Beer has been brewed in this place since the 17th century.

Here, on the banks of the Daugava River, within the walls of a former grain warehouse of the Riga Citadel, a story began — one that has continued for over 300 years.

During Swedish rule, this building was part of the city’s defensive system. Already then — as seen on a map from 1701 — beer was brewed here, right next to a windmill.

In those times, beer was more than just a drink — it was part of everyday life. Everyone drank it, from craftsmen to nobility. Brewing made water safe, and beer became a daily staple.

In the 16th–17th centuries, Riga was one of Northern Europe’s brewing centers — alongside Lübeck, Danzig and Hamburg. Beer was brewed everywhere: in monasteries, warehouses, workshops and private homes.

After the Great Northern War, the citadel lost its military importance and became part of the city — yet it preserved what mattered most: the brewing tradition.

The numbers “1727” engraved on the façade mark a new chapter in this story.

At that time, grain was stored here, while in the cellar operated a brewery run by Matiass Bergholcs, a member of the Riga Brewers’ Brotherhood.

He brewed legendary styles:

Kräusenbier, Rigaer Bier — “Riga Beer” — and Baltic Porter.

His name appears in archival records as early as 1725 — as one of the мастers who shaped the taste of Riga beer.

In 1844, the tradition was continued by brewer Fabian Eduard Hopfner.

It was during his time that STRICKA beer was created — one of the symbols of our brewery.

Today,

VECRĪGA BREWERY STARGOROD is more than just a restaurant brewery.

It is a place where Riga’s history, the taste of beer, and the spirit of a port city live on — on the same riverbank, within the same walls, with the same character.