Have you tried Danish wine? On a recent trip to Copenhagen, I learned that Denmark is about much more than Carlsberg and that this northernmost European grape-growing area has developed a vibrant wine industry.
As wine producers, we have been exporting to the Scandinavian countries for many years, but many of us don’t realise that wine grapes can be cultivated in their cold climates. Denmark was formally approved by the EU as an official wine region in 2000. With new technology and techniques, Danish winemakers have not only adapted to produce quality wines but also to create an economically viable industry that creates opportunities for small rural communities in both wine sales and tourism. Today, Denmark has 1100 wine producers and 90 certified vineyards. (Read more)
The main wine-growing areas are Jutland, Funen, Zealand and Bornholm. Traditionally, these areas produced apple and cherry-based liqueurs and fruit wines, well-suited to their climate. The predominant wine grape varieties produced today are Solaris, Orion and Zala’s Pearl. Red varietals are predominantly Rondo, Leon Millot, and Regent. Some of the other exotic-sounding varieties cultivated in Denmark are Bolero, Castel, Calandro, Cabernet Cortis, Regent Allegro, Monarch, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Primitivo, New York Muscat, Muscaris, Gewürztraminer, Cabaret Noir, Riesel and Calardis Musque.
The varieties and even the packaging might be a little different from what we are used to, but they represent the uniqueness of the area. Wineries such as the award-winning Vesterhave Vingaard do wonderful work in introducing guests to the Denmark wine traditions through a variety of tours and tastings. Planning a trip to Scandinavia? Add a few days to your itinerary and visit Danish wine country! Click here for more info on local wineries. There is also a vibrant food and wine scene and the secret food tours in Copenhagen should be on your itinerary.
What is the most famous wine to try in Denmark? Perhaps Skærsøgaard’s signature sparkling wine that has been produced since 2001 and has been awarded by 91 international competitions. DONS has been named “Best Sparkling Wine” of the year at the Danish national wine fair for twenty years in a row. This wine received Denmark’s first Protected Designation of Origin in 2018. It is called DONS as a tribute to the Dons wine region and as it is a true representation of Danish quality. (Read more)
According to statista.com the Danish wine market’s off-trade revenue for 2024 should amount to US$1.3bn, while the on-trade can come to US$2bn, but the Danish wine industry faces many of the same challenges experienced by other wine-producing countries. The wine-drinking population follows the global trend of an older consumer and although the Danish wine market experienced significant growth due to population growth, lifestyle choices, a relatively high disposable income, and growing into wine culture, recent figures also indicate the global trend of a slowdown in consumption due to the effect of moderation, especially under younger consumers, and also competition of other alcoholic beverages such as ready-to-drink beverages.
Denmark also has a short growing season, unpredictable weather patterns, and the fact that Danish wine is relatively unknown, further demands the local industry to be innovative to ensure growth. One such opportunity lies in the synergy between the country’s focus on environmental sustainability and its wine industry being renowned for responsible, organic, and biodynamic wine production.
And then there is government support for the Danish wine industry – something that we can be envious of! Not only does the Danish government support agriculture and small businesses, but it also funds research and development for the local wine industry as well as tax incentives for winemakers! As a result of the support, the Danish wine industry can unlock its potential with investment in Viti- and viniculture and complying with the consumer demand for unique, local produce with an environmental consciousness.