Portvinsbaren’s (The Port Bar’s) history begins with Edward Pagh Pedersen, who, together with a couple of friends, founded Portvinsbaren back in 2014. Since then, Portvinsbaren has been a gathering place for the capital’s many port wine enthusiasts and a place where newcomers can learn about the wonderful world of port wine.
As a young man, Edward noticed that what people typically drank at parties and social gatherings was primarily pilsner beer. At the time, however, he did not have much enthusiasm for beer. He therefore explored both whisky and cognac, which also failed to make much of an impression, as they were simply “too strong.” When he then turned his attention to the world of fortified wines, he discovered port, which immediately won him over. Edward began bringing port instead of beer to parties in his youth, and it quickly became popular among his friends and acquaintances. The joy of introducing his friends to port was great, and from that, the dream was born of creating a place where guests could have the same great experience with port wine as he had shared with his own circle so many times.
The dream becomes reality
At first, the dream seemed unrealistic to Edward. He was concerned that a port wine bar would not be financially sustainable. However, the dream was so strong that he was willing to give it a try.
I thought it would probably cost me money to run a port wine bar, but it was a hobby—like working on a motorcycle and so on.
Edward Pagh Pedersen
At the beginning of 2014, Edward traveled to Portugal to explore the homeland of port wine. There, he was met with overwhelming hospitality and generosity, and he quickly fell in love with the culture surrounding port.
I was met with incredible hospitality and was captivated by the love for port wine. I wanted to bring that experience back to Denmark and pass it on to my guests at Portvinsbaren.
Edward Pagh Pedersen
After his trip to Portugal, Edward was ready to open Portvinsbaren. The first step was to find a location. He found one on Kingosgade in Vesterbro, in a space that had previously been a pub.
After a fresh coat of paint and a lot of care, the venue was ready, and Portvinsbaren opened its doors in August 2014. Despite concerns that Copenhagen might not be ready for a bar specializing in something as niche as port wine, the opening was a great success. Ever since, Portvinsbaren has continued to thrive on Kingosgade.
A new chapter
After 11 years at the helm, Edward handed over the responsibility for running Portvinsbaren to Lucas Mukherjee and Birk Nordbo, two of the bar’s young bartenders. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Portvinsbaren’s history.
The two young port wine talents are ready, and I feel very confident about Portvinsbaren’s future in their hands.
Edward Pagh Pedersen
Although Edward has now passed on the baton, he remains a co-owner of Portvinsbaren, and you can still find him behind the bar from time to time.