Latvia is the land of apples, so producing cider here is only natural! The ancient traditions of apple growing in our country, as well as the variety of high-quality apple cultivars, are key advantages of Latvia's cider culture. In our climate zone, it is challenging to grow good grapes for wine production, but the local conditions are particularly suitable for making apple cider. This is a natural consequence that local cider producers are increasingly mastering with excellence.

The Cider Route will take you to various cideries in Latvia, as well as to restaurants and pubs that serve it. The Cider Route allows you to understand the specifics of Latvian cider, introducing you to the culinary traditions and cultural heritage of different regions. You will have the opportunity to meet the cider makers themselves, who run small farms, tend to the orchards, share about their work, and even let you participate in it.

This professional tour will look at fruit farms that selection, breed and grow breeds that are appropriate for Latvia’s weather conditions.  During the introductory day, participants will tour Rīga, which is part of the UNESCO List of World Heritage, and also visit a health food store.  On the second day, it is off to Kurzeme, where we will visit a farm that has developed a special technology for the processing of sea buckthorn in a way that preserves all of the vitamins and minerals that are in the berries.  We will visit Wine Hill in Sabile, where grapes have been grown since the 16th or 17th century.  Some 15 types of grapes that have been adapted to Latvia’s climate are grown here now.  Next we will visit the Kukši Estate, which offers a look at the cultural environment of baronial estates in the 18th and 19th century.  We will return to Rīga via the Jūrmala spa and have dinner at a Latvian saloon.  The next morning we will travel to Vidzeme to look at a former peat swamp where large cranberries are grown now.  The farm has its own processing technologies to manufacture candies, syrups, juices and teas.  Next we will visit Latvia’s first blueberry farm for a tour and tastings.  At the end of the day, we will visit a farm that grows cranberries and blackberries, emphasising successful and healthy food products and their marketing.  On the morning of the fourth day, we will visit the Medieval Cēsis castle, which was the residence of the masters of the Livonian Order and one of the most fortified fortresses in the territory of the Baltic States.  We will visit an agricultural technical school in Priekuļi to meet with faculty members.  At the conclusion of the day, we will go to Ungurmuiža Estate, which is one of the most outstanding examples of 18th century Baroque wood construction in Latvia.  The mansion (1732) is the only early 18th century wooden building of this type that has been preserved to this very day.

The restaurant is in Lielā Street in the centre of Talsi, offering food from the cookbooks of grannies and the global cuisine, as well as an extensive wine list. The restaurant works with local farmers.

Latvian cuisine: Sauerkraut soup with roast breast of pork, wild mushroom and grit soup, herring with cottage cheese, porridge, sautéed roast with sauerkraut, roast lamb, cottage cheese buns, Latvian beers.

The museum set up in 1982 presents life and activity of the region from the late 19th C to the recent past. Temporary exhibitions are held in the barn and more than 200 species of trees and shrubs can be viewed in the parkland extending over 17 ha. Themed events include baking bread, celebrations of folk holidays are frequently arranged. From the museum visitors can access Velise cultural and natural heritage trail.

"Piebalga medus" is located in Vecpiebalga region, turning off the highway Cēsis – Vecpiebalga – Madona (P30). Beekeeping, apitherapy and narration "About and around bees". Tasting and purchase of beekeeping products. A candlestick workshop is available for visitors. Especially with the fact that the apiary only with Latvian hives.

The farm produces homemade wine made of rhubarb, birch juice and apples. Tour the winemaking facilities and examine the process. You can taste and purchase products.

The small bar is situated in the city of Madona and there are seating places for 35 people.