Denmark is one of Europe's youngest wine countries, and one of the most exciting to watch. Warmer summers and hardy new grape varieties have turned a cold corner of Scandinavia into a genuine cool-climate scene, known for aromatic whites and crisp sparkling. Alongside the wine sits a proud tradition of Danish craft spirits and cider.
Cool-climate Solaris whites and Dons sparkling
Most Danish vineyards are small, family-run plots on Zealand, Bornholm and in Jutland, planted with disease-resistant PIWI grapes suited to the damp, cool climate. Solaris leads the way, making over half the country's wine: an aromatic white wine with green apple, pear and elderflower, and the bright acidity that defines the north. Sparkling is the other star. In 2018 the village of Dons near Kolding earned Denmark's first protected appellation, and producers such as Skærsøgaard now make serious traditional-method sparkling wine here. There is even a little Danish red wine, light and fresh, from the Rondo grape.
Aquavit, craft gin and Danish cider
Denmark's drinking culture runs well beyond the vineyard. Aquavit, or akvavit, is the classic Nordic spirit, flavoured with caraway or dill and poured ice-cold at the Christmas table. A wave of small distillers has followed it with expressive gins, single malt whisky and apple brandy, while orchards across Funen and Zealand turn out dry, characterful cider. It all suits the New Nordic table of smoked fish, pickled herring, shellfish and open sandwiches.
Danish wine FAQ
What does Danish wine taste like?
Expect lightness and lift: aromatic, high-acid whites with orchard fruit and elderflower, and crisp, low-alcohol sparkling. Reds are pale and gentle rather than powerful.
Which grapes are grown in Denmark?
Mostly PIWI hybrids bred to resist mildew in a cool, wet climate. Solaris dominates the whites, Rondo is the main red, and you will also find Souvignier Gris and Cabernet Cortis in small quantities.
What food pairs with Danish wine and aquavit?
Oysters, smoked salmon and herring are made for a crisp Danish white or a glass of sparkling wine, while ice-cold aquavit belongs with the festive lunch. Save a light red for roast pork.