The Editor’s
Copenhagen Guide
Wine spots.
Usually, if you think of Copenhagen, you’d think of beer (we do have some rather large breweries based in the city) but in fact the wine bar scene here is thriving. It really kicked in about fifteen years ago with a small chain of bar-cum-food places run by the still very popular Husted Vin stores but, like the restaurant scene, has now exploded with cosy bars popping up in every corner of the city. Expect a local atmosphere, low lighting and scruffy chairs that spill out onto the street – these places define ‘hygge’. Of course, some have fallen prey to the natural wine craze (or curse, depending on your viewpoint) but these are some of our favourites…
Eat & drink
Wine spots & bars
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bar vitrine
The name of this joint, along with its beautiful design, places it in the Wine section here but in fact it could easily fit in the bistro part too as the bar food they offer is sensational. Seating only 18 people at window seats or a communal table, the extensive wine selection is paired with sharing plates of Indian-influenced but very innovative food. No reservations so be prepared to wait for a table (but it’s worth it).
Josephine
Out in residential Amager, this place defines itself as a wine bodega so expect an unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere though, as it offers mainly natural wine, it attracts a hip crowd too. The small plates of food are good too - especially the tinned sardines served with crusty bread.
La Banchina
Hip and very cute, this is a cool spot perched on the edge of the harbour in the former industrial area of Refshaleøen. Stretch out in your speedos on one of the wooden jetties and dip in the water when you get too hot. There’s also an onsite sauna for chillier days. It’s been discovered by tourists now but is still super popular with locals too.
Lille Blå Vinbar
Little sibling of Ved Stranden, this bar is the natural wine option in the family. Situated in upmarket Esplanaden, it lives up to its name with Yves Klein blue-painted walls inside though to be honest it’s not that small compared to many in the city. The haphazard use of wine boxes as furniture adds to its ramshackle appeal.
Pio Vin
Whilst too much of Copenhagen has fallen prey to the nature wine phenomenon, if (like us) you’d rather have something that doesn’t smell like farm pond water, try the shabby chic Pio Vin, it’s a very Danish experience - half wine store/half bar with old mismatched furniture, candles and friendly and knowledgeable staff. Grab a plate of charcuterie and cheese to go with that glass and then realise you should have just bought the bottle in the first place.
Riga
Basically a hut below a church in a scruffy square much favoured by dog walkers, this shouldn’t be anything special but somehow it gets just the right vibe and crowd. Very local, very mixed in age and very welcoming, this is a firm favourite of Graham in particular. There’s a short wine list by the glass or bottle, plus a couple of cocktails and beers so order something and sit at one of the long Berlin-style tables or on a wall or bench in the park itself.
Rosforth & Rosforth
Knippelsbrogade 10, City center
Another example of ‘it really shouldn’t be charming but is’ is Rosforth & Rosforth, a wine merchant/store situated directly under the Knippelsbro bridge that also serves glass or bottles of wine to drink by the water’s edge. VERY relaxed, it generally is only a day/late afternoon place but that can change depending on the vibe. It’s served as everything from a fashion show venue to a pop-up location for Noma if you need anything else to underline its coolness factor.
V.Lo
For years this tiny space took specialisation to the next level and served only Argentinian wine but in the past years has loosened up to offer a well-selected list of other nationalities too. The bleacher-style seating means it's better for small groups but there are bigger tables outside where you can take in the lively Istedgade street scene.
Ved Stranden 10
Ved Stranden 10 is a beautiful wine bar in itself at any time of the year, but it’s particularly lovely in summer when you can drink outside not only at a table but also grab glasses and sit by the canal. With beautiful views of Christiansborg (the Parliament building) and passing boats, this is a particularly charming way to spend a late afternoon. And the wine list is stellar too.
Veranda
Most definitely a beacon for natural wine lovers, this small neighbourhood bar in Nørrebro works also as a deli and serves snacks alongside the large array of low-intervention wines. Everything is locally sourced and mostly unique here.
Vinoria Lilo
This place has been through quite a few different concepts over the years but finally seems to have settled itself into a successful natural wine bar that also serves cheese, bread, and pasta to help soak it up. A wide selection by the glass and city centre location means it is a popular after-office location.
And to name a few other places: Oysters & Rouge, Falernum, Det Argentinske Vinhus or for example our favourite wine shop Vintro at Ravnsborggade 5
