Wine in the Woods: A Unique Forest Experience in Nuuksio near Helsinki

I walk along a forest path, take a deep breath, and let the scents of the woods fill my lungs. Our small group has arrived at the edge of Nuuksio National Park—a park just a half-hour drive (and a slightly longer train+bus ride) from the bustling center of Finland’s capital, Helsinki. It’s hard to believe, though, because the area feels so wild; the forests surround us in all their grandeur. A winding road led us here, and little by little the houses became sparser, until we finally reached the border of the national park and the wilderness-like upland lake area.

I work for Finland, Naturally – the company that offers the Wine in the Woods experience – and in this article, I’ll share how it felt to experience it myself for the first time.

What? A unique wine tasting experience in the middle of the forest, where a wilderness sommelier introduces wines connected to nature, paired with Finnish wild food bites.
Where? In Nuuksio, Espoo, just 30–45 minutes from Helsinki.
When? Available in summer for individual bookings and year-round for private groups. Read more!
How to Join? Book in advance, arrive in comfortable outdoor clothing, and enjoy a guided walk through the forest to the tasting spot.
Why? Relax in nature, savor exceptional wines, and experience a one-of-a-kind tasting with no need for fancy attire—just come as you are!

Our guide leads our small, casually chatting group into the nature of Nuuksio. I look at the tall pines and spruces swaying in the wind, and I notice that the forest floor is covered in a lush green carpet that’s almost beyond description. In the low bushes, there are tiny pink flowers. The guide tells us these belong to wild blueberry plants, bilberrys, and that as the summer goes on, those flowers will turn into dark blue, healthy berries.

The guide explains how we can shake off the flood of everyday worries and that ever-pressing sense of hurry, and lower our heart rate to the calming frequency of nature. It’s not difficult, because simply being in nature has a positive effect on your health surprisingly quickly—blood pressure drops and stress begins to ease in as little as half an hour. I notice I am fully present in the moment.

The guide’s calm, expert presence puts me at ease. On this nature walk, I don’t need a map, wilderness skills, or any strict plan—I can just be, follow along, and enjoy, even though we’re moving through terrain that’s entirely new to me. Occasionally, the guide encourages us to stop for a moment, close our eyes, and listen to the sounds around us: I hear the rustling of the trees and the chirping of birds. I feel my body and mind relaxing in tune with the forest. The guide also hands out stones for us to touch—everyone gets to pick the one they feel most drawn to—and with our eyes closed, we focus on the weight, surface, and texture of the stone. It’s a surprisingly effective mindfulness exercise, holding the mind firmly in the here and now, not letting thoughts wander.

When we arrive at the tasting spot, a lush forest landscape opens up around us, which feels surprisingly homey. A wooden “Wine in the Woods” sign shows that we have reached our destination, and a wilderness sommelier greets us warmly. Wooden benches have been set up in the forest with seat cushions, and the wine bottles, glasses, and various dishes are laid out beautifully. It really does feel like a tiny wine bar right here in the middle of the woods, except that nothing permanent has been built into nature.

As we taste the wines—and the sommelier gives us simple, clear guidance on how best to do this—we learn how each wine is intertwined with nature’s own story: the minerals of the soil, the climate, and the nuances of the barrel’s wood. The way the sommelier describes each wine’s connection to its environment carries my thoughts off to distant wine regions, yet also brings me right back to this Finnish forest we’re standing in now.

In addition to the wines, we get small samples of wild food delights conjured up from the Finnish wilderness, which complement the flavors of the wines in fascinating ways. Apparently, these small bites vary depending on which wines are featured each summer—for our selection, we had little bites of blueberry jam, pickled dandelion buds, spruce tip syrup, and freshly picked wood sorrel leaves from the forest.

I should also mention that there was absolutely no need to dress uncomfortably for this wine tasting! No talk of high heels or cocktail dresses, nope. I put on sturdy shoes that are comfortable on the forest path and dressed appropriately for a Finnish summer, in a T-shirt and jeans. Since no rain was in the forecast, I skipped the raincoat and rubber boots.

I’m generally not the most graceful person in social situations—I don’t really know how to act fancy or courtly, even if I try. So it feels wonderfully liberating that I don’t have to worry about any sort of etiquette, don’t have to perform or know anything special—I can just be here as myself. Nature doesn’t ask for our resumes or require us to be fashionable or stylish.

You can’t really compare this forest wine tasting to any typical event held in an urban setting. Around me is the peacefulness of the forest and a pleasant hum of conversation from this small group of good-spirited people.

Since it’s summer in southern Finland, the evening never truly darkens—the twilight wouldn’t come until midnight. But eventually it’s time to head back. A blackbird is singing somewhere high up in the treetops, adding to the magical atmosphere.

Walking back along the path to our starting point, I feel relaxed. It’s unreal to think that just hours ago, I was in the hustle and bustle of central Helsinki—that feels so far away here! But now I’m about to return, and fortunately, the trip isn’t too long or tedious—it goes smoothly and fairly quickly by local bus, followed by a local train.

Of course, there are also accommodation options in Nuuksio, like Skytents hung between the trees, which are kind of a cross between a tent and a hammock. Maybe on my next visit to Nuuksio, I’ll stay in one of those.

FAQ

How do I get to Wine in the Woods from Helsinki?

You can reach Nuuksio:

By car:
- Address: Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, Nuuksiontie 84, Espoo
- Lots of parking space!
By taking a local train (trains L, E, U, Y, H) from Helsinki to Espoo Centre and bus 245(A) from Espoo Centre to Nuuksio.
- Get off by the Finnish Nature Center Haltia; the stop is called Haltia.

When does Wine in the Woods take place?

Wine in the Woods is available during the summer for individual bookings and can be arranged year-round for private groups. In autumn, a few Wine in the Dark Woods events are organized. Read more & book your spot.

Do I need to wear special clothes for Wine in the Woods?

No formal attire is required—just wear comfortable outdoor clothing and suitable shoes for a short forest walk.

How long does the experience last?

The entire experience, including the guided walk and tasting, lasts approximately 2 hours.

Do I need prior wine knowledge to join?

Not at all! The tasting is guided and beginner-friendly, making it enjoyable for everyone.

Is Wine in the Woods suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome to join scheduled group tastings, or they can book a private experience.

Can I stay overnight in Nuuksio after the tasting?

Yes, there are various accommodation options in Nuuksio, including forest Skytents suspended between trees.

Read also

Finland, Naturally Experiences Nuuksio

This is what Wine in the Woods is like

Wine in the Woods

Nuuksio national park

Nuuksio National Park Is a Spectacular Wilderness Area Right next to Helsinki

Wine in the Woods: A Unique Forest Experience in Nuuksio near Helsinki