Theme Tours
Let us guide you around and about Denmark
Each theme focuses on different aspects of Danish craftsmanship, techniques, and skills that have made a significant impact globally. We believe that these themes provide valuable learning opportunities for travelers. The Shepherd tours highlight each theme, offering travelers the chance to explore and gain deeper insights into these areas.
Theme: Danish Winemaking
A Journey Through Denmark’s Vineyards
A Brief History
Winemaking in Denmark is a recent phenomenon, beginning in the late 20th century. The shift in climate and an increasing interest in local food and beverages have fueled the budding wine industry in this Scandinavian country.
The first commercial vineyards were planted in the 1990s. Pioneers like Sven Moesgaard of Skærsøgaard Vin laid the groundwork for the industry, focusing on grape varieties that could thrive in Denmark’s challenging climate.
Climate and Geography
Denmark’s cool climate poses both challenges and opportunities. Summers are short, and winters can be harsh, but long daylight hours during the growing season provide ample sunshine for grape ripening.
Grape Varieties
Winemakers focus on hardy hybrid varieties like Rondo, Regent, and Solaris, which resist disease and ripen in cooler climates.
Winemaking Techniques
Danish winemakers use organic and biodynamic methods to enhance vineyard resilience and employ techniques like canopy management to ensure optimal grape quality.
Innovation and Experimentation
The youth of the industry fosters innovation and experimentation, resulting in unique wines that showcase Danish terroir.
The Future of Danish Winemaking
As climate change impacts traditional wine regions, Denmark’s cooler climate may become advantageous. The growing interest in locally produced beverages is driving demand for Danish wines.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite unpredictable weather and a limited growing season, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Potential for Growth
There is significant potential for growth as winemakers refine their techniques, and the quality of Danish wines increases.
Danish Winemaking Tours
Danish winemaking is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its winemakers. Despite environmental challenges, they produce unique, high-quality wines. As the industry grows, Danish wines are set to make a mark on the global stage, offering wine enthusiasts a new and exciting experience.
We have chosen Danish winemaking as one of our theme. Currently The Shepherd offers 3 different winery tours; each offers different aspects, landscapes and sizes of Danish winemaking and combining with the best of local food near each vineyard locations. Although the 3 vineyards are different in many ways, they share the passion for winemaking and organic methods.
Winery Walk Tour & Lunch (tour code: WTE-137)
Visiting one of the largest wineries in Denmark with over 50,000 vines planted across 52 hectare (128 acre) of land Northwest of Zealand. The new owner had previously owned a smaller vineyard in the US, returned to his Danish roots and took over this vineyard in the beginning of 2025. The vineyard runs its own café offering delicious lunch before the wine tour starts.
Wine & Seafood Tour (tour code: WTE-295)
Visiting one of the smaller wineries producing about 3,000 bottles of white wine per year in the backdrop of a farmhouse built in 1885. The winegrower educated sommelier took over the farm and land from his parents in 2021 and created this little green oasis for plants and wildlife in the outskirts of a small town, not only to produce wines but creating a warm meeting place for all. The vineyard is located nearby one of the largest seafood buffet in the country with great variety of fresh fish and shell fish completing a wonderful day before heading back to Copenhagen.
Wine & Hike (Tour code: WTE-598)
Completing our theme tours of Danish winemaking, this third option is visiting a medium size winery with 10,000 vines planted between 65 and 30 meter above sea level in the hilly terrain of Northwest Zealand, enjoying the fantastic view with organic produced and refreshing wines. Before the winery visit, we hike the UNESCO listed Global Geopark from Vejrhoj til Ordrup with magnificent views across Sejero Bay and Nekselo Bay. Passing Vejrhoj Arch created during Ice Age about 15,000 years ago, 121 meter above sea level, the third highest point in Zealand.
Theme: Danish Architecture (coming soon).