Exhibition “Grapes” | 5–13 September

Grapevines are plants with a long and colourful history, most commonly associated with the Balkans and the Mediterranean region. However, these remarkable plants are becoming increasingly popular in Estonia as well. While just a decade ago growing grapevines in our climate could be considered an exciting hobby pursued by only a handful of dedicated plant enthusiasts, today viticulture has become increasingly widespread in Estonia. A number of varieties have been developed that thrive in the northern climate.

The exhibition features grapes from Vetka Farm in Harju County, as well as Saare Farm and Harri’s Garden in Pärnu County.

Estonian-grown grapes and grapevine plants will also be available for purchase.

Exhibition programme

Saturday, 5 September at 14:00
Dolma-making workshop and a discussion introducing grape products

The workshop and discussion will be led by grape grower and trainer Nele Jaago (Veinipiiga).

📍 Venue: Nature Classroom, Visitor Centre

Sundays, 6 and 13 September at 11:00
Children’s Morning “The Fox and the Grapes”

Throughout history, plants have inspired writers, poets, artists and inventors to create timeless works – and grapevines and grapes are no exception. During the children’s morning, we will read the timeless and humorous fable “The Fox and the Grapes”. We will explore the exhibition, look for the smallest, largest and most unusually shaped grapes, and search for grapevines in the Liana Garden. We will talk about the many things that can be made from grapes and make our own grape lemonade.

The children’s morning will be led by exhibition curator Krista Kaur.

📍 Meeting point: Visitor Centre

Sunday, 6 September at 14:00
Lecture “Grapevines – a Gift from the Gods: Legends and Folklore about Grapevines”

Lecturer: Krista Kaur, exhibition curator.

📍 Venue: Exhibition Hall, Palm House

Saturday, 12 September at 11:00
Lecture “Fermentation – Honestly and Openly: Stories, Myths and Bubbling Jars”

What actually happens when vegetables ferment? Why does one jar turn out perfectly while another does not? Is fermented food really as beneficial as people say, and how can you ferment vegetables at home so that the result is delicious, healthy and successful every time?

The lecture will be followed by a hands-on vegetable fermentation workshop, where we will put our new knowledge straight into the jar. Everyone will have the opportunity to take part and will leave the workshop with a delicious and healthy fermented treat of their own making.

Our guide to the world of fermentation will be Rain Kuldjärv, Head of Functional Foods and Beverages at the Center of Food and Fermentation Technologies (TFTAK) and a passionate fermentation enthusiast.

If the fermentation bug has truly bitten you by the end of the lecture, you will also be able to purchase Rain Kuldjärv’s book “Fermentatsioonist – ausalt ja avameelselt” on site – complete with a personal dedication from the author.

Come along to listen, ask questions, taste and ferment – an honest, open and practical introduction to fermentation!

📍 Venue: Nature Classroom, Visitor Centre

Sunday, 13 September at 13:00
Practical lecture and demonstration “Grafting Grapevines”

Lecturer: gardener and plant grower Harri Poom.

📍 Venue: Classroom, Palm House

REGISTER FOR THE ACTIVITIES HERE

The exhibition takes place in the Palm House Conference Hall.

🌸 Participation in all events is included in the regular admission ticket to Tallinn Botanic Garden.

Curator:
Krista Kaur
krista.kaur@botaanikaaed.ee
📞 606 2671