

As cold autumn winds roll in, we like to cosy up inside with candles, spicy wine, and hot stews. We had a chat with a local wine influencer Grapewild to see how she will be spending this fall at home. Karin Ericson is the copywriter and restaurant critic turned full-fledged sommelier and wine influencer. With her nose in the glass and pen in hand, she runs the account Grapewild where she shares her favourite grapes and thirst quenchers. We had a chat with her to hear how she will spend the fall at home.
How did Grapewild come about?
I studied wine and immediately felt that this is so damn fun – I have to save the world with wine. At the same time, I felt that there was a lack of fun, quirky, inspiring wine accounts that make wine accessible to more people, especially girls. Since I already work with advertising and copywriting, creating Grapewild was close at hand. I love to inspire and teach in a way that makes things easy to understand.
How will you spend autumn at home?
I will live in my cosy Stine Goya lounge set, light candles, read magazines under a blanket, drink tea (or red wine) and create lots of cosiness. I’m very good at creating cosiness at home.
What is your best tip for a cosy autumn dinner?
Invite your friends, and eat heartwarming food, rich stews, and a traditional Sunday roast with creamy sauce. The type of food that feels like a big hug. Have a real Thanksgiving!
Three things you must have in the kitchen?
A sharp knife, a lemon because it adds flavour to any dish, and a coffee maker to wake you up in the morning.
Three guests you’d invite to dinner?
Daniel Craig, Carina Berg, and Leif GW Persson – although he is not allowed to bring his own wine!
Complete the sentence The kitchen is…
my meditation.
Which wine is best for autumn?
A spicy red wine like Syrah from the Rhône Valley goes well with lamb or a soft strawberry Grenache (loved by many), Barbera from Piedmonte for the pizza, and Nerello Mascalese from my favorite region Etna. If you like white, I think you should pour yourself a barrel of Chardonnay from Jura and cook Moules Frites.
Top three wine tips?
My best wine tip is to keep an eye on the temporary assortment every Friday at Systembolaget. This is where you’ll find exciting, good, artisanal wines from small producers. But here are three go-to's from the regular range:
Champagne: La Chouette de Champillon, Blanc de Noirs, No. 77366, France SEK 299.
Always have a bottle of champagne at home. You never know when you want to celebrate. This is incredibly affordable champagne made from blue grapes, as good for food as it is for parties. Always a good go-to if you want to level up from cava.
Borgogno. Barbera d'Alba Superiore, No. 74201, Italy, SEK 199.
A soft, fresh, and cherry-filled Italian that's always a safe bet to crack open for pasta night, fall dinner, or in front of the fireplace. Your dad will love Borgogno as much as your friends.
Parajes del Valle. Monastrell, no. 2532, Spain, SEK 99.
A spicy, lively, and fresh redberry wine from the Monastrell grape that's insanely affordable. Perfect if you plan to host a dinner party and want to serve something good without breaking the bank.
Discover more of Grapewild here:
@Grapewild and www.Grapewild.se