The area around Lithuanian narrow gauge railway is rich in incidents that have turned into legends. The story of Lithuanian fruit wine is worth of special attention.
In the village of Andrioniškis, situated not far from Lithuanian narrow gauge railway, a treasure o three bottles of wine which was buried under the ground some 70 years ago, was found. It is thought this might be the wine of Balys Karazija, the pioneer of fruit wine production in Lithuania.
In February 13, 14 and 15Lithuanian narrow gauge railway invited everyone to fruit wine tasting trains. Because of huge numbers of people wishing to see the wine treasure three trains departed for the trip, each with some sixty passengers.
After fifty minute trip siaurukas arrived to one of the narrow gauge railway stations – Surdegis Railway Station. Folk music ensemble welcomed passengers at the station. The host of the station and the organizers of the festival invited everyone inside to get warm. Here the history of the 19th century station was revealed. The headman of the village where the treasure was found Saulius Rasalas introduced the circumstances under which wine bottles were found. Soon it became clear that wine from under the ground in this area is not a surprise. Some time ago people used to find wine in different places of the village. Among numerous guests at the festival was Evsifejus Kostinas – one of those who had found a few bottles of wine previously. He told that the then priest of the village and he had found bottles of wine with the labels of Balys Karazija wines. It is obvious that the labels on the bottles found last year did not remain but it is clear now that this is the same manufacturer’s wine.
Passengers of siaurukas were among the first ones to see the treasure which like a true jewel was kept in a glass safe. Those who took interest in the texture of the wine found noticed dark sediment at the bottom of the bottles and strange brownish colour not characteristic of wines. These are the tracks the time left in wine.
Director of Anyksciu Vynas Violeta Lakutiene and technologist Vilma Vanagiene took part in the festival as well. They revealed old traditions of fruit wine production and introduced wine VORUTA which was offered for tasting during the festival. This wine is produced according to an old recipe of one of Lithuanian regions.
The guests tasted wine and best Lithuanian cheeses, some even joined the musicians – sand and danced along.
The festival organizers invited everyone to a unique exhibition representing the moments of Lithuanian fruit wine production.
Having spent two hours in the station passengers got on the train and returned to Panevėžys.
Photographer Andrius Repšys
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