Since 2000, the European Union has allowed viticulture in Denmark. The northern country has become a new wine stronghold in recent years.  But compared to Switzerland's 15,000 hectares of vines, Denmark only has about 100 hectares under cultivation. In the 20th century, the 50th parallel north was considered the effective northern limit of commercial viticulture. However, this boundary has shifted further north, so that viticulture is now also practised in England (55°N) and Denmark (58°N).

The climate in Denmark is characterised by its proximity to the sea and the prevailing westerly winds. The grape varieties grown are mainly interspecific varieties such as Solaris, Leon Millot, Cabernet Cortis, Rondo or Orion. As the wines are mainly drunk locally, a visit to the wineries is the best way to get to know this new wine culture of the North.

3 Wine bars

If you want to try the new Danish wines in Copenhagen, you will find a great selection at several wine bars. Here are three wine bars worth a visit:

#1 Den Vandrette

This wine bar is located opposite the old Noma and the Copenhagen harbour. The large terrace offers sun all day and a selection of natural wines to choose from at the small bar. Den Vanderette also serves organic food using the best Danish ingredients. A cosy restaurant for young and old. Make a reservation! denvandrette.dk

#2 Ved Stranden 10

Cosy wine bar by the canal, serving mainly biodynamic and natural wines. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, like a shared flat, with Danish designer furniture. Small snacks complement the exciting wine selection. Ideal for a glass of wine before or after dinner. The wine list changes constantly and is a meeting place for the wine scene. vedstranden10.dk

#3 Ancestrale

Natural wines are the focus of this wine bar in Vesterbro. The name refers to the méthode ancestrale used to make the sparkling wine Pet Nat, but of course they serve all kinds of wine. The menu is simple but delicious, and you can choose between a variety of snacks and a menu. Like many places in the city, it feels more like a private salon than a restaurant. ancestrale.dk

 

3 wines to discover

Here are three Danish wines you should try:

#1 The refreshing
Solaris Nordlund Helle 2021, Nordlund Vingård 

This crisp, refreshing and juicy organic white wine is full of joie de vivre. Notes of lime, pink grapefruit and young pear seduce the nose and palate. Precise and delicate, the wine makes you want to take a second sip. nordlundvingaard.dk

#2 The Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir Précoce 2020, Njord

This Pinot Noir from Sjaelland is powerful and orchestral. Notes of ripe wild strawberries, black cherries and ethereal notes take centre stage. The wine has a balsamic melt on the palate and unfolds its complexity sip by sip. The tannins are fine and silky, delicately enveloping the ripe fruit. Vinified by Sune Albertsen, a real pioneer of the region and already one of the best. Very rare - but a must. "With each new vintage, a new painting adorns the label. Art should be the face of the vineyard," says Sune. njordvingaard.dk

#3 The mighty white
Paulus 2019, Ørnberg 

Matured in oak barrels, this Solaris has a creamy texture and notes of pineapple, lemongrass and elderberry. The Ørnberg vineyard is uniquely situated, with the vines almost reaching the blue Baltic Sea. Made by Anders Ørnberg Eriksen and Niels Esbjerg Jensen, who have been making Danish wines for more than a decade, this wine is named after Anders' grandfather, who was one of the country's first biodynamic winemakers. oernbergvin.dk