Södermalm's best wine bars

Since Folii opened its doors on the eastern part of Södermalm in 2017, the wine bar has been won a number of awards, including the prestigious Gulddraken. The city's wine enthusiasts have also embraced the place, and it draws in numerous regulars. The wine list features bottles from around the world that have been handpicked by the owner duo, both of whom are seasoned sommeliers. Most of them are served in half-glasses, full-glasses, half-bottles and full-bottles, so there are plenty of opportunities to sample and find new favourites. 

The boutique hotel NOFO is so passionate about wine that it has its very own wine bar, welcoming both hotel guests and other thirsty visitors. Dream yourself away to world metropolises such as Paris and New York, while you sip a glass of carefully selected wine. The wine list is constantly updated and contains both classic favourites as well as more unusual natural wines, mainly from the traditional wine countries such as France, Italy and Spain. Food-wise, there are wine-compatible dishes in both smaller and slightly larger portions.

Il Merlo has brought a little slice of Sicily to Södermalm. The place is as much a wine bar as a sandwich shop, so you can come here for a filling meal as well as a family-friendly hangout over a glass of wine. If you want to explore Sicily's unique range of wines, including, among other things, volcanic wines from Etna, you've come to the right place. The attentive staff are happy to share their knowledge, and they regularly organise fun events such as wine tastings, quizzes and live music.

Do you prefer colourful wines with cheeky labels, rather than traditional variants in sleek bottles? Then don't miss Bar Ninja, found in one of Södermalm's liveliest neighbourhoods, namely the area between Skanstull and Nytorget. In the bar they uncork juicy red wines, spritzy pét-nat, orange wine and other fun bottles from around the world, all made in artisanal fashion. The fact that wine importer Wine Trade is behind the wine bar speaks volumes about the expertise on offer here. 

Just beside the beach in Hornstull you'll find Jäst Vinbar, a rustic little haven focused on natural wines from small-scale producers. These can be paired with small plates and pasta, or simply enjoyed as they are. The name reflects the philosophy behind the wine bar – they want to celebrate all that's authentic and dynamic, and to let both conversation and winemaking take their time.

Hornstulls Bodega is the area's very first dedicated wine bar, and its popularity endures year after year. The small bar is located inside Tjoget and though it doesn't occupy many square metres, it has a big atmosphere. They aim to serve good wine at a reasonable price and on the list you'll find bottles of European origin in several different styles. Come here for an evening in a lively atmosphere, on your own or with a friend.

Drink wine and eat tapas in music-influenced surroundings at Pet Sounds Bar, with views over Slussen's waterfront. The wine list is primarily anchored in the European wine countries and leans a little more towards the classical side, rather than the adventurous. If you like music you'll feel especially at home – the bar is run by the crew behind the record shop Pet Sounds, which has furnished the venue with countless vinyl records and a stage where live bands often perform. Don't miss the outdoor seating during the summer season.

On the corner where Ringvägen meets Katarina Bangata you'll find this colourful little bar, whose wine list is filled with biodynamic wines from selected producers. If you want to learn more about natural wine, orange wine, or a specific region, you can book yourself onto a small wine tasting session at the bar. Otherwise it's just a matter of choosing something fun from the wine list or letting the staff pour their favourites, and perhaps order some small dishes from the menu, which have been created to accompany the wine. There's also a pleasant outdoor seating area that's open from April to October.

This ambitious wine bar takes its cue from Europe and offers a dynamic wine list with wines from producers who work sustainably. Pair your drink with a few snacks perfect for the afternoon or evening, and don't miss out on enjoying a glass on the cheery outdoor seating area on Greta Garbos Torg when the sun's shining.

Despite the name, this wine bar isn't in Nacka, but just a stone's throw from Lilla Blecktornsparken in Södermalm. Sommelier Anton Larsson, who has worked at the Grand Hôtel and Bistro Mirabelle, among other spots, uncorks bottles and serves pizzas and small plates. A concept as straightforward as it is delightful. 

In summer, Alba is one of Södermalm's best spots for people-watching – they have, after all, built a terrace that overflows with wine- and sun-seeking Stockholmers in the afternoon. Even in winter it's nice to come here to drink grape juice, especially if your heart beats a little faster for wine in quirky bottles. A place for lively moments in good company, rather than quiet hanging out. 

One floor down from street level near Skanstull, Bambi is a noisy, bustling bistro with a passion for French decadence. The tables are tightly packed, and it's easy to have a cosy evening here. The wine list is in constant flux and the menu is filled with hearty farmhouse cooking. If you're not hungry enough for a full meal, you can just as easily drop by for something to drink and a few oysters — a concept that's rarely a bad idea. 

A slightly unusual wine experience can be found next to Mariatorget, more precisely at Dryck Vinbar. They aim to broaden the picture of what wine can be, by offering little-known artisanal wines, Swedish wine and other small-scale drinks from Europe. Food follows the same vein with, for example, Swedish farmhouse cheeses and liba pizzas topped with seasonal ingredients. Thanks to the glassed-in outdoor seating area, you can sit outside on Swedenborgsgatan all year round.

The neighbourhood bistro Café Cuvée has a great passion for French wine and regularly brings in exciting new bottles. Sit yourself at the bar and sip a glass, or go for a full evening with dinner and wine. You can also book a wine tasting. If you want to experience France without leaving Södermalm, this is a perfect destination.

As the name suggests, wines from the Balkans dominate the selection at this family-friendly wine bar. Pick and choose among bottles from, for example, Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Romania and Slovenia, or ask the staff for suggestions. Come mainly for the drinks, but should hunger strike, they also serve cheese, charcuterie and Balkan-inspired small plates.