Is natural wine’s crown slipping in Malmö? Ambassador Karin Ericson has noticed a shift…

By Rachel Fellows

Published 04-June-2026

Interview / Sweden

Star Wine List is soon to bring a host of award-winning sommeliers to southern Sweden for the Global Final of this year’s wine list competition. Perfect timing, then, for Malmö Ambassador Karin Ericson to add eight Red Star reviews across Malmö, Lund and Båstad.

Sommelier, writer and lecturer Karin Ericson took on the role of Malmö Ambassador in 2024. Recently, she’s been busy updating our guide to her home city and beyond, providing four new Red Star additions and fresh reviews for a further four existing listings.

June 2026 promises plenty of excitement, as the competitors in the Star Wine List of the Year Global Final will experience the wineries of southern Sweden – a first for most of them. And so we asked local expert Karin what visitors to the region should add to their itineraries, so that our guests – and our readers alike – can make the most of Skåne.

You joined the Star Wine List ambassador team two years ago – how have you found the role?

“It’s great to be part of an initiative that highlights the role wine plays in the restaurant world. Food often gets most of the attention, but wine and the people behind it deserve to be in the spotlight. I’m also very happy to promote my hometown and showcase everything Malmö has to offer, as well as being part of an international team with great sommeliers and ambassadors.”

You’ve referred to Malmö as “Sweden’s coolest city” – why is that?

“Malmö has a creative and innovative energy. It has a more relaxed and down-to-earth vibe, and it’s full of passionate people constantly coming up with new ideas – sometimes crazy ones. There’s a strong innovative spirit, especially within food, drink and culture, and that makes the city exciting.”

What do you look for in a Red Star venue?

“I look for places with a strong overall atmosphere; places I would genuinely want to visit myself. A great wine list is about more than just expensive bottles. I want to see passion and personality behind the selection. Whether it’s a great by-the-glass list or a thick wine book, what matters is that the wines have been chosen with intention, curiosity and expertise.”

How would you describe the wine scene in Malmö and the surrounding area?

“The wine scene is constantly evolving. When I moved here, there were no wine bars at all. Only beer. Over the past 10 years, everything has changed.

“Malmö is heavily influenced by Copenhagen. We’re only 20 minutes apart, and many people in Malmö’s restaurant scene have worked in the Danish capital. Inspired by Copenhagen’s great restaurants and wine scene, you’ll find a strong focus on low-intervention and natural wines on many lists in Malmö.”

Have you noticed any trends emerging across wine lists, or in wine service, since we last caught up with you?

“I see a shift away from natural-wine-only lists. Many places are broadening their focus and building more diverse wine lists while still prioritising craftsmanship, small producers and authenticity.”

What’s the sommelier community like in Malmö?

“It’s a small city, so everyone knows everyone. People move between restaurants, open new places together and collaborate frequently. There’s a strong sense of community, and many sommeliers and wine professionals socialise outside of work as well. You might find them in the bar at Far i Hatten or Bouchon when they’re not working.”

Do you have any pet hates on lists or in service?

“A boring by-the-glass selection. Put some effort in and make it fun. Not everyone wants to buy a whole bottle, but many people still want to drink great wine.”

How can a restaurant or wine bar impress you?

“When the sommelier understands the guest, even without knowing them. When they take the time to find out what that person likes and come up with a range of alternatives to try. That’s real engagement. And you can really feel it as a guest – the passion, the ambition to make you have a great night. And when you find a producer that’s incredibly difficult to get hold of, you know there’s a dedicated sommelier behind the list.”

What should visitors to the city be sure to do and see?

“In Malmö, make sure to visit Ribersborg Beach and the historic Kallbadhuset. Take a stroll through Västra Hamnen, visit Cantin (a new outdoor street food courtyard), and enjoy a cocktail at Aster’s outdoor seating in Varvsstaden, and a glass of wine at Vinmagasinet next door.

“Have a pizza and a glass at Far i Hatten in Folkets Park, sit outside at L’Enoteca, visit Julie cheese and wine bar, or BISe, wander through Gamla Staden and Slottsparken, and visit Klagshamns Vingård, Malmö’s own winery, which has recently opened a new location in Limhamn.

“If you have time to explore further, head to Sandhammaren or Knäbäckshusen. Their white sandy beaches are so beautiful that you could easily believe you’re somewhere in the Mediterranean. Have dinner at Talldungen Gardshotell, traditional ‘äggakaka’ at Brösarps Gästgifveri or pizza at Kafé Örum 119. Go hiking along the Kullaberg coastline and visit the new Furuhem in Båstad for breakfast or lunch.”

What are you up to at the moment – any exciting projects or plans?

“I’m currently organising several food and wine trips. This year I’m hosting day trips to wineries in Skåne (!) as well as a wine journey to Piedmont in the autumn together with the well-known Swedish television personality Farah Abadi. I’m also very excited about two new destinations launching for me next year: Mallorca and Puglia. You’ll find everything about them on my Instagram account, and on my website.

Explore the guide to Malmö.