Are rising temperatures a boon for Scandinavian winegrowers?

Does making wine in northern countries sound improbable? And yet it does exist! In Scandinavia, a few amateur producers have decided to take up the challenge, and so far, they're on the right track! In Sweden, Denmark and, more recently, Norway, vines can be found in certain regions. Production is not as large as that of French or Californian vineyards, it's more confidential, but it deserves to be known, because in these Nordic countries, growing vines is no easy task. Fortunately, Scandinavian winegrowers can rely on their passion and on volunteers who are always happy to lend a hand. And it's no coincidence that they're able to produce wine today. Global warming and the arrival of new grape varieties are to blame.

Vine cultivation carried out by enthusiasts

In Scandinavia, getting into winegrowing takes courage. In Northern Europe, sunshine is scarce and the summer season is much shorter than in France. Conditions are therefore not very favorable, yet some Nordic winegrowers manage to put their passion to work in their vineyards. Some also enlist the help of specialists from abroad. These vineyards produce mainly white wine from solaris. This is a German hybrid grape variety, which is highly resistant to cold. It is adapted to the climates of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. In these countries, the ripening period is relatively short, and solaris is perfectly suited to it. Similarly, Scandinavian winemakers favor organic viticulture, although not all have obtained a certified label. In fact, they work essentially by hand, without chemicals. Wine marketing also differs from country to country. In Denmark, estate sales are permitted, while in Sweden, for example, alcohol is sold in state monopoly stores. The market is therefore local.

Countries betting on new grape varieties that need less heat

Two factors explain why the countries of the North can also grow vines and produce wine, something that was simply unthinkable just a few decades ago. Firstly, there's the rise in temperatures. In Sweden, for example, the average temperature has risen by one degree since 1990. And there's no end in sight, as scientists estimate that it could rise by a further 2 to 6 degrees by the end of the century. If their forecasts come true, Scandinavia's arable land will be larger. For winegrowers, global warming is an advantage, even if it also means higher rainfall. A second factor favoring wine production in these regions is the development of new grape varieties that require less heat. These are therefore well suited to the climate of these countries. So, who knows, maybe over the years there will be more winegrowers in Norway, Sweden and Denmark... answer in the coming decades!