How is Scandinavia growing its wine industry? | BBC News

Summary

As climate change reshapes agriculture, a burgeoning wine industry is emerging in Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark. With rising temperatures creating favorable conditions for grape cultivation, local vineyards have increased their production significantly, from just a few thousand bottles to 20,000 annually. The region is seeing a shift in wine production, with hardier grape varieties thriving in the cooler climate. Although Nordic wines still face challenges in quality and pricing compared to established French wines, the potential for growth in this unique wine market offers exciting opportunities for the future.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Renewable energy is contributing to climate change solutions while creating new business opportunities.
• 🍇 Denmark, Sweden, and Norway are emerging as unexpected wine-producing regions.
• 🌡️ Climate change has increased temperatures in Denmark by nearly 2°C over the last 50 years, leading to a longer fruit growing season.
• 🍷 The Danish wine industry is relatively new, with commercial wine growing allowed for just over two decades.
• 🌱 Hardy grape varieties are essential for wine production in cooler climates like Scandinavia.
• 🏭 There are currently around 150 vineyards in Denmark, reflecting the growth of the local wine industry.
• 📈 Danish wineries have increased production from a few thousand bottles to about 20,000 annually.
• 🇩🇰 Most Danish wine is white, made primarily from the 'Riesling' grape, which thrives in cooler temperatures.
• 💵 Despite growth, Danish wines are still considered expensive compared to established French wines.
• 🥂 The future of Nordic wine may not rival France immediately, but the market is expected to evolve as quality improves.

Q & A

How is renewable energy influencing business opportunities?

Renewable energy is creating new business opportunities by fostering industries like wine production in regions traditionally not known for viticulture.

Which countries in Scandinavia are mentioned as emerging wine producers?

Denmark, Sweden, and Norway are mentioned as countries in Scandinavia where wine production is growing.

What climatic changes are affecting grape cultivation in Scandinavia?

Temperatures in Denmark have risen almost 2°C over the last 50 years, resulting in milder winters and a longer fruit-growing season.

What type of grapes is primarily used for wine production in Denmark?

The primary grape used for wine production in Denmark is the 'Riesling' grape, which thrives in cooler climates.

How has the production of Danish wine changed over the years?

Danish wine production has grown from just 3-4,000 bottles a year in its early years to about 20,000 bottles currently.

How many vineyards are there in Denmark, and how long has commercial wine growing been allowed?

Denmark has 150 vineyards, and commercial wine growing has been allowed for just over two decades.

What challenges do Danish wines face compared to traditional wine regions?

Danish wines are often considered too expensive for their quality compared to established wine regions like France.

What are the future prospects for Nordic wine production?

While Nordic wine production won't rival France anytime soon, it may become more mainstream in the future as quality improves.

What other regions are experiencing a shift in wine production due to climate change?

Wine production is moving into Belgium, the Netherlands, and parts of Germany, where it has not been seen before.

What is the significance of grape cultivars in Nordic wine production?

The availability of hardier grape cultivars is a key factor driving wine production further north in response to climate change.