Denmark is one of the three northern European countries which make up Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden are the other two). Wedged between the Baltic Sea and North Sea, at an average latitude of 56 degrees north, Denmark sees very little of the warm, dry, sunny weather in which the grape vine thrives. The nation does nonetheless produce a small quantity of wine, mostly by die-hard wine amateurs and made from vine varieties specifically bred to brave the local climate. The most significant of these, in terms of volume produced, is the Dyrehojgaard winery and distillery established by Tom Christensen in 2007.
One of the few advantages of being at this high latitude is that the summer days are lengthened, lasting from 4am until 10pm, although few vines survive the cold winters to enjoy this extended sunshine. Those that do are found in greenhouses, or occasionally climbing up south-facing walls which retain sufficient heat during the day to help the vine through the night. New varieties such as Madeleine Angevine (which is also used by winemakers in England) and Orion are preferred in Danish vineyards, as they are sufficiently early ripening to achieve full flavor during the short warmth of summer. Solaris, Johanniter and Cabernet Cortis are also grown.
In the absence of grape vines, the vast majority of alcoholic beverages made in Denmark are beers and spirits. Cider, mead and other fermented drinks made of apples or honey are also produced here.
