📍 Bornholm

Bornholm is a Danish island in the Baltic Sea, south of Sweden, and one of the sunniest corners of Denmark. It is part of Danish winemaking. The island is small, with granite cliffs in the north and sandy beaches in the south, known for fish, smoked food and crafts.

The climate is milder than on the mainland: the sea softens the cold, and there are more sunshine hours than in most of the country. Still, summers are cool, so disease-resistant and early-ripening grapes are grown. Solaris (white) and Rondo (red), both bred in Germany, have done best. They tolerate cold well and give steady yields.

Island wines are fresh whites with high acidity and light reds. Sparkling wines are made too.

Danish winemaking is young, but interest in it is growing. Sweden's Scania and Germany's island of Rügen lie nearby, where vineyards are appearing as well. Island whites are served with fresh fish and smoked herring, and with local cheeses. The island is called the “pearl of the Baltic”: its round churches, fishing villages and lighthouses attract tourists. Bornholm can be reached by ferry, including from Sweden, and many estates welcome guests in the summer season.