A jury of twelve people, a six-month tasting process, 400 candidates and ultimately 30 finalists. Passengers rely on Viking Line’s ship wines, so choosing one is not an easy task, but instead a real tasting marathon. This year, for the first time, a rosé wine also managed to make the cut – the Italian Cantina Zaccagnini Vino Rosato Bio.

Viking Line’s ship wines include quality bubbly from Champagne (Palmer & Co Brut Sélection) and Catalonia (Pere Ventura Classic Brut Cava), a powerful white from Austria (Thomas Sattler Grüner Veltliner) and a full-bodied red from Italy (Mezzacorona Teroldego Merlot). This year’s newcomer is a rosé, the fresh and balanced Cantina Zaccagnini Vino Rosato Bio from Italy.

The new ship wines are now available on all of Viking Line’s vessels, but the selection process began nearly a year ago when contacts were made with the world’s leading wine suppliers. In May, a number of initial wine tastings were organized, with a jury of twelve people sampling a total of 400 wines. The jury consisted of staff members from Viking Line’s tax-free operations and restaurants, thus bringing together the best possible knowledge about customers’ wine preferences. A total of 30 wines continued to the final round.

“In the final round, we blind-tasted the wines one more time and selected three from each category for a final cut. Naturally, taste was important in the final selection, but points were also awarded for consistent quality and the producer’s commitment to quality and sustainability,” says Ossi Ruusunen, Viking Line’s Beverage Manager, who is in charge of beverages in the vessel restaurants.

“We believe the rosé wine is a long desired addition to our wine assortment on board. In recent years, rosé has clearly increased in popularity both with our customers and globally, and nowadays people drink it year-round, not just during the summer. Rosé works really well as an aperitif, for social gatherings and with food. For instance, shellfish served on ice alongside rosé is an unbeatable combination.”

In selecting its ship champagne, Viking Line once again relied on the expertise of its long-time partner, Master of Wine Essi Avellan. Avellan presented top-quality finalists for the jury to assess. Together with the cellar master at the Palmer & Co champagne house, she provided a flavour profile with the winning selection, Palmer’s Brut Sélection, that suits Viking Line.

A total of 600 different wines are sold in Viking Line’s tax-free shops. Wines and sparkling wines currently account for about 25 per cent of total beverage sales. That figure has risen steadily in recent years.

“Our customers’ knowledge about wine is continually growing, and they are interested in new grape varieties, wine regions and countries. So it is fine recognition for our own tasting jury that, year after year, our ship wines are the biggest sellers in our shops. Our customers know they get guaranteed quality at a very competitive price when they choose them,” says Carl Mörn, Head of Retail Operation.

“Our ship wines offer a good selection for every occasion: family dinners, socializing with close friends, cocktail parties, mingle events and big celebrations. In our restaurants, ship wines represent up to 40 per cent of sales – and for sparkling wines and champagne even more, 65 per cent.”

Viking Line’s new ship wines, 2025–26

Ship champagne: Palmer & Co Brut Sélection, Champagne, France

A fantastic toasted and creamy soft champagne with the flavour of quality grapes. The freshness and elegance of Chardonnay are complemented by a full-bodied Pinot Noir and fruity Meunier. A versatile champagne that works well as an aperitif as well as with fish and seafood.

Ship sparkling wine: Pere Ventura Classic Brut Cava, Penedés, Spain

An elegant, fresh sparkling wine that is a blend of three grapes of Catalan origin: Macabeo, Parellada and Xarello. This quality cava has notes of citrus and green apple as well as a fresh fruitiness, balanced by lengthy ageing. Suitable for parties or as an aperitif and with hors-d’oeuvres or starters. Try it with fish or seafood.

Ship white wine: Thomas Sattler Grüner Veltliner, Burgenland, Austria

A taut, aromatic Grüner Veltliner with a fine bouquet of pepper and apple. The fresh, balanced and fruity flavour has just the right level of acidity and a touch of spice. This is a versatile wine that goes with seafood, white meat and flavourful vegetables. It also pairs well with goat’s cheese. A real all-rounder for everyone who likes fresh white wines.

Ship rosé wine: Cantina Zaccagnini Vino Rosato Bio, Italy

A dry, lively rosé with notes of freshly-picked strawberries and raspberries as well as citrus. This rosé is so much more than just a summer drink on the patio – it is also very versatile as an accompaniment to food. Try it with seafood, fish, salads and white meat.

Ship red wine: Mezzacorona Teroldego Merlot, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Two different wines and styles are combined here. Trentino-Alto Adige’s red grape variety Teroldego, “gold of the Tirol,” gives the wine a rich aroma while Merlot provides structure and elegance. A full-bodied, pleasantly soft wine, ideal with flavourful starters, spicy dishes, rich sauces and grilled meat.