WINEMAKING

Vineyard and winemaking traditions at Ilzenberg Manor

Ilzenberg Manor is a place where tradition and the greatness of nature blend into an exceptional winemaking experience. As early as the XIV century, German noblemen planted vineyards in the northernmost part of the world, and it is quite likely that grapes were also grown at Ilzenberg Manor. The wine was then aged in vaulted Gothic cellars – authentic spaces that have been preserved to this day and where our exceptional wines are aged today. Today, Ilzenberg Manor is proud to have the largest vineyard in Lithuania, where the unique ILZENBERG wine is born. Here, fertile soil, carefully selected grape varieties, and respect for nature create a wine that reflects history, culture and the harmony of nature. The wines are aged in the cellars of the manor, where the natural environment and authentic Gothic vaults give them a distinctive taste and aroma. Winemaking at Ilzenberg Manor is not just about production, but also about the experience: visiting the vineyards, wine tastings in authentic cellars, and learning about the subtleties and traditions of winemaking. Every sip here reveals the greatness of the manor, its historical spirit and a carefully cultivated culture of taste. Ilzenberg Manor is a place where history, nature and winemaking blend into an exceptional, inspiring experience that invites you to discover the true world of Lithuanian wine.
Vineyards and winemaking at Ilzenberg Manor – a harmony of history and flavour
VINEYARD

Grapes

The Ilzenberg Manor vineyard is one of the most impressive and ambitious winemaking projects in Lithuania. More than 10 000 grapevines grow here across an area of over 4 hectares, and their variety is exceptional – over 150 grape varieties are cultivated at Ilzenberg, from which the most suitable for winemaking are selected, taking into account the northern climate. Due to its geographical location, the vineyard is considered to be one of the most northern open-field vineyards in the world, making it unique not only in Lithuania but throughout the entire region. The grapes grown at Ilzenberg Manor are used for winemaking on site – authentic “Ilzenberg” wines are crafted in the manor’s winery, harmoniously blending manor traditions from the XVIII–XIX centuries with modern production technologies. These wines are crafted by the manor’s winemaker Andrius Diliautas, whose work has earned recognition within the winemaking communities of Lithuania and the Baltic States. The history of Ilzenberg is also closely linked to wine – it is believed that vineyards may have existed in the manor as early as the XVI century, and that wine was aged in the Gothic cellars, which have been preserved to this day. This ancient manor tradition was revived in 2019 when the vineyard was re-established with the aim of reviving the historic spirit of winemaking and adapting it for today’s visitors. Today, Ilzenberg Manor not only fosters wine culture but also actively seeks business partners for its winemaking operations, aiming to expand production, increase the popularity of its wines, and contribute to the development of the wine culture of the entire region. The Ilzenberg vineyard is a place where history, ambitious ideas and a Nordic character come together, allowing for the creation of exceptional wine under unusual conditions. The grape varieties grown at Ilzenberg are divided into:
DESSERT GRAPES
Jupiter, Venus, Liepsna, Juvendana, Muscat Bleu, and other sweet, aromatic varieties are available for tasting in the greenhouse.
WHITE WINE GRAPES
St. Pepin, Adalmiina, Villaris, La Crescent, Seyval Blanc. These are used to produce refreshing, fruity white and semi-sweet wines.
RED WINE GRAPES
Marquette, Marechal Foch, Frontenac, Leon Millot, Juodupė. They give red wines rich notes of cherry, plum and chocolate.

Ilzenberg manor wines – excellence, tradition and innovation

Ilzenberg Manor wines are crafted by master winemaker Andrius Diliautas, a professional winemaker who has been perfecting his craft for over 20 years. Andrius not only carefully grows the grapes himself but also crafts the wine from them, winning gold, silver and bronze medals in various wine categories. He is recognized as one of the best winemaking masters in Lithuania, and together with Ilzenberg Manor, he aims to become one of the most interesting and professional small-scale winemakers not only in Lithuania but also in the Baltic region.

The winery of the Manor is equipped with the most modern technology – from the presses to the final product, only the highest quality equipment is used, and the entire process is carried out 100% responsibly and professionally. Ilzenberg Manor wines age in the authentic cellars of the manor, where history is preserved, the spirit of the Manor is maintained, and modern technology allows for the preservation of natural taste and flavour.

This is a place where tradition meets innovation, craftsmanship is combined with respect for nature, and every bottle of wine reflects the greatness, authenticity and professional winemaking culture of Ilzenberg Manor.