This post is an informative journalistic coverage of a PR event with editorial & reportage elements that do not aim to promote any business, organisation, product or service.
Today - on the day of publication- I am a member of Ruokatoimittajat ry (Finnish Food Writers' Association), and attended this PR event as a food writer (not as an influencer).
21 September 2026 - Sofia, Helsinki
Helsinki Uncorked returned to Sofia with Anora’s international portfolio, bringing wine producers from around the world together with industry professionals and wine enthusiasts.
Within the larger event, a dedicated media tasting offered a first look at the autumn and Christmas novelties arriving in Alko and retail. Here are a few highlights from this year’s tasting:
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Wines & bubbles
This versatile selection made it possible to move between countries and styles within a few sips.
Among the bubbles, Corvezzo Organic Prosecco Rosé Extra Dry, Pongrácz Méthode Cap Classique Rosé Brut and Cecilia Beretta Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut offered three elegant takes on the sparkling spectrum.
The whites included a returning highlight, Blossom Fury Riesling 2024, the widely recognised Pratsch Grüner Veltliner and the curiosity-sparking Charline Chardonnay 2025. The latter deserves a mention for its exceptionally chic presentation alone. The 1.5 litre box looks almost like an expensive French perfume, making it ready to double as a Christmas present without much wrapping at all. The catalogue also marks Charline with four Viinilehti stars and a Löytö! distinction.
The reds covered quite a range of personalities. Val Duna Merlot seemed particularly geared towards a younger audience with its colourful illustrated bottle, while Bread & Butter Pinot Noir 2024 took the opposite visual route with its pared-back presentation, seamlessly integrating into the brand’s other wines. Their distinctive profile often sparks passionate discussions about whether you like the style or not. Antiche Terre Ripasso Mezzo Monte Organic added an Italian classic to the mix, and came with a long list of credentials too, including Viinilehti’s five-star rating and multiple award medallions.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Christmas goes to Mexico
Glögg inevitably signalled that Christmas is already on its way, but Blossa 26 Mexico took the tradition somewhere considerably warmer.
The 2026 annual edition combines white-wine glögg and its familiar spices with lime and a subtle smoky agave aroma, inspired by the Margarita. Even the ingredients follow the theme: the lime extract is made specifically for Blossa, while the traditional glögg spices are also extracted in agave spirit. The bright green bottle takes its visual inspiration from papel picado, the colourful cut-paper decorations used during Mexican celebrations. At the tasting, I heard a great suggestion to try a Spicy Winter Margarita interpretation using lime and jalapeño syrup.
The new Gambina Glögi joined familiar names including Perinteinen, Tähtiglögi, Wintertal and last year’s novelty, Jaloviina Glögi, covering everything from traditional red and white styles to more unconventional seasonal flavours.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Spicy spirits
The autumn and winter flavours continued with Koskenkorva novelties Cream Pumpkin Spice, Cream Irish Coffee and Chocolate & Orange, alongside last season’s highlight, Cream Gingerbread.
There was an anniversary here too: Larsen Cognac celebrates 100 years in 2026, with its VS, VSOP and XO represented at the event. The tasting also inspired exploring the cognac through mixed serves, including a Larsen French 75 with VSOP, lemon and Prosecco, a Golden Sail with VS and ginger beer, and a Pear Highball with VSOP, pear and apple.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Straight from the supermarket
Anora presented a dedicated selection of products whose alcohol content allows them to be sold through Finnish grocery stores rather than exclusively through Alko. Among the wines on display were Chill Out Sauvignon Blanc, Glöet and Magyar Red, while the chilled selection also included colourful canned formats.
Beyond the lower ABV, their colourful labels, alternative formats and strong shelf presence made this an interesting category to watch as Finland’s grocery wine selection continues to develop.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
If last year's seasonal selection showed how freely traditional winter flavours could be reinterpreted, 2026 seems equally happy to keep experimenting. And judging by Blossa's trip to Mexico, Christmas certainly doesn’t have to stay anywhere near the North Pole.
Thank you to Sari Salmela, PR & Communications Manager, and the product category managers for inviting me back to Helsinki Uncorked. I appreciate the opportunity to meet the people behind the Anora portfolio and explore what’s coming for the season ahead.
You can see more insights and photos on my Instagram.
DISCLOSURE
The organiser has not set any special criteria and has not initiated any financial/alternative compensation that would require the creation of any written or visual content related to this PR event nor the promotion of any products/services in exchange for attendance - but I decided to share my experience anyway as I think you'd enjoy exclusive insights from my recent gastro adventure. Any PR products/samples/food, drink/services/raffle prizes handed out by the organisers, other participants or exhibitors (if applicable) were not a form of compensation, nor part of an exchange agreement.
❗️Remember to drink responsibly, and that you must be over the minimum legal drinking age of your country. ❗️
