Since 2006, VitiNord has alternated between Europe and North America every three years, building a strong reputation as the key international platform for sharing scientific insights, technical developments and practical experience in cool-climate winemaking. Bringing the event to Vilnius underlines Lithuania’s growing relevance in northern viticulture and reflects the city’s positioning as a modern, open and culturally rich host for international scientific and industry events.
Lithuania’s emerging cool-climate wine scene
Lithuanian viticulture has evolved rapidly in recent years. It was officially recognised as an EU farming category only four years ago, yet the country already counts more than 50 hectares of vineyards and a growing community of producers working at the limits of cold-climate grape cultivation. Winter temperatures can drop below –25°C, and late-spring and early-autumn frosts often compress the growing season, but growers continue to experiment and adapt.
Producers have traditionally relied on hardy hybrid varieties developed in Lithuania and neighbouring countries. More recently, European varieties and American hybrids have started to gain ground. Solaris has become the most widely planted white variety, while Adalmiina and St. Pepin are attracting attention for their fresh, aromatic styles. Trials with Riesling and Chardonnay are increasing, especially in milder coastal and central regions. Among red varieties, hybrids such as Marquette and Marechal Foch remain prevalent, though their naturally high acidity requires careful winemaking.
Despite significant year-to-year weather variability – from a warm, sunny 2024 vintage that produced outstanding wines to a cooler, frost-affected 2025 – Lithuanian growers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in northern viticulture. Alongside grape wines, producers such as Geri Metai are also preserving local traditions with distinctive products including their one-of-a-kind rowan wine.
“Lithuania’s viticulture may still be young, but its progress is extraordinary,” says Arūnas Starkus, editor of Vyno žurnalas, Lithuanian Wine Championship Commissioner, and speaker at VitiNord 2025. “We are working at the very edge of what is climatically possible. Yet each year growers prove that even in harsh northern conditions, innovation and resilience can yield wines of real character.”
Programme focus: shaping the future of cold-climate winemaking
The 2025 programme will bring together leading voices in cool-climate viticulture, including Erica Duecy, Founder of Business of Drinks; Dr. Juha Karvonen, a specialist in cold-climate adaptation; and renowned grape breeder Tom Plocher.
Over four days, delegates will explore key topics for the sector such as climate adaptation strategies, sustainability, sparkling wine production in cool climates, soil health, disease resistance and evolving consumer trends. The conference programme will be complemented by tastings, practical workshops and a technical tour to Lithuanian vineyards, offering first-hand insight into viticulture at the northern edge of feasibility.
Participants from more than 20 countries are expected to attend VitiNord 2025, underscoring Vilnius’ growing role as a regional centre for scientific exchange and innovation in cool-climate viticulture
