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Wine
Notebook, Part 29
(September 20 to
30, 2007) by the
Wine Baron
I visited Estonia for 10 days
in September, attending the wedding of
my oldest son and then enjoying Estonian hospitality, sights and tastes. Estonia
is in Northern Europe, nestled near
Finland and Russia on the Baltic Sea.
The country is a surprisingly busy
tourist destination. It has become very
prosperous since breaking away from
Soviet domination. Estonia is a
delight to experience. The Old Town section of the capital city
of Tallinn is one of the most intact
Medieval cities in Europe. I
enthusiastically recommend Estonia.
Special Attractions
Note: photos can be enlarged. |
Tallinn:
We strolled through the Old Town several times in the 10
day visit. There are over 20 watchtowers still standing
of the original 40. Much of the Medieval city wall is
still standing and very well preserved. The buildings
range in age from 200 to 800 years old. Tallinn is
a city of 400,000. The current settlement dates back to
the 1200s. |
Fat Margaret Tower
and gate to
Tallinn's Old Town. |
Olde Hansa Restaurant:
Thursday evening, Sept. 20th - About 20
of us ate at this historic Medieval
themed restaurant. It was one of the
most dramatic restaurant experiences I
have ever had. The building dates back
to Medieval times, and is decorated with
fittings and fixtures from those times.
The staff are magnificently witty and
friendly, garbed in period costumes. The
meals are all from authentic old recipes
and are delicious. If you want to get
blown away by a restaurant, this is it. |
Olde Hansa
Restaurant |
Padise Monastery
(Padise Klooster):
Saturday, September 22, 2007 -
The wedding took place in the monastery
ruins. It was a magical windswept rainy
day. All the more mystical, standing on
the dirt floor of the chapel watching
vows being exchanged amid stone walls
and paneless windows. In 1317 the
Dünamünde Cistercian monks began
building this magnificent stronghold.
The monks and their followers' amenities
included living quarters, chapel, common
areas and a brewery. |
Padise Klooster |
Laitse Manor:
Later that day...
The reception was elegantly and
professionally hosted by Laitse Manor.
Over forty guests enjoyed excellent food
and service in the huge dining room.
Wild Boar, coated in rich gravy, was
served with cabbage and vegetables.
Appetizers consisted of pickles, smoked
salmon and other marinated treats. We acquired the wine at Rimy supermarket in Tallinn and brought it to the event. Wines served were by Jacob's Creek. The red was their Grenache Shiraz and the white was Semillon Sauvignon. Both were very good given the affordable price. Good structure and character. The
manor was established in 1637 and the
final addition was added in 1892. The
manor is available for special events or
you can imbibe any time at the Laitse
Castle pub (just inside the main
entrance). It has an American and
Irish Scotch Whiskey theme yet with
traditional Estonian cuisine. Food is
top-notch. |
Laitse Manor |
Happsalu:
September 25, 2007. This seaside town is
noted for its curative mud treatments,
spas and ancient Haapsalu Episcopal
Castle, first built in the 1200s and
expanded upon over the next 300 years.
We visited the castle and the
picturesque train station, then it was
on to a quaint little cafe.
Müüriääre
Kohvik is the most pleasant cafe
I've ever been to. You may think
I "don't get out much" then. I
assure all readers, I travel a
lot and I love to eat and drink
everywhere I go, and yes, this
is a find! The atmosphere, food
and beverages were superlative! |
Müüriääre
Kohvik
inside shot |
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Müüriääre Kohvik
exterior |
| Negossiant (Wine Bar and Shop)
We were very pleased to find an amazing wine shop near the Oleviste Baptist Church,
the tallest spire in Tallinn. We met sommelier Urvo Ugandi who was very knowledgeable and friendly. The shop and bar are beautifully laid out
and have virtually every wine from every corner of the world that you could want. Whether it's Bordeaux, Spain or Argentina, etc., they have a
wide selection. Be sure to drop in and visit. This is a fine place to rendezvous over a glass of wine or to shop for those special wines you've
always wanted to buy.
Address, Phone and Web:
Lai tn 42, Tallinn
642-4037
Negossiant.ee
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Negossiant
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Balthasar Restaurant:
September 29, 2007. The food at
Balthasar Restaurant is based on Garlic
recipes. Don't think it strange, the
strategy works perfectly. We went there
our second last day after touring Old
Town one last time. It is on the main
square. The food, service and ambience were
excellent.
Click on photos
to enlarge. |
Balthasar
Restaurant |
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