Exhibition “Grapes” | 5–13 September

Avaldatud: 02.09.26

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 workshop and discussion on grape products

The workshop and discussion will be led by grape grower and educator Nele Jaago (Veinipiiga).
📍 Location: Nature Classroom in the Visitor Centre.

Sunday, 6 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 discuss what can be made from grapes and prepare 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, curator of the exhibition.
📍 Location: Palm House Exhibition Hall.

During the final weekend of the exhibition:

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 tasty, 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. Each participant will have the opportunity to get involved and take home something delicious and healthy that they have prepared themselves.

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

Those who catch the fermentation bug will also have the opportunity 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!

📍 Location: Nature Classroom in the Visitor Centre.

Saturday, 12 September and Sunday, 13 September at 15:00
Hungarian documentary “Liquid Gold”

Tamás Almási’s documentary Liquid Gold (2019) takes viewers to Hungary’s picturesque Tokaj wine region, offering an insight into centuries-old winemaking traditions and the everyday lives of winemakers.

The film is in Hungarian with Estonian subtitles.
📍 Location: Palm House.

We thank the Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Centre Tallinn for making the screenings possible!

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

We will explore the exhibition, look for the smallest, largest and most unusually shaped grapes, and discover what can be made from grapes. We will also prepare our own grape lemonade.

The children’s morning will be led by exhibition curator Krista Kaur.
📍 Meeting point: Visitor Centre.

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

Lecturer: gardener and plant grower Harri Poom.
📍 Location: Palm House Classroom.

REGISTER FOR THE ACTIVITIES HERE