Wine & drink in Lithuania
Including Anykščiai Wine Region, Biržai Beer Region, and Vilnius Craft Beer Quarter. On the map.
The vibe
Craft beer breweries and a budding natural‑wine scene give Lithuania a modest but enthusiastic drinking culture, complemented by traditional mead. Summer opens up outdoor taverns and beer gardens, while winter invites cozy cellar tastings beside wood‑burning stoves. Visitors can join organized tastings or simply hop between low‑key bars, and the atmosphere stays comfortably relaxed.
Anykščiai Wine Region
Utena County
Juliux / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)
Anykščiai is the center of Lithuania's unique fruit and berry winemaking industry, centered around the historic Anykščių Vynas winery. Travelers visit to taste high-quality wines crafted from local apples, currants, and other forest fruits, which have become a distinct regional specialty.
Access. The town is accessible by bus or car from Vilnius; the primary winery offers structured tours and tasting experiences for visitors.
Notes. Tours of the production facilities and cellar tastings should be booked in advance through the winery's visitor center.
Biržai Beer Region
Panevėžys County
Bernt Rostad from Oslo, Norway / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Biržai is the heart of Lithuania's ancient farmhouse brewing tradition, known for its unique 'keptinis' (raw ale) and other traditional styles that have been passed down through generations. Visitors come to experience authentic rural brewing culture, often meeting local brewers who maintain centuries-old techniques in their own homes or small farm breweries.
Access. Located in northern Lithuania, the region is best explored by car, allowing travelers to visit the various small-scale farmhouse breweries scattered around the countryside.
Notes. Many of these are small, family-run operations; it is recommended to check local tourism information or book a guided brewery tour in advance.
Vilnius Craft Beer Quarter
Vilnius County
Modris Putns / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Vilnius has emerged as a premier Baltic destination for craft beer, with a dense concentration of independent breweries and specialized taprooms centered around the Old Town and the bohemian Užupis district. Travelers visit to explore the city's evolving brewing scene, which blends traditional Lithuanian farmhouse ale techniques with modern experimental styles.
Access. The quarter is highly walkable, with most taprooms and small-batch breweries located within the historic center and the adjacent Užupis neighborhood.
Notes. Best visited during the warmer months when outdoor terraces are open, or during the annual Vilnius Beer Week.