Hurtigruten brings back world’s first Arctic-aged sparkling wine aboard it’s ships

 Hurtigruten has sunk another 4,500 bottles of arctic-aged sparkling wine to the seabed of the Norwegian coast, following their world-first success in May. Located in a top-secret ‘wine cellar’ under the sea, with a six-month maturation period, the bottles have aged with the seasons beneath firstly the Northern Lights and then under the Midnight Sun.

The Arctic-aged sparkling wine, “Havets Bobler” is a Classic Cuvee, 2018 vintage, made using traditional methods from hand-harvested grapes of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. This exclusive creation is crafted by the renowned Rathfinny Wine Estate, a family-run vineyard located in Sussex, England.

Aged at a depth of 34 meters, the ultimate wine cellar located under the sea, somewhere off the coast of Finnmark, creates a masterpiece that can be enjoyed by everyone. As Hurtigruten’s CEO Hedda Felin puts it, “We believe in bringing a touch of the Arctic to the world of sparkling wine. Our Norwegian coastline is the perfect place to create something truly unique for our valued guests seeking one-of-a-kind experiences.”

“More bottles, more bubbles, and even more delight for the taste buds. A whopping 4,500 bottles, to be exact, including 4,200 standard 0.75 cl bottles and 300 magnum-sized 1.5 cl bottles – all to be gracefully aged on the seabed for a minimum maturation period of six months north of the Arctic circle beneath first the Northern Lights and then, as seasons turn, beneath the Midnight Sun. Some might even stay longer, for that extra vigor, says Hurtigruten’s Front of House & Beverage Director, Tani Gurra, who has overseen the project and also holds qualifications as a sommelier.”

Guests aboard Hurtigruten ships will get to savor this unique creation while cruising through the stunning waters where the wine slumbers beneath.

“Imagine sipping the crisp and elegant “Havets Bobler” as you sail along what many consider the world’s most beautiful coastline. It’s truly an experience you won’t find anywhere else,” says André Pettersen, Chief Product Officer and Head of Hotel Operations at Hurtigruten.

He says guests and wine experts alike are enthusiastic about the effect the unique storage method has had on the first series of bottles: “The wine has grown rounder on the palate, with even silkier bubbles with a refreshing burst of citrus notes and a mineral finish that’s as crisp as the Arctic air.”

Hurtigruten does not stop its Arctic food and drink innovation efforts at sparkling wine. The next project being considered is aging exclusive caviar alongside the bubbles.

Hurtigruten offers a unique travel experience, connecting remote coastal communities, delivering cargo, and providing tourists with a way to explore the stunning Norwegian coastline. These cruises not only serve as a mode of transportation for locals but also offer travelers an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, culture, and traditions of Norway. “Havets Bobler” can be enjoyed in a glass while the wine slumbers beneath the waves on Hurtigruten’s Original Coastal Express, The North Cape Express, and  The Svalbard Express voyages.