Taste of Latvia: A Degustation Experience in a 17th-Century Cellar, Old Riga

Why This Cellar Is Unlike Any Other Food Experience in Riga

Riga has no shortage of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. What makes the Baltic Gifts cellar on Kungu Street genuinely different is the combination of three things that rarely exist in one place: a historically authentic setting, a curated selection of exclusively Latvian produce, and a relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere where curiosity is the only requirement.

The cellar dates to the 17th century, part of the dense merchant architecture that defined the old trading city of Riga. The stone walls, vaulted ceilings & dim warm light create a setting that no purpose-built tourist attraction can replicate. And unlike most tasting venues, everything here is genuinely local — no imported wines dressed in Latvian labels, no factory confectionery. Every product comes from a verified Latvian producer, many of them small-batch artisan makers you will not find in supermarkets.

Key reasons why the Taste of Latvia experience stands apart:

• Authentic 17th-century architecture. The cellar itself is a historical monument — drinking Riga Black Balsam in a space that predates most European capitals’ modern districts is an experience in itself.
• 100% Latvian produce. Every bottle, bar, jar & tin on the shelves comes from a Latvian artisan or producer. No exceptions.
• Walk-ins welcome. No reservation required for individual visits. Groups and corporate events can book dedicated degustation sessions.
• Shop + taste in one place. Anything you try, you can take home — either carry it with you or order for delivery across Europe.
• Ideal location. Kungu St 7/9 is within easy walking distance of all Old Riga landmarks, making the cellar a natural stop on any city walk.

This is not a tourist trap. It is a genuine celebration of Latvian craftsmanship, open to everyone — locals and international visitors alike.

What to Taste: The Signature Drinks of the Latvian Cellar

The drinks selection at the cellar is the heart of the degustation experience. Latvia has a rich tradition of herbal liqueurs, fruit wines, craft gins & artisan ciders that most Europeans have never encountered. Below is your guide to the essential bottles — all available to taste in the cellar and take home as Latvian gifts.

Riga Black Balsam — Latvia’s Most Famous Spirit, Finally Understood

Riga Black Balsam has been produced since 1752, making it one of the oldest commercial spirits in the Baltic region. The original recipe combines 24 plant ingredients — roots, flowers, buds, juices, blossoms, oils and berries — into a complex, bittersweet herbal liqueur at 45% ABV. It is deeply polarising on first taste, which is exactly why the cellar is the perfect place to try it before committing to a full bottle.

The cellar stocks the complete Riga Black Balsam family, from miniature 40ml tasting bottles (from €3.60) to the full 1-litre collector’s format. Key variants:

• Original (45%). The classic — bitter, herbal, complex. Best sipped neat, warm, or mixed into black coffee or cola. Available from the iconic 40ml shot to 1 litre.
• Cherry (30%). The entry point for newcomers — the same herbal base softened with Latvian cherry. Significantly more approachable and widely recommended for first-time tasters.
• Black Currant (30%). A deep, berry-forward expression. Excellent served chilled or over ice with sparkling water.
• Tropical (30%). The youngest variant, with a lighter, fruit-forward profile. A popular choice for those who prefer sweeter spirits.
• Souvenir Gift Sets. The cellar also stocks the House of Riga Black Balsam Miniature Set (3×40ml) and the souvenir set with two glasses — ideal Latvian gifts for taking home.

Pairing suggestion: Original with dark rye bread and smoked cheese; Cherry with artisan Latvian chocolate; Black Currant served chilled as a digestif after the full degustation.

Latvian Craft Wines, Gins and Artisan Spirits

Beyond Riga Black Balsam, the cellar’s drinks shelves represent a remarkable cross-section of Latvian artisan producers — from established wineries to small-batch distillers.

• Abavas Winery. Latvia’s most respected wine producer. Highlights include the Rhubarb sparkling wine, Apple cider Premium Brut, and the rich Black Currant dessert wine (12%, €12.90). Abavas also produces the extraordinary Quince liqueur at 30% — one of the most unusual and memorable bottles in the cellar.
• Līgatnes Winery. A boutique BIO producer with organic fruit wines. Their Black Currant BIO, Dandelion wine and Honey wine are among the most distinctive finds in the cellar — bottles you genuinely cannot find anywhere outside Latvia.
• Cross Keys Gin (Latvia). An internationally awarded Latvian gin produced in Riga. Available in three expressions: Original41%,, Black Currant 38%, and Sea Buckthorn 38%. The Sea Buckthorn variant — made from Latvia’s most iconic wild berry — is a particular conversation starter.
• Ōbdo Riga Original Gin. A bold, aromatic Latvian craft gin at 37.9%, as well as the lighter Rhubarb Gin Cocktail 4.9% — a refreshing option for those who prefer low-ABV drinks.
• Akmeņlauzis Distillery. Small-batch Latvian spirits with a distinctly countryside character. Their Garlic vodka and Horseradish vodka are unique expressions of Latvian rural tradition, while the Quince aperitif “Saulnesis” is one of the cellar’s best-kept secrets.

All drinks are available to purchase as individual bottles or as part of curated gift sets. The cellar team can advise on combinations for corporate gifting and group orders.

What to Eat: Artisan Latvian Food from the Cellar Shelves

The food selection at the cellar is equally remarkable — a curated edit of Latvia’s finest artisan producers, each one chosen for quality, authenticity & story. These are products to taste during your visit, take home as souvenirs, or order as part of a Latvian food gift set.

Smoked Sprats, Game Pâtés and Iconic Latvian Tins

Smoked sprats from the Baltic Sea are arguably Latvia’s most internationally recognised food export — and the cellar stocks them in exceptional variety from UNDA, one of Latvia’s leading producers.

• UNDA Smoked Sprats in Oil. Available in 100g, 160g & 250g formats, with several packaging variants including the collector-worthy Engure photo series & the Historic Heritage Assorted Set with three product types.
• Fried Brisling Sardines & Salmon Fillets. UNDA also offers fried brisling sardines & wild salmon fillets — premium options for the food-focused visitor.
• Lāči Venison & Elk Pâtés. One of the cellar’s most distinctive food finds. Lāči’s Venison pâté with plums and Elk pâté with cranberries are 100% Latvian game, produced in small batches. An extraordinary gift for food lovers.
• Rēzekne Meat Conserves. Elk conserves (Venison conserves) & Beef conserves, all in 250g tins — robust, authentic, and genuinely hard to find outside Latvia.
• Wild Game Charcuterie. Sliced dried elk leg and dried venison sausage — premium charcuterie from Latvian forests, ready to serve as part of a degustation board or take home as a gift.

These products pair exceptionally well with the rye bread and smoked cheese traditionally served alongside Riga Black Balsam tastings.

Artisan Chocolates, Honey and Latvian Confectionery

Latvia has a thriving artisan confectionery culture, and the cellar’s sweet shelves are one of the highlights of any visit.

• Kalve Chocolate. Riga’s most acclaimed artisan chocolate maker. The cellar stocks Kalve’s signature Chocolate Bars in 250g and 1kg formats, as well as the exquisite artist-edition Toffee tins featuring works by Latvian painters — Vilhelms Purvītis, Jāzeps Grosvalds and others. These tins are among the most beautiful Latvian gifts available anywhere in Riga.
• Laima & Lāči Chocolates. Latvia’s beloved heritage chocolate brands. The cellar stocks Laima’s iconic Riga Black Balsam pralines with currant, Vāverīte milk chocolate with hazelnuts & Lāči’s dark chocolate “Latvia” bars — both 100g solid & filled with black currant, rye bread and balsam.
• Rāmriti Honey Soufflé. A uniquely Latvian confectionery concept — whipped honey in multiple variants: classic, chocolate & almond & gingerbread. The honey soufflé gift sets are among the cellar’s most popular take-home items.
• Artisan Honey. Daugmale honey gift boxes (4×30g + honey spoon, €12.50), Lemo 40g portion honeys (€4.50) — all from Latvian apiaries, all traceable to specific regions.
• Pūre Truffles. Latvian artisan chocolate truffles in multiple formats: individual, Rīga-edition blueberry & nut boxes & the Straume selection set.

The full sweet selection changes seasonally — visiting the cellar is always likely to yield something new and unexpected on the shelves.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Taste of Latvia Cellar

Everything you need to plan your visit to the Taste of Latvia cellar at Kungu St 7/9, Old Riga.

Do I need to book in advance to visit?

Walk-ins are always welcome for individual visitors and small groups. Simply come through the door during opening hours & the team will take care of you. For larger groups (7+ people), private corporate degustation events, or guided tastings, we recommend contacting us in advance via the website or by phone (+371 27734599) to ensure we can prepare the best possible experience.

Can I buy products online if I cannot visit in person?

Yes — everything available in the cellar can be ordered through the Baltic Gifts online shop, with delivery across Europe via DPD and DHL. Please note that the assortment in our physical store is even larger, with many exclusive Latvian delicacies and gift items available only on-site. Standard European delivery takes 3–8 business days. If you are ordering Latvian food gifts for a specific date (birthday, corporate event, etc.), we recommend ordering at least 7 days in advance.

Is the cellar suitable for corporate events and group tastings?

Absolutely. The 17th-century cellar is one of Riga’s most distinctive corporate hospitality settings. Baltic Gifts offers dedicated group degustation packages covering Riga Black Balsam tastings, Latvian wine selections, artisan food pairings and curated corporate gift sets for participants. For bespoke event packages, contact us directly with your group size, preferred date & any dietary requirements.

What Latvian products make the best gifts to take home from Riga?

Based on visitor feedback, the most popular take-home items from the cellar are: the Riga Black Balsam souvenir miniature set 3×0.04L; Kalve artist-edition toffee tins; the UNDA smoked sprats Historic Heritage set; Lāči venison pâté (vacuum-sealed, travels well); Cross Keys Sea Buckthorn Gin; and Baltic amber jewellery from the adjacent shop. For a curated selection, browse our Latvian gift sets — many can be assembled to order.

Plan Your Visit: Location, Hours &How to Find Us

The Taste of Latvia Degustations & Shop is located at Kungu St 7/9, in the heart of Old Riga, directly between the House of the Blackheads and St Peter’s Church — two of the city’s most visited landmarks. The entrance is on street level; the cellar is one floor down.

Getting there: Old Riga is fully pedestrianised — the cellar is approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the central market tram stops, and 12 minutes from Riga Central Station. The address is easy to find on any mapping app: search “Baltic Gifts Riga” or “Kungu iela 7/9”.

Contact: +371 27734599 · shop@balticgifts.com · www.balticgifts.com

Whether you have 20 minutes between sightseeing stops or an entire afternoon to spend tasting your way through Latvia’s finest produce, the cellar is ready to welcome you. Step inside, let your eyes adjust to the warm stone light, and let the flavours of Latvia do the rest.