Rising temperatures: a boon for winegrowers in Scandinavia?

Does making wine in northern countries seem unlikely to you? And yet it does exist! In Scandinavia, a few amateur producers have decided to take up the challenge and so far, they are on the right track! In Sweden, Denmark, and more recently in Norway, vineyards can be found in certain regions. Production is not as significant as in French or Californian vineyards, and is more limited, but it deserves to be recognized because growing grapes in these northern regions is no easy task. Fortunately, Scandinavian winegrowers can count on their passion and on volunteers who are always happy to lend a hand. And if they are now able to produce wine, it is no coincidence. Global warming and the arrival of new grape varieties are behind this development.

Vine cultivation carried out by enthusiasts

In Scandinavia, getting into winegrowing takes courage. In Northern Europe, sunshine is rare and the growing season is much shorter than in France. Conditions are therefore not very favorable, yet some Nordic winegrowers are succeeding and putting their passion to work in their vineyards. Some also get help from specialists by recruiting abroad. These vineyards mainly produce white wine from Solar. This is a German hybrid grape variety that is highly resistant to cold weather. It is well suited to the climate of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. In these countries, the ripening period is relatively short, and Solaris is perfectly suited to this. Similarly, Scandinavian winegrowers favor organic viticulture, although not all of them have obtained certified labels. In fact, they work mainly by hand, without chemicals. The marketing of wines also differs from one country to another. In Denmark, for example, sales at the estate are permitted, while in Sweden, alcohol is sold in state-owned monopoly stores. The market is therefore local.

Countries focusing on new grape varieties that require less heat

Two factors explain why northern countries are now able to grow grapes and produce wine, something that was simply unthinkable just a few decades ago. First, there is the rise in temperatures. In Sweden, for example, the average temperature has risen by one degree since 1990. And this is unlikely to stop, as scientists estimate that it could rise by another 2 to 6 degrees by the end of the century. If their predictions come true, the amount of arable land in Scandinavia will increase. For winegrowers, this global warming is therefore an asset, even if it also means an increase in rainfall. The second factor favoring wine production in these regions is the development of new grape varieties that require less heat. These are well suited to the climate of these countries. So who knows, perhaps over the years, there will be more and more winegrowers in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark... we'll find out in the coming decades!