On Saturday, 10 September, a musical and spectacular apple harvest festival for the whole family will take place in the ABAVAS winery orchard in Ārlavciems, near Tukums, with the support of the Tukums Municipality Council.

“After a two-year break caused by the Covid pandemic, we are delighted to return to organising festivals, as we love both the celebrations and the apples!” comments the winery owner, Mārtiņš Barkāns.

Although the story of the ABAVAS winery began with a dream of growing grapes in Latvia, it has now become one of the largest processors of apples and other fruits and berries in Latvia. Its range includes many drinks that use juice from Latvian apples.

Everyone is welcome to visit the winery and its adjacent orchard on 10 September from 11:00 to 17:00. A special programme of activities with masterclasses and sports events is planned for children. The event will feature performances by the bands Citi zēni and Jazzwine, and Māris Grigalis will be on hand to ensure a lively atmosphere.

Throughout the day, visitors who bring their own apples will have the opportunity to press them and fill pouches with juice using a mobile juice press. There will also be an informative, educational lecture on orchard care and the latest on apple varieties, led by Inese Drudze (Pūre Horticultural Research Centre).

Adults will have the opportunity to taste various drinks, including participating in exclusive ABAVAS grape wine tastings. Every visitor will also be invited to take part in various masterclasses and a grand prize draw.

The Apple Festival, which began as a tradition in 2018, is organised this year with the support of the Tukums Municipality Council and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) project “Cider Road”. Entry to the event is free.

The ABAVAS winery is Latvia’s largest winery, producing various alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from local fruits and berries. In 2021, the winery reached a turnover of €1.3 million, offering products for both the local and export markets.