Can I brew beer or make wine at home in Finland?
Yes — by fermentation, for your own use. The Alcohol Act allows making mild alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, cider, mead, kilju) at home by fermentation for private use — no permits, no volume caps. Two hard limits: you may not sell or supply it for any compensation, and distilling (pontikka) is always a crime — even possessing a still without a licence is banned.
📋 The rules
- Fermented drinks (beer, wine, cider, kilju, mead) are legal to make for personal use — no permit, no notification, no litre cap.
- Private use only: serving family and guests free is fine; selling or bartering is not.
- Distilling is banned outright — making spirits at home is an alcohol offence regardless of quantity.
- Possessing distilling equipment (even parts) without a Valvira licence is punishable in itself.
- Concentrating alcohol by other means (e.g. repeated freeze-concentration) counts as production — stick to fermentation.
🔓 Exceptions
- Microbreweries and farm wineries operate on licences — turning hobby into business requires Valvira's production licence.
- Fermenting vinegar or baking products falls outside the Alcohol Act.
⚠️ Penalties
Unlicensed selling is an alcohol offence: fines or up to 2 years. Distilling and still possession carry the same headings — equipment and product are seized and destroyed.
📎 Sources
- Finlex · Alcohol Act 1102/2017 →
- Minilex · Home production of alcohol →
- Yle · The Alcohol Act package and home production →
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is kilju legal to make?
Yes — kilju is a fermented drink and free to make for your own use. Selling it is a crime.
Can I sell homemade wine to friends at cost?
No — any supply against compensation is unlicensed selling, including charging for 'ingredients'.
Why is distilling banned when fermenting isn't?
The Act permits only fermentation for private use. Distilling produces spirits, reserved for licence holders — at home it's always an alcohol offence.
Can I own a still as decor?
Possessing distilling equipment without a licence is banned regardless of purpose — even display pieces need a licence or must be made unusable.
🔎 What people search
Searches that lead to this question.
- “homebrewing legal Finland”
- “make wine at home Finland”
- “kilju legal Finland”
- “selling homemade beer Finland”