where international wine experts sampled some of Europe's finest wines, with a Swedish wine receiving the highest rating. For those eager to explore Sweden's growing wine production firsthand, here are seven vineyards worth visiting.

Photo: Jerker Andersson/imagebank.sweden.se

While Sweden hasn't historically been known for winemaking, the country's varied landscapes now host a growing number of vineyards and producers gaining increasing recognition, challenging the notion of where exceptional wines are made. Sweden’s cool climate, which may seem unsuitable for grape growing, along with innovative cultivation methods and a focus on cold-resistant grape varieties, has allowed Swedish vineyards to thrive. From the southern coast of Skåne to the picturesque landscapes of Sörmland, each region offers a unique terroir that shapes the character and flavor of the wines.

At this summer's Swedish wine lover’s highlight, The Swedish Wine Tasting, Swedish wines were put to the test against some of Europe’s best. Some of the world’s most influential sommeliers and wine writers sampled 24 wines, half Swedish and half European, carefully selected to match the Swedish wines in both style and price. After two hours of intense tasting, it was clear that Swedish wines held their own in the international competition. For Sweden’s Kullabergs Vingård, the event was a huge success as their wine won first place and greatly impressed the international jury of experts. More information here.

Today, there are over 100 Swedish vineyards, with around 40 producing wine for sale. Here are a few examples of Swedish vineyards to visit, a wider selection here.

• Särtshöga Vingård, located by Lake Vättern, specializes in sparkling wines made using the traditional method, primarily from the Solaris grape, as well as apple cider and juice. The vineyard offers guided tours and tastings, along with an evening restaurant and accommodation options.
• Kullabergs Vingård, whose wine Immelen received the top rating at The Swedish Wine Tasting, is located near Nyhamnsläge. The vineyard focuses on the Solaris and Souvignier Gris grapes and produces award-winning white, rosé, orange, and sparkling wines, as well as fine spirits. Kullabergs offers vineyard tours and tastings.
• Ästad Vineyard in Tvååker, Halland, offers not only wine tastings but also a spa experience with hot and cold baths, along with two restaurants on-site. Accommodation options range from suites with private spas to cozy log cabins.
• Hällåkra Vingård in Anderslöv is one of Sweden's oldest and largest vineyards, spanning seven hectares and producing red, white, and sparkling wines. During summer, visitors can enjoy tours and tastings, as well as lunch and dinner at the vineyard's restaurant.
• Vejby Vineyard in Vejbystrand provides a unique experience with its old Georgian-style wine cellar. Former architect Jeppe Appelin has gone against the norm of preferring white wines by crafting vibrant red, rosé, and orange wines. The vineyard offers tours and tastings where visitors can explore the rich history of winemaking.
• Thora Vingård, located on the scenic Bjäre Peninsula between Båstad and Torekov, offers guided tours and tastings, allowing guests to experience the serenity of the area while sampling high-quality wines from locally grown grapes such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Solaris.
• Blacksta Vingård in Flen is one of Sweden's northernmost vineyards, just a two-hour drive from Stockholm. It offers champagne and wine tastings, as well as a truffle festival during a weekend in November. Guests can also stay overnight in restored buildings from the 1600s.

Swedish vineyards are clearly on the rise, offering wines that stand out in the global market.

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