Britannia Hotel Has Norway’s Best Wine List 

Britannia Hotel has been awarded Norway’s Best Wine List 2026 in the “Great Classics” category at the prestigious annual awards presented by the Norwegian Sommelier Association.

The distinction celebrates destinations where expertise, hospitality and a genuine passion for wine define the guest experience, recognising restaurants and hotels that continue to shape and elevate Norwegian wine culture.

For Britannia, the award is a meaningful acknowledgement of the dedication, craftsmanship and long-term commitment behind one of Norway’s most extensive and thoughtfully curated wine collections.

The competition for Norway’s best wine list is organised annually by the Norwegian Sommelier Association, with the jury evaluating criteria such as breadth, depth, balance, pricing and the overall quality of the wine programme.

In 2026, the “Great Classics” category was introduced to honour some of Norway’s most distinguished wine destinations, places where the wine list itself is considered an integral part of the overall dining experience.

As the competition’s highest distinction, the award further reinforces Britannia’s position among the country’s leading wine destinations.

“This is huge,” says Thomas Andersen, Britannia Hotel’s Head of Wine.

Andersen leads the ongoing development of Britannia’s wine programme and oversees the carefully curated wine selections found both in the hotel’s cellar and throughout its restaurants and bars.

“It goes without saying that recognition like this means a great deal to us. The level in Norway is exceptionally high at the moment, with many outstanding places to enjoy wine, which makes this award particularly meaningful,” he says.

Since spring 2019, Andersen has played a central role in shaping and developing Britannia’s wine cellar and collection into what is today regarded as one of the most distinguished in Norway.

In this year’s citation, the jury describes Britannia as “the very best in Norwegian wine culture”.

The jury writes: “With impressive depth, precision and dedication to both wine and the sommelier profession, the wine list at Britannia Hotel represents the very pinnacle of quality, expertise and guest-focused hospitality.”

Britannia’s wine cellar is further described as “a living museum of international wine history”.

The jury also highlights the holistic experience found throughout the hotel, from the interplay between cuisine and wine to the way the wine list is thoughtfully integrated across Britannia’s restaurants and bars.

Since reopening in 2019, Britannia Hotel has built a wine collection now regarded among Norway’s most extensive and distinguished cellars, guided by a clear ambition to offer wine experiences and service of an international standard.

“Building and developing a wine cellar is both a long-term and continuous endeavour. We will continue to work tirelessly to offer the very best and most exciting wines,” says Andersen.

Behind every bottle and every new vintage lies an ongoing pursuit shaped by curiosity, precision and long-term dedication. The search, in other words, never truly ends.

“This is something I work on constantly. There’s a wonderful interplay between what we believe should be represented in our wine programme and what our guests are seeking. At the same time, we are always looking for the wines our guests do not yet know they want: undiscovered gems, emerging talents, new trends and forgotten treasures from the world of wine.”

Andersen also emphasises that the award reflects the collective expertise found throughout Britannia, where hospitality, gastronomy and international wine culture remain central to the overall guest experience.

“It is fantastic to be part of such a strong professional environment within food, beverage, restaurants and bars here at Britannia. We are proud to have no fewer than eleven sommeliers, which is quite exceptional. It is a great privilege to lead such a talented team and work alongside so many dedicated colleagues,” he adds.

Wine is an integral part of the experience when visiting Britannia Hotel.

Whether visiting Palmehaven, Speilsalen, Brasserie Britannia, Jonathan Grill, Britannia Bar or Vinbaren, guests encounter a thoughtful interplay between gastronomy, hospitality and international wine culture.

The hotel’s wine list features carefully curated selections from some of the world’s most renowned wine regions, producers and vintages, chosen to create memorable experiences for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and curious guests alike.

The collection is available throughout the hotel’s restaurants and bars, allowing guests to explore the depth and character of Britannia’s wine cellar wherever they choose to dine or enjoy a glass of wine.

In the heart of Trondheim, Vinbaren at Britannia offers a vibrant wine cellar and wine bar where personalised hospitality, expertise and a genuine passion for wine define the experience.

Guests are invited to enjoy carefully curated wines, thoughtful gastronomy and good conversation in elegant and intimate surroundings.

The award for “Norway’s Best Wine List 2026” further reinforces Britannia Hotel’s position among Norway’s leading destinations for gastronomy, international wine culture and refined hotel experiences.

From historic vintages and iconic producers to attentive service and world-class dining, Britannia continues to strengthen Trondheim’s position as a distinguished destination for international gastronomy and wine culture.