11/18/2008
WAN = Wine + Art + Networking
Who says business has to be dull? On Thursday evening, November 13, we joined a crowd of about 80 at the brand new premises of Konstbar on Kungsholmen for a combination art and wine tour – and networking with other members of AmCham.
The crowd was lively and there were no end of conversation pieces. To start with, the Beringer wines from Napa Valley, California. According to the importer’s representative, Oskar Lindell, Beringer aims to lead the quality wine category in Sweden and revive import figures for US wines, which have fallen in recent years.
“Take this Cabernet Sauvignon,” said Lindell. “It’s a bit more fruity and adjusted to the Swedish palate. And it’s also the first time Beringer has offered wine in a bag-in-box. American producers are often reluctant to use that package format, but it currently accounts for 55% of wine sales in Sweden.”
Wine-tasting is subjective, but the crowd was generous with comments: “Light, with an aftertaste of berries”, “a good, casual drinking wine.” But the chardonnay got even more attention: “Smooth and peachy”, “Good structure, fresh balance.”
And then there was the art. Konstbar is a gallery run by the three Lindmark brothers – Andreas, Jacob and Patrik. They feature books and designer gifts, but their major attraction is the creative output of young Swedish designers and artists. They currently display the work of about 10 artists on their walls – in some cases, it hangs from the ceilings – and add new ones every month.
Patrik Lindmark explained their concept this way: “We’re an alternative to galleries and to mass-produced prints. We offer affordable art in limited series. And everyone needs something on their wall!”
Beringer
Systembolaget currently stocks two Beringer wines. The new Cabernet-Sauvignon can be ordered from http://www.vinsprit.se/sv/Vara-drycker/Bestallning/Beringer/
Konstbar
Alströmergatan 16
Tel 08 22 85 79
www.konstbar.com
Art, professional framing and large format printing.
15% discount for AMCHAM members through December
Written exclusively for AmCham by Robin Battison, Battison & Partners
Pictures from the event taken by Rob Nelson.
