Recommended in Helsinki, Finland – Latva Bar

Latva's interior is rustique and minimalistic.

My criteria for a delightful wine bar are pretty straightforward: a smart, extensive wine list and engaged, wine wise service. If the interior is atmospheric, it is a definite bonus. Some of the best wine bars still manage to go beyond these expectations. They focus their wine thinking creating a centre of gravity for their business concept – a true wine philosophy. Dear wine lovers, all this is achieved by Latva Bar.

Latva’s philosophy is to present premium wines from small produces, craft beers from Finnish small breweries and drinks made of fresh, local produce. Ensuring the high quality of wines is Latva’s primary aim, which is obtained by finding small, passionate, artisanal wine producers with true craftsmanship. Their wines have heart starting with the people who made them. As a positive side product of these producer prerequisites, Latva's wines tend to be organically produced – either certified, or even if lacking certification, minimally interventionist in style. No industrial large volume wines enter Latva’s wine list. 

Jesse introduced me to Latva's wine philosophy.

Ah, let’s then discuss the wine list. At the moment, Latva has no cellar list but concentrates on wines that drink well just now. Altogether there are around 50 wines and champagnes on offer. Amazingly, you can order around 40 of them by the glass. And of course, you can sample the wines first before choosing what to order - otherwise this wouldn’t be Latva. The wine list is constantly changing according to seasons and depending on the sizes of deliveries obtained from the producers. Most represented are old world countries such as Italy, Germany, Spain and Austria. However, amongst them are some pearls from the new world, such as Julicher’s Pinot Noir made by a Finnish winemaker Outi Jakovirta in Martinborough, New Zealand (review coming soon). Sometimes there are also interesting rarities on the list, such as Greek wines. 

Customers seasonally changing needs are reflected by the list, as there are more white wines on offer in the summer when you can sip them luxuriously on Latva’s sunny terrace. And to warm you up, there are proportionately more red wines in the winter. The ever-changing wine list is always staying current.

Should you be hungry, Latva offers lunch as well as ”sapas” in the evening. Sapas are a Finnish version of tapas prepared from local produce. Latva’s big brother, gourmet restaurant Juuri, has created the famous concept. Compared to the ones offered by Juuri, Latva’s sapas are more substantial in size and more rustique in style, fitting to the bar environment. The menu is written anew on a chalkboard every evening. Needless to say, also foodies are at home at Latva.

Relaxed, current and winesavvy wine bar in the center of Helsinki. Warmly recommended.

Info in a nutshell

Latva Bar

Korkeavuorenkatu 25, 00130 Helsinki

latva@latva.fi,

+358 50 3818544

http://latva.fi