Tomorrow, 12 September, in Ārlavciems near Tukums, the Abavas winery will hold celebrations for its tenth anniversary in its apple orchard. In honour of the apple harvest festival, a wide-ranging musical event for the whole family is being organised throughout the day.
“Ten years ago, driven by a romantic dream, my wife, friends, assistants and I planted our first vineyard near Sabile, at the Abavas farm. Looking back, there is a huge sense of satisfaction in what has been achieved. During this time, we have grown from a hobby project into the largest winery in Latvia and have built a professional team. We take the name of Latvia out into the world, and this September, we are finally proud and happy to present for evaluation grape wines produced from grapes grown in our own vineyard,” notes owner Mārtiņš Barkāns.
Although the story of Abavas winery began with grapes, it has now become one of the largest apple processors in Latvia, with a range of eleven different drinks made from Latvian apples.
On 12 September, from 11.00 to 18.00, everyone interested is invited to participate in the apple harvest festival in the winery's apple orchard. During the event, the bands Dziļi violets and Jazzwine will perform, while Lauris Aleksejevs (restaurant “36. līnija”) and Mārtiņš Barkāns will take care of food and drink pairing. Fascinating lectures on apples and the Latvian “Cider Road” will be led by Asnāte Ziemele (tourism association “Lauku ceļotājs”) and Inese Drudze (Pure Horticultural Research Centre).
Adults will have the opportunity to walk around the winery and taste various drinks from the winery’s range. All visitors will also be invited to participate in various masterclasses, competitions, and other activities. Due to high demand, visitors will also have the opportunity to press their own apple juice in a mobile juice press.
The Apple Festival, which began as a tradition last year, is being organised this year with the support of the Tukums Municipality Council and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) “Cider Road” project.
Abavas winery is Latvia’s largest winery, producing various alcoholic drinks from local fruits and berries, including its own home-grown grapes. This year, the winery is focusing its operations on product range development, promoting tasting tourism products, expanding its corporate gift portfolio, and conquering new export markets.
Photographs by Abavas winery used