Northern and cold-climate wine regions are no longer a curiosity, but part of a global trend in which climate change, new grape varieties and new knowledge are shaping the wines of the future.
Norway, too, has the potential to become part of this development.
Building Knowledge
Over the past two years, NIBIO has worked to establish a professional foundation for grape cultivation in Norway. This has resulted in the establishment of two research vineyards — one at NIBIO Ullensvang in Hardanger and one at NIBIO Landvik in Grimstad.
“This is very exciting. These sites allow us to follow plant development throughout the entire growing season and provide insight into which cultivation strategies work in northern conditions,” says Dr Ingunn Øvsthus, research scientist at NIBIO Ullensvang.
The project has also brought together researchers, advisers and Norwegian grape growers in a new professional network aimed at strengthening national expertise.
“The next goal is to develop a new project with particular emphasis on phenology and cultivation techniques for grape varieties adapted to northern climates. If Norwegian wine production is to develop, knowledge must be built systematically,” Dr Øvsthus emphasises.
A northern gathering
In December 2025, she and several other researchers, advisers, wine producers and grape growers from across Northern Europe and northern parts of America gathered at the VitiNord 2025 wine production conference in Vilnius, Lithuania.
One of the most discussed topics was the speed of climate change. Warmer springs are creating new opportunities for grape production in northern regions.
The Huglin Index — a heat summation index developed for vineyards — has increased markedly in recent decades, indicating a longer growing season and a climate no longer entirely at the margins of what is required for grape cultivation.
However, this development also increases risk, Dr Øvsthus explains:
“When budburst occurs earlier, buds become vulnerable to frost, which still occurs intermittently. In several countries, including Poland, Latvia, Estonia and Finland, research has shown that frost nights can destroy primary buds.”
The primary bud largely determines normal yield, while the secondary bud functions as a safety mechanism if the main bud is lost.
“Only varieties capable of producing fruit from secondary buds managed to set grape clusters later in the summer.”
“Northern climates require a combination of cold tolerance, late budburst and short development time. For Norwegian producers, selecting the right variety will be crucial to ensuring stable yields.”
Tunnel cultivation
In Estonia, tunnels have become highly important for grape cultivation.
“Tunnel growing provides better temperature control, reduces spring frost damage and results in improved colour development in grape clusters.”
“This is particularly relevant for Norwegian growers considering red wine production — here, tunnels may be necessary to ensure ripening and aroma development,” says the NIBIO scientist.
Varieties adapted to cool climates
Among the varieties performing well in cool and unstable climates, Solaris stands out as a favourite, according to Dr Øvsthus.
“It ripens early, tolerates cold, achieves high sugar levels and produces fresh, aromatic wines suitable for still, sparkling, orange and dessert wines. It is therefore no surprise that Solaris is the most widely used grape in most northern wine-producing countries.”
Exciting work is also underway to develop new grape varieties suitable for Nordic conditions.
The University of Copenhagen is collaborating with the plant breeding programme FastGrapes, which aims to develop new varieties capable of achieving high quality in Nordic climates. These varieties are also being tested in Norway.
Through the international PIWI initiative (International Working Group for the Promotion of Fungus Resistant Grape Varieties), new varieties are also being developed.
“They are not only cold-tolerant and disease-resistant, but also capable of producing high-quality wines in cool regions.”
German researchers have documented that the new PIWI varieties perform well compared with traditional grape varieties in terms of flavour and mouthfeel.
“Some even deliver higher phenolic content. This is promising news for northern producers aiming to focus on quality rather than climate robustness alone.”
Soil – the invisible partner
Soil life and microbiology will also be key factors in future Norwegian wine production.
French researchers have demonstrated how fungi, bacteria, organic matter and soil structure influence grape quality at a level many producers may not consider on a daily basis.
The results showed a strong correlation between active soil biology and improved nutrient uptake, healthier plants and more complex grapes.
Several measures that strengthen soil life — such as cover crops, reduced tillage, compost application and biodiversity — are well suited to Norwegian conditions. Many Norwegian growers already use such methods, which may provide a competitive advantage as sustainability becomes increasingly important both agronomically and commercially.
From grape to wine – what works in the north?
Winemaking in cold climates presents challenges. Grapes from northern regions are characterised by high acidity and lower phenolic development, making winemaking techniques especially important.
Sparkling wine is one area where northern producers have a natural advantage. The combination of high acidity, fresh aromatics and moderate sugar levels makes varieties such as Solaris particularly suitable.
Producers from Denmark, Germany and the Baltic countries have demonstrated how even small vineyards can produce sparkling wines of impressive quality.
Microbiology also plays an important role. With the right bacterial strain in malolactic fermentation, it is possible not only to stabilise wine but also to influence aroma, structure and balance — particularly useful for high-acid wines from northern regions.
During malolactic fermentation, malic acid is converted into lactic acid, which is perceived as softer. The process can enhance fruit aromas, reduce green notes and create a rounder mouthfeel.
History, identity and storytelling – a new market force
Experiences from Poland and Slovenia show how small, emerging wine regions can build strong identities through storytelling, culture and experiential tourism.
Consumers want to know who made the wine, how it was produced and the landscape it comes from. This presents an opportunity for Norwegian producers — with our nature, our stories and our combination of tradition and innovation.
VitiNord 2025 demonstrated that northern wine production is growing strongly, both academically and commercially. With the establishment of two research vineyards and plans for a major project in 2026, Norway is building a knowledge base that has never existed in Norwegian wine production.
What is happening now in projects such as FastGrapes, combined with experiences from the Baltic countries and Scandinavia, is promising for the future of Norwegian grape and wine production.
“Now it is a matter of testing, evaluating and continuing to build knowledge in a future project,” Dr Øvsthus concludes.