Winiarnia Not Your USUAL w Kopenhagie

Great place for wine tasting. They have wine flights for sparkling, white, rosé and red. The choice for the wine flights is always personalized - don't hesitate to share what you like! The place is run by Moldovans, they bring wine from that region and the neighboring countries. This is the perfect spot to discover wines from countries other than the classic ones, made from local, unusual grapes found nowhere else. Also, the service is super friendly! And you can feel the passion they pour into their work. Oh, and last thing: don't hesitate to try the Danish cheese havarti to pair with any of your wines. It is such an amazing pairing!

Last night, our company wine club enjoyed an unforgettable evening at Not Your Usual Vinbar in Copenhagen—a spot that truly lives up to its name. The owner, who impressively wears the hats of chef, sommelier, and winemaker, curated a tasting menu of five small dishes, each expertly paired with a unique wine. His passion and knowledge added a personal touch that elevated the whole experience. We kicked off the night with a glass of Romanian bubbles (Avincis vin spumante, Vila Dobrusa) as the last guests arrived, setting a festive tone right from the start. The first dish was a classic: blinis topped with crème fraiche and generous spoonfuls of trout roe, paired with a crisp Blanc de Blancs Brut Vintage 2021 from Te Wā Wines—hailing from the owner’s home country, Moldova. The pairing was spot on, with the bubbles cutting through the richness and highlighting the delicate flavors. Next up was a zucchini carpaccio, a beautiful plate of raw zucchini drizzled with olive oil, brightened with orange zest, shavings of Danish hard cheese from Mammen (“forkælet”), and scattered flower petals. This dish was paired with a fresh white wine from Ukraine (Eduard Gorodetsky, My Wine Suholimansky, Odesa, 2024), which brought out the subtle vegetal notes and the citrus lift. The third starter was a bruschetta topped with beef tartare—simple, yet bursting with flavor. It was paired with my personal favorite of the evening, a spicy and elegant Romanian Pinot Noir from Avincis (2020). The wine’s peppery edge and silky texture complemented the richness of the tartare beautifully. For the main course, we enjoyed a comforting pork stew served over creamy mashed potatoes made with Moldovan spuds—a true showcase of the chef’s ability to turn humble ingredients into something memorable. This was paired with a robust Moldovan red made from 100% Saperavi grapes (Divus, Saperavi, 2019), which brought depth and a touch of earthiness to the dish. We finished on a high note with a small, decadent chocolate fondant featuring a perfectly runny center. The dessert was paired with a homemade Moldovan black cherry liqueur, crafted from cherries macerated with their pits to lend a subtle marzipan edge. The spirit’s warmth and complexity were the perfect match for the chocolate, ending the evening on a deliciously indulgent note. Throughout the night, the owner’s enthusiasm and attention to detail made us feel genuinely welcome. He remembered my previous visit ten months ago and even recalled my interest in his unusual wine selections—a testament to his dedication and hospitality. All in all, Not Your Usual Vinbar delivers exactly what its name promises: a unique, expertly curated experience where the food, wine, and atmosphere come together seamlessly. If you’re looking for a wine bar that goes beyond the ordinary, this is the place to be. Can’t wait to return!