Heidi Mäkinen MW adds Red Stars in Finland, where Crémants and Corpinnats are coming for Champagne

By Rachel Fellows

Published 10-June-2026

Interview / Finland

Big news from Helsinki Ambassador Heidi Mäkinen, who is soon to leave Finland for a new adventure in Switzerland! But not before adding a new set of Red Star recommendations in her home country – nine new listings in Helsinki and a fresh review for another just north of the capital, in Lahti.

Heidi Mäkinen MW has reported for Star Wine List from her Helsinki home for the past three years, and also sits on our international jury panel for Star Wine List of the Year. Recently, the wine consultant and educator has often found herself making the “easy train ride” north to Lahti, for “its thriving theatre scene,” taking in a meal either before or after whichever play she’s seeing. And so, in her latest update, Heidi has added nine new Red Stars in the Finnish capital and updated the profile of one in the Lakeland city with her own take.

Later this year, Heidi will be “making a big life change and relocating from Helsinki to Zürich” for work. Although that won’t be the end for her and Finland, as she explains.

“It will be an exciting next step in my career but I will remain closely linked with Helsinki and Finland as I’m staying as a partner in the wine importing company I’ve been working with for almost eight years, and will also return to the country regularly to continue teaching WSET courses.”

In the meantime, explore Heidi’s new Red Stars via the Star Wine List map, and get her latest insights on the wine scene, where indigenous grape varieties are gaining popularity, Crémant and Corpinnat are overtaking Champagne, and the by-the-glass revolution seen elsewhere in the world continues apace.

What draws you into a new wine venue?

“I’m very curious to see new openings and how each restaurant approaches their food and wine offering, as there is always so much more to see and learn and be inspired by. I always try to go with an open mind to both old and new places and really dislike the idea of ‘testing’ restaurants. For me each restaurant visit is an opportunity to trust the professionals behind the experience, and to enjoy their hospitality.”

What took you to Lahti and how much do you manage to travel around the country?

“I’ve been going to Lahti mostly due to its thriving theatre scene, as my old student friend is now leading the city theatre there and the programme has become very interesting. It’s an easy train ride away from Helsinki and, whenever I have time, I try to enjoy the city’s restaurant culture either before or after a play I’m seeing.

How have wine lists in Helsinki evolved over the past year? Any new trends, styles of service, or such like?

“I think more and more restaurants are looking for quality and value, which can often be found in unique and even rare autochthonous grape varieties closely linked to their origins. Even though classics exist for a reason, in the current challenging economic situation, people are also interested in finding something unexpected. I’m happy to see more and more exciting Iberian and Greek wines appearing on wine lists, and by-the-glass lists of different styles flourishing. Sparkling wines are currently the more preferred choice over Champagne and this has brought high-quality Crémants and Corpinnats onto the lists as well.”

Are there any trends in Helsinki yet to reach the rest of the country?

“Helsinki is naturally the first port where trends land, but privately owned restaurants and wine bars are opening up in the rest of the country too as long as there is enough demand, either by locals or tourists. The lists outside of the capital area are perhaps a bit more classic and comforting which, in the case of Finland, means inclusions of German Rieslings, the red wines of Veneto, and overall richer and fruitier styles of wine that many find easy to approach.”

Is there one section of a wine list you tend to make a beeline for when you sit down?

“I usually quickly browse through the whole list but my eyes are always slower when it comes to Spanish and non-European offerings, whether in Finland or elsewhere around the world. Especially in Finland, it’s not so common to find exciting producers on the list from outside of Europe, and I love exploring those options when traveling elsewhere. Spain remains my favourite wine country and, similarly, there are constantly novel things I’ve not yet tried. However, if I’m in a wine-producing region, I try to stick to local wines that are new to me, and often ask for recommendations from sommeliers about the producers or wines I don’t yet know.”

What will you be up to this summer?

“This summer I will be spending eight weeks in Münich attending an intensive German language course. As my studies are mostly in the mornings, I will hopefully have time to familiarise myself with the rich culture of the city, including many of its restaurants and overall wine scene too. And I’m hoping to get to hike in the Bavarian Alps!”

Discover the Red Star guide to Helsinki.