In mid-April 2025, we took an exciting step toward our vision of a Latvian craft cider brewery by purchasing several Antonovka apple trees and other varieties from the renowned Pūre Horticultural Experimental Station (Latvian: Pūres dārzkopības izmēģinājumu stacija).
This wasn’t a random choice. Pūre is one of Latvia’s most respected institutions in plant cultivation and horticultural research. With decades of hands-on experience in the Latvian climate, they offer proven expertise in selecting trees and plants that can thrive through our seasons — cold winters, unpredictable springs, and all.
Their staff provided solid recommendations not only for Antonovka, which is famous for its hardiness and perfect acidity for cider production, but also for several other fruit trees and shrubs suited for our longer-term expansion plans.
Antonovka is a classic Soviet-era apple cultivar, known for:
- Excellent cold resistance
- Sharp, tart flavor ideal for cider
- Reliable harvests in Baltic and Nordic climates
It’s no coincidence that Antonovka is a favorite among old-school orchardists and modern cider brewers alike. The variety will serve as a foundation stone for our future cider recipes.
While chatting with the team at Pūre, we learned that we’re not the only ones recognizing their value. In fact, Estonian buyers are increasingly flocking here, scooping up fruit trees, berry shrubs, and other. Pūre has developed a reputation across the region, not only for selling healthy plants but for providing trusted horticultural advice.
They also mentioned expanding their export focus, with orders being shipped to neighboring countries. It’s encouraging to see a Latvian institution with deep agricultural roots playing a regional role in sustainable, quality plant production.
If you're looking to plant an orchard, establish a cider line, or even just grow a few trees on your land in Latvia, Pūre Horticultural Experimental Station is a smart place to start. They offer:
- Hardy, locally suited plant stock
- Decades of research-based knowledge
- Friendly, practical guidance
- And increasingly, even international recognition
As for us — we can’t wait to see the Antonovkas take root and grow. The first cider is still a few seasons away, but the trees are already a tangible promise of what’s to come.
6 Antonovka plants taken to our place.