Skudeneset Gaard – A unique combination of wine, crafts and tourism

In Søgne is Skudeneset Gaard, one of Norway's most unique vineyards. Here, Erik Lindås and his wife May Tove run a business that combines wine production, a basket-making workshop and soon also a beer brewery.

With an ever-increasing flow of visitors, the farm has become an important destination for both local and international tourists. Cruise tourists in particular have caught the eye of the idyllic farm.

FACTS:

One of Norway's few vineyards and basketry workshop
Produces approximately 700-1000 bottles of wine annually
Approximately 2,500 guests per year, of which 1,000 are cruise tourists.
Approximately 30% of revenue comes from cruises
The port contributes to an even distribution of guests throughout the year

With Skudeneset Gaard, Erik and May Tove Lindås have created a destination that combines local wine, crafts and tourism.

Increasing cruise tourism

Tourism has become an increasingly important part of the operation, largely thanks to cooperation with Cruise Sørlandet and Kristiansand Port. Skudeneset Gaard welcomes around 2,500 visitors annually, of which about 1,000 are cruise guests. “We have visitors from 25–30 cruise calls a year, and with an average of 30 people per group, it means a lot to us,” says Erik.

“Without this steady flow of visitors, especially during the shoulder seasons and winter months, it would be difficult to maintain operations.” - Erik

Valeria comes from Ukraine and has worked at Skudenes for two years.

Collaboration with the port provides stability

In the summer, hotel guests and larger events dominate, while cruise guests are a stable source of income throughout the year. “From January to March, cruise guests are the most important source of income. Without them, we would have to work much more actively to attract other types of visitors. We are also very close to Mandal Harbour. The cruise ships that come to Mandal also send their tourists here. And on the Port’s website we can check the call overview, which is incredibly useful for us. Then we know when the ships are coming in, and can plan accordingly,” says Erik.

"Approximately 30% of our turnover comes from cruise tourists. There is no doubt that cruise tourists are very important for Kristiansand." - Erik

Future visions

Erik and May Tove are constantly looking for new ways to develop the business. “We hope that the Netherlands ferry will return, it will make it easier for tourists to stay longer in the region, and will also give us more groups to work with. It is also very important to continue with the Denmark routes that are there.”

They also see the potential in attracting more campervan tourists and arranging more for tourists who spend a night in Kristiansand. “It’s difficult to offer something for just 2-4 people, but if the ferries could offer a trip here on board and organize the tourists in larger groups, it would be more interesting.”

An important piece in the travel industry

With the growing interest in local food and drink, crafts and authentic experiences, there are good conditions for Skudeneset Gaard to continue to develop as an important player in Norwegian tourism. The collaboration with Cruise Sørlandet and Kristiansand Port plays a key role in this development. “We are proud to facilitate the opportunity for more tourists to experience this special destination”, says Port Director Atle Johannessen.