Systembolaget Helsingborg – Tastings, History and Cultural Perspectives

Systembolaget Helsingborg offers one of the most diverse tasting programmes in the region, combining classic wine and spirit tastings with a distinctive focus on history, culture and storytelling. The store hosts wine tastings, beer tastings, Champagne and sparkling wine tastings, rosé tastings, rum tastings, whisky tastings and other spirits, as well as sessions dedicated to pairing food and drinks.

What makes Helsingborg particularly interesting is its emphasis on historical and narrative driven tastings. Several sessions explore drinks through the lens of history, literature and influential figures, offering a broader cultural context alongside the sensory experience. All tastings take place after the store has closed and begin at 19.30.

26 January – Titanic and Its Drinks

Event name: Titanic and Its Drinks
Price: 500 SEK

Description:
A historical tasting inspired by the legendary ocean liner Titanic. Through beer, wine and spirits, participants explore the types of drinks served on board and what they reveal about society, travel and consumption at the time. The tasting offers insight into both the ship itself and the drinking culture of the early twentieth century.

28 January – Wines of Portugal

Event name: Wines of Portugal
Price: 500 SEK

Description:
Portugal is a multifaceted wine country built on indigenous grape varieties and long traditions, often flying under the radar internationally. This tasting explores red, white and sweet wines while providing an overview of Portuguese wine history, regions and production styles.

9 February – Wines of Argentina

Event name: Wines of Argentina
Price: 450 SEK

Description:
An exploration of Argentina’s diverse wine landscape. The tasting introduces key regions, grape varieties and styles, while examining how geography, altitude and climate shape the country’s wines.

16 February – Crime Fiction and Drinks

Event name: Crime Fiction and Drinks
Price: 500 SEK

Description:
A tasting that combines drinks with literary history. This session explores how alcoholic beverages appear in crime fiction and how different authors and detectives relate to drinking. Beer, wine and spirits are included as part of the experience.

18 February – Swedish Drinking History

Event name: Swedish Drinking History
Price: 500 SEK

Description:
What have Swedes traditionally drunk, and how has drinking culture changed over time? This tasting traces Swedish drinking habits and production history, from earlier traditions to the formation of Systembolaget and the country’s shift from beer to wine consumption.

23 February – Cava and Crémant

Event name: Cava and Crémant
Price: 450 SEK

Description:
A comparative tasting of two important sparkling wine styles. Participants explore differences in grape varieties, climate, soil and history, while learning what distinguishes these expressions of traditional method sparkling wine.

25 February – The Chemistry of Drinks

Event name: The Chemistry of Drinks
Price: 500 SEK

Description:
Why does one white wine taste buttery while another shows herbal notes? Why is one beer cloudy and another clear? This tasting explores the chemistry behind flavour, aroma and texture by comparing wine and beer in a clear and educational format.

2 March – Bellman and His Drinks

Event name: Bellman and His Drinks
Price: 500 SEK

Description:
A journey into the eighteenth century through the life and drinking habits of Carl Michael Bellman. The tasting combines historical context with beer, wine and spirits to illustrate how drinks were enjoyed during Bellman’s time.

4 March – Liquorice and Drinks

Event name: Liquorice and Drinks
Price: 550 SEK

Description:
A playful yet challenging tasting focused on pairing drinks with liquorice, both sweet and salty. The session explores why liquorice is notoriously difficult to match and how different drinks respond to this distinctly Scandinavian flavour.

9 March – Churchill and His Drinks

Event name: Churchill and His Drinks
Price: 500 SEK

Description:
An evening exploring the life of Winston Churchill through his relationship with drink during the turbulent years of the Second World War. Spirits, wine and fortified wines are tasted alongside stories from 1940, creating a narrative driven and immersive experience.

16 March – Red Wines from Southern France

Event name: Red Wines from Southern France
Price: 500 SEK

Description:
A tasting dedicated to the wines of southern France. Participants learn about grape varieties, soil and climate while exploring the regional styles that define this diverse and expressive area.

18 March – White Wines Introduction

Event name: White Wines Introduction
Price: 450 SEK

Description:
Learn how white wines gain their character and how different styles can be identified. The tasting covers sweetness, acidity and body, alongside tasting technique and food pairing guidance.

22 April – Rosé Wines Around the World

Event name: Rosé Wines Around the World
Price: 500 SEK

Description:
As warmer seasons approach, rosé becomes a natural choice. This tasting explores rosé styles from different countries, comparing colour, structure and flavour while encouraging participants to discover their own preferences.

27 April – Wines of England

Event name: Wines of England
Price: 650 SEK

Description:
An exploration of one of Europe’s most dynamic emerging wine countries. The focus is primarily on English sparkling wine, with additional styles possible. The tasting examines climate, soil, grape varieties and the rapid development of English wine.

13 April – Titanic and Its Drinks (Repeat Session)

Event name: Titanic and Its Drinks
Price: 500 SEK

Description:
A second opportunity to explore the drinks served aboard the Titanic, combining historical narrative with tastings of beer, wine and spirits.

20 April – The Second World War and Its Drinks

Event name: The Second World War and Its Drinks
Price: 500 SEK

Description:
A historical tasting focused on drinking culture during the Second World War. By exploring different countries and perspectives, the session examines how war influenced production, availability and drinking habits. Beer, wine and spirits are included.

Booking a Tasting at Systembolaget Helsingborg

Booking:
Tastings can be booked by contacting the store at +46 42 21 36 97 or by visiting the shop at Drottninggatan 18. All tastings begin at 19.30.

About the Tastings

Setting: Weekdays after the store has closed
Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
Number of drinks: Four to eight, depending on theme
Serving size: Smaller pours are used when more drinks are included due to regulated limits
Themes: Range from educational introductions to culturally and historically focused tastings

Practical Information

Age requirement: Participants must be at least 20 years old and not visibly intoxicated
Sensory conditions: Avoid strong fragrances to ensure the best tasting experience
Allergies: Please inform the store when booking