Wineries in Lithuania: the Nordic style of wine-producing

Wine in Lithuania? Many foreigners are asking this question and are always surprised with the answer that Lithuania actually makes some good wines, of course, different from the ones in Southern Europe, or other wine-producing countries in the word. Lithuania cannot be proud of hundreds of sunny days and warm climate. Thus, usually, our wine has a strong Nordic taste, the taste of our berries and fruits. Lithuania does not have the grapes but has plenty of apples and wild berries that make the wine a little bit different. As you already can feel the taste of wine in your mouth, let’s begin our story about the Nordic style of wine-producing in Lithuania and our wineries.

The Burgundy of Lithuania

Like the Biržai region is loved for its beer, the history of our wineries starts in a town called Anykščiai on the North of Lithuania.  For a long time, beer and another Lithuanian strong drink Midus (an alcoholic drink made of honey) were the main alcoholic drinks. The wine was made only in some houses and usually was produced from the apples. The tradition of more serious wine-production starts as from the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, a young entrepreneur Balys Karazija felt the potential of wine-producing and was the first man in Lithuania who started making the wine. This young man liked the Anykščiai town so much that he created a winery together with his friend Alfonsas, who was studying the wine-production in the USA. That's how Balys became the king of wines in Lithuania. The first wine in Anykščiai was made from the apples and was a sensation in whole Lithuania. The luck of wine-production was international. In 1938, the Lithuanian wines won the gold in Paris international wine exposition.

P.S Balys actually did not like the wine.

And Voruta was born

When the World War II started, Balys emigrated to the West, and the winery in Anykščiai was left without its creator. Balys spent the rest of his life in the USA, but the winery in Aykščiai is still producing wines in Lithuania, as Anykščių vynas winery.  Anykščių vynas is one of the biggest wineries in Lithuania. Its wine brand Voruta can be found in all shops and restaurants. The production of wines in this winery is large. During the year, they produce the wine from more than 35 000 liters of local berries and fruits. One of the most popular wines of Voruta currently is a rose wine made from strawberries, and it is even rated internationally.

The rebirth of wineries

Nowadays, the Lithuanian wine is more and more popular and has more quality. There are many more wineries in Lithuania, but also one more is worth mentioning - Gintaro Sino wine. This family winery is becoming more and more popular and well recognized. Located in the Zarasai town, this winery offers the wines made from a mix of fruits and berries, which makes the taste more intense.

Now, you know that finding a good Lithuanian wine is possible, and it is a perfect gift for your relatives and friends. The Nordic style of wine-production in Lithuania is alive and offers you the best combination of berries and local fruits. So, bring some Lithuanian cheese and a glass of local wine, and let the pleasant tastes to surprise you.

Gintaro Sino winery

Juodalaukiai 32103, Lietuva

Anykščių Vynas winery

K. Ladigos g. 32, Anykščiai 29131, Lietuva