While almost everywhere in the northern hemisphere harvest was done over a month ago, near Stockholm, at Blaxsta Winery, harvest has just started last week.
Credit: Image by Blaxsta winery
The warming climate, long summer days and the use of hybrid grape varieties, make that commercial wineries in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries are booming. When Göran Amnegård, owner of Blaxsta winery, planted his first vines 22 years ago, he was one of only a few pioneers in Swedish wine growing. With currently 150 hectares of vineyard in Sweden, it is still just a small pin on the wine map, but over the last two years vineyard area in Sweden has grown 50%. And the Swedes expect to grow even more over the next 5 to 10 years.
Vidal and classic varieties
Göran’s Vidal grapes, a special cultivated variety to grow well in cold, harsh conditions, get to enjoy up to 23 hours of sunlight during the peak of summer, to eventually become his award winning ice wine. Beside Vidal, Göran also grows Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to produce elegant, fresh wines. His vineyards are considered one of the most northern of the world, are farmed organically and the winery is powered by their on-site solar cell park.
Credit: Image by Blaxsta winery
Booming business
According to the Systembolaget, the government body who owns the monopoly on selling alcoholic beveragers above 3,5% abv. in Sweden, sales of domestic wines have grown more than 200% over the last 5 years. And although production is still small, the retailer states that quantity, quality and public interest are growing. At Blaxsta winery, or “Vingård” in Swedish, they are already one step ahead of the Swedish wine boom, by offering wine tourism with a fine-dining restaurant and boutique hotel on site. Sources:
