This is what Wine in the Woods is like

Book your Wine in the Woods experience here!

For wine enthusiasts, the combination of food and wine is familiar. But is there even more to explore in how the flavors of wine interact with other scents? This is a question that Antti Huttunen, the founder of Finnish outdoor media Retkipaikka, Finland, Naturally Experiences, and co-creator of the Back to Nature TV series, wanted to explore further. He aimed to bring together two themes close to his heart: nature and wine. Thus, the concept of a forest wine bar was born!

Even just 15 minutes in nature can make you feel relaxed.

Wine in the Woods begins at the Nature Centre Haltia in Nuuksio, right next to Nuuksio National Park. Nuuksio is the closest national park to Finland’s capital, Helsinki. It takes only about 45 minutes to escape the busy metropolitan environment and immerse yourself in calming nature and forests.

Karoliina Kaski, one of the guides for Wine in the Woods, welcomes our group in a charming setting surrounded by the countryside. We take a short walk around the historical buildings and visit the old stone stairs that once led to the mansion of this area.

As we move deeper into the forest, we start connecting our senses with nature. Living in a busy city environment can make us anxious and disrupt our minds, but nature offers the opposite. Studies show that spending just 15 minutes in nature can lower blood pressure.

We take time to engage each of our senses with nature. What does the forest look like? What sounds can we hear? When we close our eyes, how does a small rock feel in our hands? It’s incredible how much sharper our sense of touch becomes when we eliminate sight and sound!

After about 15 minutes, we arrive at a wooden sign that marks the entrance to nature’s own dining area: Wine in the Woods. The area features wooden benches with cushions, and sommelier Tero Pullinen is there to welcome us.

We are greeted with a glass of sparkling wine as a welcoming drink. This also prepares our taste buds for the wine tasting. There are five different red wines to taste and examine. Tero shares insights about the wines and how they connect with nature.

Wines and Finnish forests actually have more in common than you might think! Both are living entities with many layers, constantly evolving. When they come together, they reveal new dimensions in both the wines and the natural surroundings.

“The wines have a chance to return to nature, from where they originated. In the forest, everything is equal, and instead of strict control, constant change is embraced.”

We share our experiences and observations about the wines and nature. The atmosphere is relaxed, and there’s plenty of room for conversation. Even those with no prior experience in wine tastings will find this experience approachable and enjoyable in such a natural setting.

The entire experience lasts about two hours. After the tasting, participants are free to continue their day however they like – perhaps with a hike in the national park?

“The taste and smell of wine can transport me into the forest – under the shade of spruce branches, onto the warmth of rocks, or among lush birch foliage. I find this fascinating and want to offer others the chance to experience the same – and more. Welcome!” -Antti Huttunen

If you’re a nature enthusiast who enjoys wine or you’re looking for a unique experience, visit the online store to reserve your place at next summer’s Wine in the Woods event! Group bookings and gift cards are also available.

Book your Wine in the Woods experience here!