10 Red Stars in Oslo from ambassador Gunnar Skoglund

By Rachel Fellows

Published 18-April-2025

Interview / Oslo

Star Wine List’s Oslo Ambassador has just updated our guide with 10 new Red Stars. What’s happening on the city’s wine scene? Gunnar Skoglund tells us.

Gunnar Skoglund has lived in Oslo for nearly three decades and, since swapping his career in finance for one in wine, he has joined the Star Wine List team, reporting on the city since 2023. Now working as a wine buyer and writer, he admits to “living out of suitcases lately” but, in addition to reviewing 10 new venues for fellow wine lovers, he has also found time to give visitors to Oslo some tips... funnily enough, those also involve drinking wine.

Explore Gunnar's guide to Oslo.

What are you looking for in a wine list?

“Personality, and some sort of DNA that reflects the philosophy of the place, sommelier, etc. There are many impressive wine lists out there, with several pages of fancy references but perhaps lacking in soul. As one example (of several) of the opposite, my new listing of Hyde is the complete opposite of this more generic and safe [mentality].”

How would you describe the food and wine scene in Oslo right now?

“Slightly skewed towards French the past year; sharing dishes are still a thing; and a few more wine bars have been popping up. It appears the trade is currently playing it a bit safe – not standing out in a crowd. Macro economics may play a large part in this, with the market quite soft during 2024.”

What marks Oslo apart from the rest of Norway?

“The scale of things I guess – more options to choose from than the rest of the country. However, I wouldn't necessarily say that Oslo is more ‘in front’ of things or trends than the other major cities.”

What should visitors to Oslo be sure to do or visit?

“In addition to the new Star Wine List places of course, during summer, if weather permits (it often doesn't) make sure to drink some wine al fresco. Bistro Fourrage is a good bet for this. Brasserie France is great for small dishes and great wines. Just indulge, really.”

Do you have any pet hates on a wine list?

“My darlings (I’m admittedly biased here) are Greece, South Africa and ‘the other’ regions of France – often over-performing on value for money, there are some discoveries to be made here! However Norway, I would say, is regretfully still lagging in these categories when compared to dominant markets, e.g. London.”

Do you have any particular favourites amongst your new additions?

“Dodging the bullet here: I love them all!”