The exhibition about bread-making is opened!

On September 28, 2025, an exhibition about bread making was opened on the 2nd floor of the “Caunītes” barn. It was planned for a long time, prepared carefully and without haste, and now this idea has been implemented!
The beginning of this was the project “Rye Road”, which began in 2017. As part of this project, photographs and a video about baking bread “Caunītes” were made for the exhibition, and the exhibited collection was supplemented with both self-collected and donated baking utensils, various types of grains, homemade items, as well as historical and scientific information. With the opening of the exhibition “Caunītes”, a new stage has begun, when we are again actively opening our doors to visitors. Welcome to “Caunītes”!

“Rye Road” – open seminar and meeting of project partners in “Caunītes”

(culinary tourism product “Rye Road”, project No. 19-00-A01630-000002, implemented with the support of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). “European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development – Europe invests in rural areas”.)
On January 30, 2020, the Latvian Rural Tourism Association “Lauku ceļotājs” together with rye bread bakers and caterers at the “Caunītes” farmstead, who are among the participants in this project, met at the open seminar “Creation and Marketing of the Culinary Tourism Product “Ryde Road”.
In the first part of the event, Asnāte Ziemele, president of “Lauku ceļotājs”, spoke about the culinary tourism product “Rye Road”. Gunta Duka from the Latvian Bakers’ Association presented news in the field of rye bread producers. Ginta Dzerkale from the Veterinary and Food Service Department of the Ministry of Agriculture informed about the path to be taken so that rye bread would be included in the European registers of protected foods. In turn, Raimonds Biedrītis from “Grauda spēks” told how to get your own loaf of bread from whole grain, about types of grain and milling, whole grain flour, and also shared his experience as a baker and informed about trends in demands of customers.
In the second part of the event, a meeting of the “Rye Road” project partners took place, and in the “Caunītes” kitchen in a practical workshop the project partners learned how to bake rye bread, and together with Sandra Aigare they got to know the culinary heritage of Rucava: ducks and flatbread, which were enjoyed with Rucava white butter.

Rye bread is included in the Latvian cultural canon, which is a collection of the most outstanding and remarkable works of art and cultural values and reflects the nation’s most significant cultural achievements of all time. In 2014, the European Commission included the slatted rye bread in the Register of Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG).
Rucava white butter has also received special European Union protection – it has been included in the EU Register of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI).

Birds in spring in “Caunītes”

This spring, as part of an event at our “Caunītes” homestead, under the guidance of an experienced ornithologist, we had the opportunity to participate in and observe bird ringing.
Thanks to Valdis Ošiņš for the pictures.

“Caunītes” bread oven and sourdough celebrates its 5th anniversary!!!

On July 14, 2018, our bread oven and sourdough starter were honoured for their 5th anniversary. It was a great pleasure that the oven master himself, Aivars, was present at this honourable occasion – he had the opportunity to create and bake his own loaf of bread in the oven, which he himself once built. The history of “Caunītes” will be marked by a photo showing both the oven master and the host herself at the bread oven.
On this anniversary occasion, the bread oven was ceremoniously given its own name, which can be read in one of the photos. The story of – why it was given such a name – was made known to those who were able to come and were present at this event. A small part of the bread dough was placed in a glass container so that its structure could be fully seen. The celebration was concluded with a 5th anniversary cake, which tasted really great!

Family Days run by the Latvian Ornithological Society

On June 30/July 1, 2018, the LOB (Latvian Ornithological Society) Family Days took place at our “Caunītes”, which this year attracted a large number of participants.
On the first day, various workshops took place (making bird cages, painting nature mandalas, crafting birds from yarn, various games about nature and birds), as well as butterfly and nightingale/bat excursions, local orientation for children with bird recognition, and a cinema of night butterflies as well.
On the second day, bread was baked in the barn kitchen. Meanwhile, outside, children and adults were captivated by a treasure-hunt game. The weather was windy, but it did not interfere with the overall positive atmosphere, as active participation was taken in all activities and it can be said that this year’s LOB family days were really rich and enjoyable.

„Meet your Master! 2018”

On April 8, 2018, as part of “Meet your master! 2018”, the master class on sweet sourdough bread was held at our place, and very nice and interested people gathered in baking sweet sourdough bread. Just like last year, this time I also talked about my experience, shared the “Caunītes” sweet sourdough bread recipe and sourdough. We wish fragrant and delicious buns to those who will try to bake the bread at home! Here are some photos of how we succeeded. Thanks to the author of the pictures – Valdis Ošiņš (garsigalatvija.lv).

„Meet your Master! 2018”

On April 8, 2018, as part of the event “Meet your master! 2018”, the farmstead “Caunītes” invites you to a master class in baking sourdough bread. The training program is scheduled from 10:00 to 15:30. Arrival at 10:00, kneading dough at 10:15, firing the oven at 10:45, cleaning the oven and making the bread at 13:20, putting the bread in the oven at 13:30, removing the bread from the oven at 14:15, bread tasting at 14:45. The maximum number of people is 10.
Prior registration – Santa: mob. 26352395, e-mail: jscaunites@inbox.lv

Green Certificate

On January 25, 2018, at the Riga Castle, in the presence of both the President of Latvia, Mr. Vējonis, and the Minister of Environment and Regional Development, Mr. Gerhards, the farmstead “Caunītes” received the Green Certificate. We are truly proud and pleased about this, especially since it coincides with the centenary of Latvia!
We would like to thank the entire “Lauku ceļotājs” team for their hard work, and thank the Green Certificate Evaluation Committee, whose positive decision gives us the opportunity to be among the farmsteads whose management has been assessed as environmentally friendly.

The Day of Candles and Filled Peper-cakes at “Caunītes”

On January 20, 2018, everyone will have the opportunity to cast their own beeswax candle and/or bake their own filled gingerbread, which, as far as we know, is only offered at “Caunītes”. Casting of beeswax candles starting at 11:00 (prices for one candle, depending on the shape you choose, are from 0.75 EUR to 6.00 EUR/piece), baking of filled gingerbreads starting at 13:00 (price for one gingerbread 2.00 EUR/piece). The maximum number of persons is about 30, prior registration is obligatory.
Registration – Santa: mob. 26352395, e-mail: jscaunites@inbox.lv

According to the decision of the assessment commission of the Latvian national eco-certificate for tourist accommodation “Green Certificate” of November 15, 2017, the farmstead “Caunītes” has been awarded the Green Certificate, which confirms management that protects the environment, preserves landscapes and biodiversity, and respects local traditions.

On July 5, 2017, Kriss Bendrups, the great-grandson of the former landlord Pauls Bendrups, visited us at “Caunītes” from Australia.
Also present at this meeting was Gunārs Barups, a researcher of the history of the region and the Ozolnieki region’s “Person of the Year”, who shared engaging memories of his early childhood, which was spent precisely at “Caunītes” (then – “Caunēs”), because his parents were tenants of Pauls Bendrups’ farm from 1930 to 1939.

„School of Latvian seasonal rhythm”

Second workshop will take place at March 19th, 2017, from 13:00 to 17:00. Prior reservation: Santa – mob. 26352395, e-mail: jscaunites@inbox.lv

„School of Latvian seasonal rhythm”

During 2017, starting with the beginning of Latvian annual rhythm at Meteņi – ancient Latvian Spring waiting festivity, followed by Lent – the start of 8 events’ cycle – „School of Latvian seasonal rhythm” – is planned for families with children.
During these events, in line with Latvian seasonal rhythm, you will be able to get to know and celebrate Latvian festivities and related traditions. Each event includes informative and exploratory parts, creative workshops, singing songs and playing plays, watching of Nature, practical activities and food cooking in kitchen on wood-burning stove and in bread oven, as well as other activities.
Fee for one 4-hour event is 7 EUR per person (discounts possible for families with many children). Firs event “Meteņi” is planned to take place in February 5th, 2017.
Events are planned for 6-8 families depending from total number of participants. Prior reservation: Santa – mob. 26352395, e-mail: jscaunites@inbox.lv