Laboratoriet Vinbutik & Vinbar, Nyborg

Wine in an Old Apothecary Laboratory

Laboratoriet sits quietly in the courtyard behind Adelgade 2, in the heart of Nyborg’s historic center. The space once formed the laboratory of the town’s Løve apotek, an apothecary dating back to 1824, and that heritage still shapes the atmosphere. Original details, from exposed beams to the feeling of a working back room tucked off the main street, give the bar a gently timeworn charm. Today, the glassware on the shelves is filled with Burgundy and Barolo rather than tinctures and tonics, but there is still a sense that careful experiments are being carried out – this time in taste. Spread across two compact floors, the interior feels more like an inviting home than a formal bar. Candlelight, wooden furniture and walls lined with bottles create an enveloping, intimate setting, particularly on cooler Danish evenings. The combination of historic building and modern wine culture makes Laboratoriet feel both rooted and refreshingly contemporary.

Bottle Shop Meets Neighbourhood Wine Bar

Laboratoriet functions as both a retail wine shop and a sit-down vinbar. Shelves are stocked with wines from a broad range of regions – from classic European appellations to bottles from further afield – along with spirits, sweet treats and gift baskets ready to take away. It is a place where you can browse slowly, ask questions and leave with a carefully chosen bottle for dinner or a present. At the same time, the bar side invites you to linger over a glass. The selection by the glass changes, encouraging exploration of new grapes and styles. Alongside the wine, there are simple but thoughtfully chosen accompaniments: French-inspired specialties, small snacks and fresh-baked bread that turn a drink into a light meal. The balance between shop and bar means you can taste something you enjoy and then pick up a bottle to bring home.

Slow Evenings and Seasonal Tastings

Laboratoriet is open on selected days, typically from late morning to early evening on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, which lends the place a deliberately unhurried rhythm. Afternoons can be quiet and reflective, ideal for a coffee or hot chocolate, while later hours on Fridays feel livelier as locals stop by for an after-work glass. The limited opening times contribute to a sense of occasion: a visit here feels like a deliberate pause in the week. Regular wine tastings and themed events add another layer to the experience. These evenings might focus on a single grape, a region or style, often pairing wines with small bites. The upstairs space can also be reserved for private gatherings and meetings, turning the historic laboratory into an intimate venue for celebrations or work sessions with character. Throughout, the emphasis stays on conversation, curiosity and enjoyment rather than formality.

A Courtyard Retreat in the Middle of Town

Reaching Laboratoriet takes you off the main street and into a sheltered courtyard, which immediately softens the urban feel of central Nyborg. On milder days, the transition from cobbled streets to this tucked-away space is part of the charm; you step from the bustle of everyday errands into a calmer, more contemplative corner. Indoors, the compact rooms filter the sounds of the city to a gentle background murmur, leaving clinking glasses and low voices as the primary soundtrack. This setting makes Laboratoriet as suitable for a quiet solo glass with a book as it is for a catch-up with friends or a relaxed date. It is easy to combine a stop here with a stroll through Nyborg’s historic lanes or a visit to the nearby castle, using the bar as either a pre-dinner aperitif spot or a final nightcap before heading back to your accommodation.

Local Character in Every Detail

What distinguishes Laboratoriet is its sense of place. Rather than striving for a generic, polished wine-bar aesthetic, it leans into the quirks of the old building and the intimacy of a small town. The selection reflects both international wine trends and the personal preferences of the people behind the bar, who are often happy to guide you toward something new. Small touches – from the choice of snacks to the handwritten notes on bottles – reinforce the feeling of a locally rooted, owner-driven project. For travelers exploring Funen, this makes Laboratoriet a rewarding stop: a chance to experience Danish small-town life, enjoy well-chosen wines in an atmospheric setting, and spend an hour or two in a place that still feels proudly, distinctly Nyborg.