Uusimaa

Overview

Uusimaa is the southernmost and most populous region of Finland, wrapping around Helsinki along the Gulf of Finland. Its relatively mild winters and long summer days have made it the country's leading laboratory for grape growing, with research plots and small estates concentrated near Tuusula and the Helsinki fringe.

Vineyards here rely on frost-hardy hybrids such as Rondo, Solaris, and Zilga, cultivated on small parcels of moraine and clay soil. While commercial output remains modest, Uusimaa hosts the most advanced viticultural research in Finland and produces the country's best-known experimental wines.

Key Varietals

• RondoA cold-hardy red hybrid that gives light, fresh reds and rosés with red-berry notes.
• SolarisAn early-ripening white hybrid prized for crisp, aromatic wines in cool northern summers.
• ZilgaA Latvian-bred hardy red grape that ripens early and produces light, fruity wines.
• RegentA disease-resistant red hybrid that delivers dark fruit and structure in marginal climates.