In 1990, the small Latvian town of Sabile was listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Situated at an altitude of around 34 metres above the Abava River and approximately 155 metres above sea level, it is home to one of the world’s northernmost open-air vineyards.
Grapes have been cultivated in Sabile since the time of the Livonian Order, and the town’s coat of arms depicts a bunch of grapes. Throughout its long history, the vineyards have fallen into disrepair several times, but have always been restored. The most recent restoration took place at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s. Today, Sabile is the heart of Latvian viticulture: the most common variety is ‘Zilga’. In addition to grapes, peaches, apricots and walnuts are grown here. Since 1999, a Wine Festival has been held on the hill in the second half of July.
Latvia is home to several dozen local wine brands. The wines produced at local wineries range from classic grape wines to more exotic varieties made from quince, gooseberries, and even rhubarb. They are readily available in shops in Riga and other towns. However, a visit to a winery offers a much richer experience, as you can see for yourself how wine and grapes are produced. Wineries are relatively easy and inexpensive to get to – a standard tasting tour usually costs between €10 and €20 per person.
Mazburkas
Situated on the Riga–Ventspils motorway (A10), the estate combines a sheep farm with vineyards that have been cultivated for over 20 years. One of the largest estates in the region, around 60 grape varieties are grown on its southern slopes. The main products here are classic wines: dry rosés, reds and whites. In addition to wine, Mazburkas also produce grape juice and lamb, which can be purchased by prior arrangement.
Tasting and tours
The tour includes a wine tasting, light refreshments, a talk about the farm’s history and a walk through the vineyards. If you wish, you can watch the flock of sheep, and during the season, you can help with the grape harvest. The owner, Gunta Niedra, shares her expertise and offers advice to anyone interested in sheep farming.
It’s possible to stay overnight in the wooden cottages next to the winery – book here. For special occasions, the farm has a function room modelled on a rustic barn which can accommodate up to 50 people. It is ideal for small weddings and corporate events. There is also a wedding ceremony area nearby.
The tour costs €100 for groups of fewer than five people. For larger groups, the price is €20 per person.
Abava
Abava is one of Latvia’s largest and most technologically advanced wineries. It has strong ties to the Sabile region and the Abava River valley. What began as a small enterprise was transformed into a sustainable and growing brand by three families joining forces. They chose the dragonfly, a characteristic inhabitant of the valley, as their symbol.
Today, the winery produces exclusive batches of wine from northern and hybrid grape varieties. Its second site, located near Tukums, produces a variety of fruit and berry drinks, including non-alcoholic mulled wines and kombucha. The winery’s pride and joy is its light, pale pink rhubarb sparkling wine with a refreshing tartness.
Tasting and tours
For an authentic experience, head to the winery near Tukums. It boasts a wine cellar, a bar and a shop selling the brand’s own products. Guests can enjoy tours of the production facilities and wine tastings, and the venue is available to hire for private events, including hen parties and weddings. The grounds also have picnic areas and a motorhome park.
The tour costs between €15 and €18 per person, depending on group size, or €100 for groups of up to six people.
Tērvetes
Sabile is by no means the only place in Latvia where wine is produced. However, most other vineyards are much younger.
Tērvetes is a small independent winery in Tērvete, born out of a passion that eventually became a life’s work. Sandris Laizāns started making wine as a hobby over 15 years ago, and in 2014 he planted his own vineyard and established the winery.
The winery has been adapted over time to suit the local climate and raw materials, partly by drawing on the expertise of Austrian winemakers. As well as grape wines, the winery produces drinks made from local berries and fruits.
Tasting and tours
Dace Laizāne and Sandris Laizāns, the passionate wine enthusiasts who own the winery, lead the tours themselves. They lead the tours themselves and offer guests seasonal fruit and berry wines, as well as light snacks such as homemade bread and cheese, which are served by Dace.
Kremon (Krimulda Manor)
Situated on the grounds of the Krimulda Manor (known in German as Schloß Kremon/Cremon), one of Latvia’s most picturesque wineries can be found in Sigulda. From here, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the ancient Gauja River valley. Wines, liqueurs and fruit spirits are produced in the former stables.
Winemaker Jānis Mikāns proudly states that there are almost as many wines here as there are berries and flowers in Latvia. The most popular drinks include dandelion wine, which has a slightly bitter taste, cranberry wine and lilac wine. These drinks are made using ingredients from the estate’s gardens, local forests, and Latvian vineyards.
Tasting and tours
The estate’s wines can be purchased on site, as well as at the nearby Milly shop and café.Guests can enjoy themed tours with tastings, which include an introduction to the estate’s history and local traditions, as well as the drinks.
The tour costs €60.50 per group plus €10 (21% VAT) per person for the wine tasting.
Aizpute
The Santi family had been dreaming of setting up a winery since the turn of the last century. They studied the secrets of wine fermentation and aging with boundless enthusiasm, and then, in 2010, they found the perfect spot in the cellar of Aispute Castle. They have been making wine and welcoming guests there ever since. As the winemakers themselves say, their wine truly comes into its own in this cellar. Like a fine diamond, it needs the right ‘cut’ to shine.
Tasting and tours
During the tasting session, visitors can sample a variety of berry wines, including those made from quince, gooseberries, rowanberries and blackcurrants. Short tours and private events are also organised, including hen parties, corporate events and celebrations.
The tour costs €10 per person, or €100 for groups of up to nine people.
Tēviņkalns
Not far from Mazburkas, in the Zemite area, lies another winery: Tēviņkalns. The grapes grow on hills offering stunning views, and in the cellars they produce wine from garden fruits and berries. The semi-sweet sparkling raspberry wine and the Daudzābols apple spirit are particularly popular. What sets them apart is that they contain no added sugar; the alcohol is produced naturally from the sugars found in the fruit.
Tasting and tours
Guests can visit the wine cellar and enjoy wine and snacks in the cosy atmosphere of the cellar or on the garden terrace. The tasting includes 10 different wines, cheese and bread. For those who do not drink alcohol, fruit and berry juices are available. In summer, you can take a stroll through the garden, and during the harvest season, you can sample the berries. By prior arrangement, a fire will be lit for guests – you can cook your own food or order meals on site: the menu includes wildlife dishes, such as venison soup, and ice cream with berries.
The tour costs €60 per group. For groups of five or more people, the price is €12 per person.
