West Sweden & Skane: Volvo’s Car plus Vacation – Day 13-14 of 14

DAY 13
  Hallakra Vineyard, Angavallen

Breakfast at Angavallen.

Driving time: about 30 minutes.

Hallakra Vineyard

The thing about driving through the rural and agricultural Skåne countryside is vineyards are easily spotted – because they are so rare. Hallakra is located among fields of other agricultural crops including wheat and rapeseed. In the late 1990’s, Proprietor Hakan Hansson left a long career as a successful International banker, based in Stockholm and moved back to his family’s property to start this vineyard.

Hakan is a visionary and an early pioneer in Sweden’s still fledgling wine-making industry. He has a broad vision and is focused on what needs to happen in order to create successful wine-making and healthy vineyards in this part of Sweden. He is not only in this for the business of making wine but also to promote wine-making in this part of Sweden through partnerships with education – in his case with the University of Lund to develop a research and development program for wine in Sweden.

He also recognizes the importance of being true to terroir – focusing on what his land will give him – grapes that are higher in acidity – growing both red and white varietals that are adapted to life in these northern latitudes such as Solaris and Rondo grapes. Solaris produces a fruity white wine and Rondo produces wines with good acidity and structure.

And then perhaps something unique. For example a dessert wine. With no preconceived notions and prior knowledge about how to make dessert wine from Sweden, Hakan thought outside of the box when crafting this wine (2010 being the first vintage). The wine is made of three of the red varietals on site (Rondo, Leon Millot and Regent) and was aged in Swedish Oak. It was then fortified with a wheat spirit – from wheat grown locally. The end result is a delicious, delicate and elegant wine that is not overly sweet.

Visits are by appointment and include a tasting, and a tour of the vineyard. Hakan’s wife is an excellent cook – and she also serves food with their wine. They also have space to host small business meetings – their location is ideally located close to the Malmö Airport. Visit: www.hallakravin.se

Head back to Angavallen to enjoy some relaxation time in the afternoon or head over to Malmo for a late lunch and shopping.

Driving time from the vineyard: about 35 minutes to the center of the city.

Stay: Angavallen

DAY 14
  Final day, return

Alas, a great trip has come to an end. Time to return home via Scandinavian Airlines (SAS).