VitiNord 2025 has kicked off in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius
today, marking the cold-climate viticulture and enology conference’s debut in
the Baltic States.
The event which has existed since 2006 and rotates between Europe
and North America every three years, is a platform for sharing scientific
insights, technical developments and practical experience in cool-climate
winemaking.
More than 200 wine experts, researchers, growers, winemakers
and industry leaders from 20 countries will attend Vitinord 2025 at the Park
Plaza Hotel in Vilnius from 3-6 December for talks on topics such as climate
adaptation, sustainability, sparkling wine production, and soil health. The
programme also includes tastings, workshops and vineyard tours.
Lithuanian viticulture has evolved in recent years, with producers
adapting and innovating as they navigate a short growing season caused by
winter temperatures of -25°C, and late-spring and early-autumn frosts.
Despite challenges, Lithuania now boasts more than 50
hectares of vineyards and a growing community of producers. While producers have
long relied on hardy hybrid grape varieties developed in Lithuania, more
recently they have introduced European varieties and American hybrids such as
Solaris, Adalmiina and St. Pepin, while experimentation with Riesling and
Chardonnay is increasing too, particularly in milder coastal and central
regions.
“Lithuania’s viticulture may still be young, but its
progress is extraordinary,” added Arūnas Starkus, editor of Vyno žurnalas,
Lithuanian wine championship commissioner, and speaker at VitiNord 2025.
“We are working at the very edge of what is climatically
possible. Yet each year growers prove that even in harsh northern conditions,
innovation and resilience can yield wines of real character.”
Go Vilnius said hosting VitiNord in Vilnius highlights Lithuania’s growing role in northern a viticulture and reflects the city’s increasing visibility as a modern, open and culturally rich setting for international scientific and industry gatherings.
