Our story
Uue-Saaluse Winery is a small family estate set in the rolling hills of Southern Estonia, where wines are crafted to reflect the character of the land, the rhythm of the seasons, and our family’s dedication.
We are Mati and Maris Kivistik- a small family business. Our journey began in the early 1990s, when we moved to Võrumaa after completing our university studies and fell in love with the region’s natural beauty – its peace, purity, and diversity. Over the years, this place has become both our home and our life’s work.
We founded the winery in 2017 with the ambition to create more than just beverages – to craft experiences that express the essence of Estonian nature and local ingredients. We grow our own grapes and work closely with nearby farmers. Our main grape variety is Solaris, a northern-friendly grape known for producing fresh and elegant wines. Mati takes care of the wines in the plantation.
Our production is small-scale and guided by craftsmanship – every step, from vine to bottle, receives our personal care and attention. In addition to wines, we also create berry wines and non-alcoholic beverages, always seeking a balance between tradition and innovation. Maris woks out the wine recipes.
At Uue-Saaluse nature, quietness, and quality come together. We believe that great wine cannot be rushed – it requires time, care, and a story. Each bottle carries a piece of this place and the life we live here.
There is an old apple orchard in our farm, where “sügisjoonik”, an autumn apple variety, gives the best crops. In addition, there are several blackcurrant and redcurrant bushes in the garden.
We have two daughters – Maarja and Mirjam, who are both adults and live in Tallinn. They each have their own families and children. Maarja has a daughter and a son, and Mirjam has a daughter.
Our family also includes three pets – dachshunds Guna and Silva, and a cat named Täpi, who is an excellent mouser. Täpi is especially fond of large voles, which are plentiful near the lake. Guna and Silva are great guardians of the home and natural communicators who always manage to brighten every guest’s day.
