Hurtigruten retrieves 4,500 bottles...

‘Bubbles from the Sea’ have been ageing underwater since November 2023

Since launching its underwater wine ageing concept, ‘Bubbles from the Sea' (or Havets Bobler in Norwegian) in 2022, cruise operator Hurtigruten has aged thousands of bottles of sparkling wine in a fjord off the north coast of Norway.

The 2024 batch, which comprises 4,500 bottles stored at a depth of 34 metres, 70 degrees north of Bugøynes, is the first to be aged this far north.

According to the cruise line, the idea is that ageing in colder seas at a temperature of 5C, higher pressure and constant darkness will provide a more distinctive maturation of the wine.

This season's number of bottles stored underwater was a significant increase on the 1,500 bottles originally submerged in 2022 for the 2023 season.

Due to increasing demand, as many as 5,000 bottles will be submerged in September 2024 at a new, secret location along the Norwegian coast.

For a decade, Hurtigruten has been dedicated to its Norway's Coastal Kitchen food and drink concept, offering short-distanced and locally sourced cuisine.

However, as some items on the menu, such as wine, are not possible to produce in Norway on a large scale, Hurtigruten created the ‘Bubbles from the Sea’ concept to give its wine a Norwegian twist.

"By storing sparkling wine at the bottom of the sea under favourable conditions, we have managed to create a unique taste experience that stands out from other products on the market,” said Hurtigruten CEO, Hedda Felin.

Tani Gurra, Hurtigruten’s Front of House and Beverage Director, added: “The cooler temperatures of waters such as the Norwegian Sea are even better suited to sparkling wines. The stable underwater environment enhances the structure of the wine, improving effervescence to create smoother, softer bubbles, while moderating acidity and sweetness for more rounded tannins.”

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

Besides being served onboard, guests can also purchase bottles of the sparkling wine to take home.

For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com. For travel trade enquires, visit www.connectingtravel.com/cruise-hub/hurtigruten, or contact Carla Hines, Head of Sales EMEA on +44 (0) 7826 912 426 or carla.hines@hurtigruten.com

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