The best wine bars in Turku

While Finns have historically preferred beer and spirits, wine is gradually winning over the locals: Driven by climate change and shifting preferencces, berry and fruit wines are already being produced with skill and expertise, with experiments with grape varietals currently in the works. And nowhere is this sea change more evident than in Turku, the largest city in southwest Finland, which boasts thew highest number of wine bars and restaurants per capita in the country.  "Turku is the oldest city in Finland. The most diverse forms of culture have always been respected here. Now the next generation is into wine." Pietari Paakkola, the owner of the Vinho wine bar, explains. The trend is unmistakably gaining momentum – however, there are currently only five wine bars in total, and a few days in Turku is enough to visit and experiencce them all.

Vinho is Turku's only classic wine bar, serving just enough food to make tasting their myriad bottles a comfortable experience. Their cellar has 600 different wines, with their wine list featuring 150 at a time, all of which are available by the glass. Guests usually partake by tasting a variety of wines fitting a wide range of themes. Vinho is often visited by curious beginners, eager to learn and experience the world of wine.

Italy and Spain are popular among patrons; and while interest in champagne is waning, crémant is on the rise. Riesling is held in high esteem throughout Finland. Natural wines are tasted for comparison, but they are certainly not popular just yet.

Tintå is located right in the heart of Turku, on the banks of the River Aura. Like Vinho, Tintå started out as a wine bar – but 15 years ago, the city was not yet ready for wine without food. Converted into a wine restaurant, however, Tintå quickly won numerous accolades and became one of the Turku's most iconic establishments. Finns are in the habit of frequenting Turku as a summer getaway, and they are sure to stop by Tintå for a glass of wine and a bite to eat.

For many couples, this restaurant is where they first met, and many people keep coming back to celebrate special occasions. The staff have become like friends to them, and the dishes served don't change much, as practically each one is someone's first meal together; if it disappears from the menu, regulars will still insist on ordering it.

Tintå is not nearly so conservative when it comes to wine, though: New and small wineries are regularly featured. However, the more well-known producers are respected, as their wines are always in demand. Consequently, Tintå's wine list comprises wines from both well-known and up-and-coming quality producers. Patrons remain wary of natural wines – for now, at least.

But someone has to be brave enough to introduce alternative wines and interesting experiments. This is exactly what Vinossa (Sideways), Turku's newest wine bistro, has done. It also a popular venue for alternative music concerts, providing a backdrop to the alternative food and drink experience. The atmosphere is always lively and vibrant. Patrons come to try new things, usually in small groups. The Scandinavian-style minimalist bistro food is as good as the wines, with both encouraging expression and discussion. The bistro's rapid rise to popularity has surprised traditional wine drinkers, while also tempting them to try it their way, too.

Viinille and Veistämö

Recognised as the best wine bar in Finland two years ago, Viinille is Turku's oldest wine establishment. Although food is central to its concept, the menu is only viewable on site, while the wine list is posted on the restaurant's website and social media for all to see. People love Viinille's frequent themed wine dinners.

 

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At Veistämö, you will find an extensive selection of wines from smaller, lesser-known wineries with tapas and preserves served alongside the wine. Committed to sustainability, Veistämö is furnished with recycled furniture, burnishing their image further by frequent art exhibitions and wine evenings with DJs.

 

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Last September, the wine bars of Turku organized a two-week event called the Wine Trail, with a follow-up expected later this year. Each of the five wine bars has found its niche in the small town; visiting each of them provides an in-depth look at Finland's budding wine scene.