The renowned Swedish sommelier Hans Weinefalk Larsson has been appointed Wine Cellar Manager at Niehku Mountain Villa, the award-winning design hotel and culinary retreat 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. With his expertise, Niehku will now strengthen its position as one of Scandinavia’s most unique destinations.
Niehku Mountain Villa offers access to the rugged beauty of northern Sweden and the peaks of Kebnekaise, inviting guests to enjoy world-class skiing, mountain hikes, the Northern Lights, and a luxurious spa. Widely recognized for its excellence, the hotel has received numerous awards, including the UNESCO Prix Versailles for Best Hotel Interior (2019), National Geographic Traveller’s Big Sleep Award – “Snow Queen” (2020), ELLE Decoration’s Destination of the Year (2021), and the Kiruna-Lapland Award (2025).
Among its myriad charms is a spectacular wine cellar, fitted inside a well-preserved 100-year-old railway service pit. Its glass ceiling makes up part of the dining room floor, giving diners a unique view of the 3,000 bottles from 400–500 different labels resting below. This impressive collection is now curated by renowned sommelier Hans Weinefalk Larsson, who joins the team lead by Head Chef Annie Hesselstad – twice responsible for Nobel Banquet desserts.
“Niehku has a fantastic representation of some of the world’s leading vineyards, with a strong focus on quality and small-scale production. I truly look forward to taking the Niehku experience to new levels and contributing to the continued development of such a special place,” says Weinefalk Larsson.
Weinefalk Larsson has an extensive background in the restaurant and wine industry, previously serving as Head Sommelier at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Oaxen in Stockholm as well as at the prestigious Hide in London. He is now in the final stages of obtaining the highly esteemed title of Master Sommelier – an accolade held by only about 300 professionals worldwide. Weinefalk Larsson is also co-owner of Wine Hub in Stockholm, where he gives wine courses and trains future sommeliers.
“Having Hans join the Niehku team is a tremendous asset in both knowledge and experience. Together, we want to continue developing the unique guest experience that defines Niehku,” says Managing Director and Creative Director Thomas Eidefors.
