Revived: September 6, 2026 (Published: October 16, 2016)

 

Born in England. Raised in Finland. Shaped by Champagne.

Welcome to Sparkling Travel Stories, the wine & travel blog of a Helsinki-based writer whose life was forever changed by solo travel and wine.

SPARKLING WOMAN FROM FINLAND

My name is Sanna. As a freelance journalist and sociologist, I’m craving inspiration and authentic experiences. Some call it restlessness, I say it’s all about curiosity and wanderlust.

As a seasoned traveller, I love to explore new latitudes while returning to my bustling favourite cities: Paris, Rome, Madrid, Bilbao and Berlin.

Life in Helsinki isn’t bad either, but getaways are important for my well-being. To be honest, I’d like to travel much more in my beautiful home country.

WINE STORIES FROM THE HEART

As a professional wine writer, Dame Chevalière de l’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne and certified Spanish Wine Scholar, my trips often take me to the French, Italian and Spanish countryside where I seek authentic encounters with the locals.

My path has taken me to Champagne 30+ times, and I’ve celebrated several birthdays over there. I have also lived in Umbria – my love for that region never dies. Right now, Spain feels like the most exciting and dynamic wine country for me.

Besides (my mother tongue) Finnish, I speak English, Swedish, German, Italian and French + some Spanish and Russian. My infatuation for the Basque Country, txakoli wines and Athletic Club has led me to study Euskara, the most unique language I’ve encountered.

ROOM FOR PEOPLE & SURPRISES

In this blog, I love to share stories and impressions, coincidences and delicious travel tips. They can be anything from unforgettable croissants to the finest dinners, from quirky orange wines to Finnish artisan ciders, from African sauces to hip wine bars.

Sometimes my wining & dining is well planned, sometimes memorable surprises arise at local eateries. My greatest joy is to taste wine & food, seize the moment and dig deeper into local culture.

If I can choose, I’d rather drink ordinary wines with brilliant people than once-in-a-lifetime unicorns in boring/arrogant/pompous company.

That said, I never say no to a glass of champagne. If we meet, I am glad to share a bottle of noble bubbles with you. Or even two, if we have time until sunrise.

How about you: what’s your favorite wine or travel destination? Drop a comment below!

Glad to have you here at Sparkling Travel Stories 💜

// Sanna

PS. To follow my travels & wine life, you’ll find me on Instagram as @champagnesanna, and on my Finnish IG account as @sannakissakangas.

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PHOTO (left): Lari Järnefelt @ Felt Fotografi
Pikku Huopalahti, Helsinki.

PHOTO (right): Giuseppe Rosario Mingione
Barri Gótic, Barcelona.

All other photos are mine unless credited otherwise.

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P.S. ONE LAST THING…

I only write about places I have visited, people I have met in person and wines that I’ve tasted. Every post is based on first-hand experience and observations.