Hey, readers! I’m Krista Krage, an IVY Project partner, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined the Latvian Country Tourism Association “Lauku Ceļotājs,” an organization dedicated to promoting rural and nature-based tourism in Latvia. Through this exciting collaboration, I’ve become part of the Baltic Cider project, which is supported by the Interreg Estonia-Latvia Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2021-2027. This initiative aims to create a powerful regional cider brand by connecting local cider makers, encouraging innovation, and integrating sustainable tourism in both Latvia and Estonia.
As part of my role, I’ve had the opportunity to explore the Cider Route—a unique tourism project that connects cider producers throughout both countries. The route allows visitors to not only taste ciders but also immerse themselves in the local landscapes and traditions that make each producer’s cider distinct. I’ve learned so much about the different practices, the people behind these brands, and the stunning natural locations where many of these cider makers are based.
Another exciting thing will be our participation in CiderCon 2025, the largest cider conference in the U.S. Here, we’ll showcase Latvian ciders to an international audience and introduce two standout producers, Abuls and Mūrbūdu, who blend traditional methods with innovative techniques.
I’m incredibly proud to be part of this project and to witness how it’s bringing cider makers together, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening the growing cider community in the region. It’s inspiring to be involved in an initiative with so much potential for growth—not only for the cider industry but also for local tourism. Plus, we’ll soon be working on refreshing the Baltic Cider website to make it easier for people to discover and explore the exciting cider scene in Latvia and Estonia!
– Krista, IVY Project Partner at Latvian Country Tourism Association “Lauku celotajs”, for the Interreg project BALTIC CIDER, under the programme Interreg Estonia-Latvia.
