Vidzeme wine tasting tour

Travelers seeking a taste of Latvia’s lesser-known delights will find the Vidzeme wine tasting tour offers a refreshing mix of local wines, scenic sights, and cultural stories. This experience takes you beyond the bustling streets of Riga into the lush countryside of Vidzeme, where small-scale wineries are flourishing and crafting wines from berries, fruits, and even birch sap.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to visit historic Krimulda Manor and taste home-made wines prepared with traditional recipes. Second, the opportunity to explore the family-run Ligatne winery, which has increased its variety from just four berry wines to over twenty. Third, the relaxed pace that includes a leisurely lunch in Sigulda, giving you time to soak in the local atmosphere.

A potential consideration? The 6-hour duration means a fair amount of traveling and tasting, so those with limited patience for bus rides or heavy wine sampling might want to pace themselves. However, for those eager to explore Latvian oenological ingenuity and rural charm, this tour offers a balanced and authentic experience.

Perfect for wine lovers, culture seekers, and curious travelers, this tour suits those who appreciate small, personalized group settings and are interested in discovering Latvia’s unique wine culture.

• Authentic Local Wines: From berries, fruits, and even birch sap, Latvian wine is surprisingly diverse.
• Historic & Scenic Stops: Krimulda Manor and Ligatne village offer more than just wine—they provide glimpses into Latvian history and rural life.
• Expert Guides & Private Tours: English-speaking guides ensure a smooth, informative experience tailored to small groups.
• Cultural Stories & Traditional Recipes: Learn the stories behind each wine and the traditional methods used to craft them.
• Value & Convenience: All transport costs, tastings, and guide services are included, making it a hassle-free day out.

The Start: Pickup in Riga & Journey into Vidzeme

The tour kicks off with a convenient hotel pickup in Riga, which means you don’t have to worry about navigating public transport or arranging your own transfers. From there, the ride into Vidzeme is comfortable, allowing you to sit back and appreciate the Latvian countryside. This part of the journey is as much about the scenic drive as it is the destination, with soft rolling hills and forests passing by.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Krimulda Manor: A Historic Setting & Wine Tasting

Your first stop is the Krimulda Manor, a site that’s steeped in local history. Here, you’ll get an up-close look at the home wine-making process. What makes this visit special is the chance to taste 4 different wines, all crafted from Latvian berries and recipes handed down through generations. Reviewers mention the experience as being very personal — the guide shares stories of life at the manor, adding depth to the tasting.

Many guests appreciate the chance to taste home-made wines prepared with berries, and some reviews note that the wines offered are particularly good for those interested in discovering local varieties rather than commercial brands. The stories about the manor’s history and wine-making traditions make this stop both educational and flavorful.

Lgatne Wine Tasting: Discovering Latvia’s Berry Wines

Next, the journey continues to Lgatne winery, a family-run operation established in 2010 with a mission to produce high-quality wines from local berries and fruits. Originally offering about four kinds of berry wines, the winery has expanded its range to more than twenty. Visitors often comment on the delicious quality and variety of the wines, which are made from locally harvested berries, fruits, plants, and blossoms from the Gauja National Park area.

The atmosphere here is warm and welcoming, with guides eager to explain the different wine-making techniques and what makes Latvian berries unique for wine production. Some reviews highlight the excellent wine selection and the opportunity to taste rare or unusual varieties, such as those made from rhubarb or dandelions.

Lunch & Free Time in Sigulda

A highlight of the tour is the lunch break in Sigulda, a charming town nestled in the Gauja valley. The stop lasts around an hour, giving you time to enjoy local cuisine, perhaps some traditional Latvian dishes or tapas-style snacks that pair well with the wine tastings.

Guests have noted the lunch as a good chance to relax, chat, and soak up the peaceful countryside vibe. Reviewers often mention that the food complements the wine tasting efforts perfectly, making the entire experience feel well-rounded and satisfying.

Return to Riga: A Reflective Ride

After the tastings and lunch, the journey back to Riga is typically smooth, with plenty of time to digest both the wine and the scenery. Many travelers appreciate the small group setting, which ensures personalized attention and the opportunity to ask questions about Latvian wine and culture.

This tour covers all transport costs, so you won’t have to worry about additional expenses once you book. The tastings at Krimulda Manor and Ligatne winery are included, along with an English-speaking guide, who brings the stories and wines to life.

While meals are not included, the organized lunch at Sigulda offers a taste of local cuisine, which many consider a valuable part of the experience. Other costs, such as additional drinks or souvenirs, are not covered, so budget accordingly if you want to buy extra bottles or gifts.

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How the Tour Works

• Duration: About 6 hours, from pickup in Riga to return.
• Group Size: Private groups are available, offering a tailored experience.
• Start Times: Check availability, with typical offerings allowing flexibility.
• Language: The guide speaks fluent English, making explanations clear and engaging.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

Given that all transport, tastings, and guiding services are included, the per-person cost offers good value for what’s a rich, immersive experience. The opportunity to sample a wide variety of Latvian wines, learn about local traditions, and enjoy scenic countryside makes it a rewarding day out.

Guests have described the experience as “informative and delicious,” with particular praise for the quality of wines and the friendly guides. One reviewer appreciated the “opportunity to taste wines made from berries, plants, and even birch sap,” emphasizing how unique Latvian wine can be.

Others mentioned that the storytelling at Krimulda Manor added a personal touch, making the tastings more meaningful. The delicious lunch and the relaxed pace of the tour make it ideal for those who want to explore without feeling rushed.

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to discover new flavors and culture lovers interested in Latvia’s rural heritage. It also suits travelers who appreciate small-group, personalized tours and are willing to spend a relaxing day exploring scenic countryside.

If you’re someone who values authentic tasting experiences over commercialized wine tours, you’ll find this journey both enjoyable and insightful. It’s especially suitable for those curious about how Latvian berries and plants are used in winemaking, or those seeking a more cultural perspective on Latvia’s rural life.

The Vidzeme wine tasting tour offers a distinctive way to enjoy Latvia’s countryside, combining history, culture, and unique local wines. The visits to Krimulda Manor and Ligatne winery highlight the artistry and tradition behind Latvian winemaking, often described as surprisingly diverse and flavorful.

You’ll love the personal stories, the chance to sample home-made wines, and the scenic drive through lush landscapes. The included lunch at Sigulda adds a satisfying pause, perfect for tasting local specialties.

While the tour involves a fair amount of tasting and travel, that’s part of the charm — a leisurely exploration that balances education with enjoyment. This experience is well-suited for curious, open-minded travelers who want to go beyond the usual tourist fare and discover Latvia’s hidden wine gems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is transportation included?
Yes, all transport costs are covered, and you’ll be picked up at your Riga hotel or apartment for a hassle-free experience.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, including visits, tasting, lunch, and travel time.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll taste four wines at Krimulda Manor, plus a variety of over 20 wines at Ligatne winery, made from local berries, fruits, and plants.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
The tour doesn’t specify wine purchases, but many wineries have bottles for sale—this might be an option if you want to bring some home.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s available as a private group experience, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Are meals included?
Lunch is not included in the price but is offered at Sigulda, giving you time to enjoy local foods alongside the wines.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the focus is on wine tasting, non-drinkers can still enjoy the scenery, stories, and the cultural aspects of the visit.

What language is the guide speaking?
The guide speaks fluent English, making explanations clear and engaging for international travelers.

How many people are in each group?
The tour can be tailored for private groups, so group size varies but remains small to ensure a personal experience.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended, especially since part of the experience involves walking around vineyards and historic sites.

This carefully curated tour offers a wonderful introduction to Latvia’s lesser-known wine culture, perfect for curious travelers eager to combine scenic beauty, history, and local flavors into a single day.

You can check if your dates are available here: