Tartu County, Estonia’s Culinary Region of the Year, to Showcase Its Extensive “Taste Experiences from Võrtsjärv to Peipus” Program at Maamess.
From April 24-26, Tartu County will present its rich culinary program, “Taste Experiences from Võrtsjärv to Peipus,” at Maamess, which will continue throughout 2025. Alongside local food producers, food service businesses and development organizations from the region will participate. Renowned chefs will offer local flavors, with ingredients sourced directly from Tartu County – a region with a rich and fascinating food history.
Kristiina Tammets, the CEO of the Tartu County Development Association and coordinator of Tartu County Culinary Region 2025, stated that preparations for this year’s culinary program are nearing completion. “The Tartu County Tastes Year, beginning in May, will highlight food traditions and flavors unique to this area of Estonia. It will be an important title year for Tartu County following the European Capital of Culture,” said Tammets. “Tartu County Culinary Region 2025 offers a diverse program for food enthusiasts, based on the region’s exciting food history. The research on Tartu County’s food history will be ready by Maamess, serving as the foundation for our entire program of taste experiences running until the end of the year.”
Throughout all three days of Maamess, visitors can sample dishes created by well-known local chefs Karl Pajussaar, Merle Jakobson, and Katrin Kollist at the Tartu County food network booth. In addition to Tartu County’s flavors, visitors can also taste the specialties from Saaremaa, Muhu, and Ruhnu, Estonia’s previous culinary region. Angela Nairis, head of the team behind last year’s culinary region, commented, “The Taste Year fulfilled our main goal – we gained valuable experience, built new connections, and launched several new initiatives. Saaremaa, Muhu, and Ruhnu’s Taste Year was like driving with the pedal to the metal – everything happened quickly and finished just as fast,” Nairis said. “We wish Tartu County bold beginnings – it’s half the battle!”
Contact: Kristiina Tammets, CEO of the Tartu County DevelopmentAssociation and leader of Tartu County Culinary Region 2025, +372 5340 9873, kristiina@tas.ee.