THE STORY OF BEER AT VALMIERMUIŽA

INTRODUCTION

Valmiermuiža is on the northern border of the city of Valmiera.  Aristocratic estates were established there during the 15th and 16th centuries, and all of them had breweries and saloons.  Valmiermuiža had a Castle Saloon where beer was brewed and sold.  Latvians were allowed to brew beer for home consumption, and that kept traditional brewing techniques alive in Latvia.

Valmiermuiža continues to brew live and natural beer to continue the old traditions of the estate and to honour the ancient history of beer brewing in Latvia.  Visitors can examine a series of brewery tools which illustrate the stories, allowing people to compare brewing techniques from the past and the present.  The visit would be unimaginable without a fancy and informational tasting of beer.

Owner Aigars Ruņģis was born and raised in Valmiera, and he has deep roots in the region.  That was one reason why he decided to open up a brewery at Valmiermuiža, which has a powerful and ancient history and a successful spirit of entrepreneurship.  Since 2009, staff numbers at the brewery have grown substantially and while producing beer and other refreshments in their daily work, they also greet every guest who turns up at the Valmiermuiža beer kitchen or retail facility with true sincerity and hospitality.  The staff are also happy to talk about beer and to offer tastings.