STUDYTOUR #07
Export-capable entrepreneurship at SIA “WoodHeart”, manufacturer of wooden and designer windows and furniture | lunch at Valmiermuiža beer kitchen – an opportunity to taste dishes made from seasonal and local products | the story of the Valmiermuiža brewery and restaurant | introduction to the Valmiermuiža cultural association and their work at the park, creating cultural events with community involvement | horse riding demonstrations at the Valmiermuiža stables and riding school | visit to the organic meat production facility “Bauņu bullītis”, their story and tasting | cruise on the pontoon boat “Made Maria” on Latvia’s largest lake, Burtnieks | Valmiera municipality’s rural development experience | dinner on the shore of Lake Burtnieks
Basic information
departure: 8:00 / arrival 20:30
meeting point: Jūrmala Hotel SPA
available places: 35
What to expect ...
The experience exchange day will begin in Kocēni with a visit to the wood and design manufacturing company SIA “WoodHeart” – an export-oriented enterprise specialising in the production of windows, doors and design furniture, as well as offering complete interior solutions for investor-developed private residential villages.
During the visit, we will learn how the company enters international markets, how design becomes a key competitiveness tool, and how circular economy principles are implemented in production.
Next, we will travel to Valmiermuiža, where lunch at the local brewery kitchen will be complemented by a story about the unique transformation of the manor – from a historical centre to an innovative brewery and a contemporary hub for culture, entrepreneurship and community life.
Here, entrepreneurs, an association, culture and residents coexist, developing the manor and park complex as an active, participation-based space.
In the second part of the day, we will briefly visit the nearby Valmiermuiža stables and equestrian school, where equestrian sport is developed both as a professional discipline and as a platform for education and public engagement.
We will learn about the breeding of Latvian horse breeds and the educational and community-oriented activities taking place there.
Afterwards, we will proceed to the organic meat production facility “Bauņu bullītis”, where we will be offered a guided tour with tasting.
To conclude the programme, in the surroundings of Lake Burtnieks, we will explore Valmiera municipality’s rural development practices, including participatory budgeting and support for entrepreneurship.
This will be followed by an educational cruise on the uniquely designed pontoon boat “Made Marija”, organised together with the association “Fishing and Tourism School”, across one of Latvia’s largest and most legendary lakes – Burtnieks.
The day will end with dinner on the lakeshore.
