Welcome · Kungu iela 7/9 · Old Riga
Riga Black Balsam Tasting in a 17th-Century Cellar in Old Riga
Our Riga Black Balsam tasting takes place in a historic 17th-century cellar in the very heart of Old Riga – with four kinds of balsam and Latvian snacks. For small parties the balsam tasting is free, and for groups we prepare a real table of Latvian flavours.
Where History Meets Flavour
Baltic Gifts is a family business that has been based in Old Riga since 2009. Our main shop at Kungu iela 7/9 has a 17th-century cellar – a room of about 40 m² with historic walls that comfortably welcomes up to 35 guests.
This is where our tastings take place. If you are looking for a tasting in Riga with a historic atmosphere, here you can take your time to enjoy Latvian flavours, learn more about them and pick up gifts for your loved ones.
A Look Inside Our Cellar
See what the tasting and our shop in Old Riga look like.
More videos on our Instagram @balticgifts
What You Will Taste
The tasting mainly features Latvian products. The tasting menu depends on the number of guests – you will see the exact list in the calculator below.
Riga Black Balsam
Four kinds of balsam – the classic one and versions with berry and fruit flavours. If anyone does not drink alcohol, we will replace the balsam with a non-alcoholic drink.
Latvian Snacks and Sweets
Semi-dried “Cigāri” sausages, sprats, meat pâté, bread and chocolate truffles. Groups of 10 or more also get dried game meat and seasonal treats. We can adjust the snacks to your liking.
A Collection of Latvian Woodcraft
Before the tasting, take a look at our collection telling the story of Latvian woodcraft. It includes intarsia (wood inlay) works, wall decorations, chests and boxes made between 1960 and 2000.
Both tourists and locals enjoy the collection, and even large groups feel comfortable in the spacious room.
A tasting in Old Riga is perfect for
- tourist groups
- excursions
- colleagues and companies
- groups of friends
- celebrations
- visitors from abroad
We host tastings in Latvian, English and Russian.
Tasting Price and Menu
Choose the number of guests to see the price and what the tasting includes.
Number of guests
Included in the tasting
- Riga Black Balsam tasting
No booking needed – every day from 10:00 to 19:00.
Included in the tasting
- semi-dried “Cigāri” sausages
- sprats
- meat pâté
- bread
- chocolate truffles
- Riga Black Balsam – 4 kinds
If any of your guests do not drink alcohol, we will replace the balsam with a non-alcoholic drink. We can also adjust the snacks to your liking.
Please mention this in the comment field of the booking form.
Groups, please book at least one week in advance. Payment on site or by bank transfer once your booking is confirmed.
Included in the tasting
- semi-dried “Cigāri” sausages
- dried game meat
- sprats
- meat pâté
- sweet-and-sour rye bread and white bread
- chocolate truffle selection
- seasonal treats
- Riga Black Balsam – 4 kinds
If any of your guests do not drink alcohol, we will replace the balsam with a non-alcoholic drink. We can also adjust the snacks to your liking.
Please mention this in the comment field of the booking form.
Groups, please book at least one week in advance. Payment on site or by bank transfer once your booking is confirmed.
More than 35 guests? orders@balticgifts.com
How to Book a Group Tasting
Parties of up to 5 people are welcome without a booking. Groups, please book at least one week in advance.
- Fill in the requestChoose the date, time, number of guests and language. In the comments, tell us about allergies or how many guests do not drink alcohol.
- We confirmWe will contact you on working days between 9:00 and 17:00 to confirm your booking.
- PaymentOn site or by bank transfer once your booking is confirmed.
Application Form
Our Cellar and Shop
The treats you taste can be bought right in our shop, and some of them online too. On our shelves you will find products and souvenirs not only from Latvia but also from Lithuanian and Estonian makers. In our online shop, see the Food & Sweets category, and read more about our cellar and Latvian flavours on our blog.
Priekā! (Cheers!)
See you in our 17th-century cellar in Old Riga
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a tasting in advance?
Parties of up to 5 people can drop in without a booking any day from 10:00 to 19:00. Groups of 6 or more, please book at least one week in advance.
How much does the tasting cost?
For parties of up to 5 people, the Riga Black Balsam tasting is free. Groups of 6–9 people pay 15 € per person, and groups of 10–35 people pay 10 € per person.
Can I join if I do not drink alcohol?
Yes. If any of your guests do not drink alcohol, we will replace the balsam with a non-alcoholic drink. Please mention this in the comment field of the booking form.
Can the snacks be changed?
Yes, we can adjust the snacks to your liking. Write your wishes in the comment field of the booking form.
In which languages is the tasting held?
We host tastings in Latvian, English and Russian. Choose your language in the booking form.
How can I pay for the tasting?
You can pay on site or by bank transfer once your booking is confirmed.
What if our group has more than 35 people?
Our cellar comfortably welcomes up to 35 guests. For larger groups, please email us at orders@balticgifts.com and we will find a solution together.
How to Find Us
Our tastings in Riga take place in our shop in the very heart of Old Riga – at Kungu iela 7/9.
Kungu iela 7/9, Riga
Open in maps
Every day
10:00–19:00
orders@balticgifts.com
we reply on working days 9:00–17:00
