Béatrice Becher’s Favorite Wine Bars in the Nordics

A former chair of the Swedish Sommelier Association and winner of both the Swedish and Nordic Sommelier Championships, Beatrice Becher is one of the brains behind the wine bar Folii and the restaurant Voisine – two of Stockholm’s most beloved watering holes for oenophiles. Alongside her colleague, Jonas Sandberg, she runs the two neighboring establishments on Erstagatan in eastern Södermalm. When Folii opened a few years ago, the area was quiet, but over time, a charming cluster of eateries developed.

Folii is a wine bar in the truest sense, offering a wide selection by the glass. “That’s probably the first thing people think of when they think of Folii,” says Becher. But it’s not just the drinks that set the tone – the music is just as deliberate. Here, the soundtrack is strictly on vinyl, and always full albums. This creates a calm, cohesive atmosphere that enhances the living room feel Folii has carefully cultivated. Cozy corners, many bar seats, and a consistently warm welcome mean you could just as easily bring a book and order a piece of cheese and a glass of wine – or a small beer – as settle in for a full night. No one looks at you strangely if you don’t place large, regular orders. "You can feel at ease with us."says Becher.

Even the mornings have come alive since Folii recently started operating as a café during the day. The original idea was a pop-up, but its success will likely make it a permanent part of the business.

Right next door is its sister establishment, Voisine – a wine-friendly, à la carte restaurant where Becher and team keep things relaxed. “It can’t get too cool,” she says. The service is marked by gracious cordiality, and both food and wine aim to challenge – but not too much. The feel should be familiar, even if the dishes have a twist and the wine selections are often classic, with a personal touch. Guests should feel comfortable asking questions, and according to Becher, nine out of ten order what the staff recommends.

Folii and Voisine draw a mix of regulars, curious wine lovers and industry colleagues. The restaurant scene in eastern Södermalm is collegial, which likely contributes to the fact that it’s not uncommon for guests to flow from one spot to another: a glass at Folii, dinner at Thai restaurant Pat’s Place, and back again for the music. Or the evening might start at cocktail bar Afterglow, continue with a three-course meal at Voisine, and end at local favorite Söders Tobak.

And what does Becher herself prefer to drink on a warm summer day? “Cool, lighter red wines, preferably from Jura or Beaujolais. Or a cold and punchy negroni.” When asked what wine she would choose if it were her last glass ever, she answers: “Then I wouldn’t want to take a chance – so I’d go for something I know I love: William Deutz Rosé 1996. I’ve had it three times, and two of those made me cry.”

Beatrice Becher’s Favorite Nordic Wine Bars

“My family lives in Malmö, and I always go to Julie, located in the 'Gamla Väster' area, when I’m in town. They have a finely curated wine list with many exciting wines by the glass. And fantastic cheeses as well, which you can also take home.”

Julie
Tegelgårdsgatan 9, Malmö, Sweden
juliemalmo.se

“Minimalist, with pizza and tasty, small dishes to go with the drinks. The focus is on mature, well-priced wines – it’s a really fun and exciting wine list!”

Bar Nacka
Södermannagatan 45, Stockholm, Sweden
barnacka.se

“My go-to spot in Oslo. Like us, they have a really large selection of wines by the glass, and also very good coffee.”

Territoriet
Markveien 58, Oslo, Norway
territoriet.no

“I always want to drink everything on their wine list. And Oskar Ahlvin in the kitchen cooks fantastic food – rustic, wine-friendly, and focused on ingredients. The venue is also cozy and aesthetically pleasing.”

Bar La Lune
Vasa kyrkogata 1, Gothenburg, Sweden
barlalune.se

“Just such a great place with a genuine feel! You can find real gems here, especially among the Burgundies and champagnes.”

R Vinbar
Gl Mont 14, Copenhagen, Denmark
rvinbar.dk

“Right up my alley – a hole-in-the-wall with a relatively small but well-composed wine list, and fantastic food. The service is warm and heartfelt.”

Nektar
Rörstrandsgatan 12, Stockholm, Sweden
nektarstockholm.com