During the darkest time of the year, the forest and high-quality wines gain a striking new dimension from fire and light. This special late-autumn event takes place only on a few evenings in October.
Our guide leads the group through the interplay of shadows and light in the dark forest to a hall of light set among the trees. There, under the guidance of our wilderness sommelier, we explore how the flavours of the Finnish forest meet and complement a selection of intriguing European quality wines. In case of rain, we will ensure that you stay warm and dry.
Make sure to secure your place when the autumn dates open for reservations. The places are very limited.
Please note that you can also book this experience privately at any time of the year. See Wine in the Woods Private.
Event details:
Duration approx. 2.5 hours
Guided sensory walk along forest trails
Wine tasting led by a wilderness sommelier in the heart of the forest
Red wine selection
Flavour pairings inspired by Finnish nature
Sustainably produced European wines
Tasting pours approx. 5–6 cl per wine
Atmospheric autumn evening as darkness falls
Please remember:
Dress according to the weather
Age limit 18
Public transport access available (HSL stop Haltia/Solvalla E6938)
Free parking
Any questions?
Read our answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Wine in the Dark Woods is a two-and-a-half-hour exploration into a world, where wine and forest meet. Our expert guides will take you on a new type of journey through flavours and aromas in our wine bar in the middle of the woods. After a short walk on a nature trail your senses will be attuned to our woodland surroundings helping you to get a deeper impression of the carefully selected wines. The forest’s al fresco tasting area - which lives and breathes by the seasons - is every time a slighty new version of itself, as it is decorated by sunlight and natural foliage. The tastes and smells of the wines and the forest will come alive through the stories binding them together.
We are proud of this creation where wine is more than just wine and you can taste more than plain flavours in it. We pour rain, bonfire smoke, mist and nightless night in your glass.
Is Wine in the Woods accessible?
The experience can be organized with assisted accessibility in the nearby forests of Haltia, the home base.
Ellare Oy conducted an accessibility survey of Wine in the Woods from the perspective of a wheelchair user in the autumn of 2022.
The survey took into account that the nature trail is not fully accessible and may have softer ground and small tree roots in some places. The tree roots did not pose an obstacle, but it's good to be aware of them.
"The campfire site was excellent from the perspective of a wheelchair user. We estimated that about 8 wheelchairs or walkers could fit loosely around the campfire, and a few more if squeezed. The space was large enough for wheelchair users to feel included like everyone else. The space made it happen. The wine glass could be placed on the bench, which is a good thing.
We unanimously agreed that it was one of the best guided tours and programs ever. It was professionally executed, the guides were knowledgeable, appropriately relaxed, and engaged the participants very well. The execution of the program showed professionalism and planning skills, and the dramatic arc was built skillfully."
The dry toilet at the tasting location is not suitable for people with mobility disabilities. The nearest accessible restroom is located indoors at Haltia.
Story behind this experience:
T"he connection between food and wine is already well known to life’s connoisseurs. I wanted to investigate the theme more deeply and bring together two things that are important to me, wine and nature. Could something bigger be born from this? Nature is in the flavour of every wine: the soil and its minerals, within which the roots of the grapevine grow, are present in the flavour. The nuances in the wine are characterised by local climate, the weather during the year of the crop, sunshine, heat, rain and the wood used for the barrel. Maybe that’s why wine has always filled my imagination with such powerful images.
The taste and smell can take me into the middle of the forest, to particular spots: under the shade of spruce branches, onto the warmth of the rocks, or amongst the lush foliage of the birch. I find this fascinating and want to give others the chance to experience the same - and a little more. For the Wine in the Woods tasting experience we have chosen five wines connected with nature in different ways, and for each wine a special place in the woods. The wines have a chance to return to nature, from where they have come, where everything is equal and where instead of strict restraint and control, constant change is present and embraced. Nature goes where it wants, just like the wines produced using original methods. I can’t wait to see what kind of experience we can offer you. Welcome!
Yours,
Antti Huttunen
Finnish nature enthusiast and expert,
Founder of the popular Retkipaikka (Destinations Outdoors) -website and co-creator of Back to Nature TV-series"
Subject to change.
