My Vilnius is a series of interviews that introduce you to people who call Vilnius their home. It’s all about the ordinary lives of extraordinary people and vice versa. Tucked in a modern building in the midst of a new town, Naked Noah is a wine shop brimming with character, bold branding, a well-curated selection, and Scandinavian vibes. Its co-founder Daniel, who is dedicated to spreading the message about the natural wine culture, gives us a taste (or should I say a sip?) of what it takes to bring a novelty into a relatively conservative local beverage culture.
VP: Could you introduce us to your story?
Daniel: I grew up with a love for food, which led me to become a chef. I worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, where I developed a deep appreciation for pairing food and wine. After years in the kitchen, I felt drawn to wine’s complexities and began exploring natural wines specifically.
My passion for honest, raw flavours and the relationship between land, grape, and glass brought me to wine distribution. Over time, I started Naked Noah to bring natural wines to Lithuania and beyond, hoping to share this passion with others who value authenticity in what they drink and consume.
VP: Why Naked Noah?
Daniel: Naked Noah is inspired by the biblical Noah, who is said to have planted the first vineyard after the flood. The “naked” aspect reflects our commitment to natural wines — wines that are honest and stripped of additives, expressing true terroir.
Our brand is dedicated to bringing transparency to winemaking and building meaningful connections with both producers and customers. The vision is to demystify wine by promoting a straightforward, honest experience, fostering an appreciation for how these wines are made, and supporting the culture of small-scale, passionate winemakers.
VP: What can first-time customers expect from your wine shop?
Daniel: First-time customers can expect a warm, welcoming space where they’re encouraged to explore, taste, and ask questions. We focus on natural wines that tell a story — each bottle reflects its origin and the philosophy of its maker.
Our goal is to create an approachable environment where everyone, whether new to wine or experienced, can discover something exciting and learn more about natural wine in a relaxed setting. For us, education is key; that’s why we are focusing on organizing various educational tasting events and pop-ups and being socially active.
VP: How would you describe the wine culture in Lithuania?
Daniel: The wine culture in Lithuania is blossoming. There’s growing interest, particularly in natural wines, as people are eager to explore something different from the conventional. While historically, beer and spirits were more prominent in our region, the recent shift toward wine shows a curiosity about gastronomy and artisanal products.
Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable and adventurous, and there’s excitement in trying wines that reflect unique philosophies and honest winemaking practices. We’re seeing more tastings, events, and discussions, which makes it an exciting time to be part of the Lithuanian wine scene.
VP: What does your daily routine look like?
Daniel: My daily routine is a mix of tasting, meetings, and calls with winemakers and restaurants and managing the shop. I start early, often checking in on logistics and reaching out to new or current winemakers. Afternoons are usually spent at Naked Noah, assisting customers and discussing wine.
I also dedicate time to creating content for our YouTube series, Naked Noah Explores Natural Wine, which allows me to share insights from vineyard visits and tastings with a wider audience. The evenings often include tastings, planning events, and exploring new ideas to enhance our offerings.
VP: What are your three places to visit in Vilnius on a chilly autumn Friday evening?
Daniel: For a perfect autumn evening in Vilnius, I’d start with Vištidė — a cozy spot run by our lovely friends Alessia and Emilija! It has a welcoming vibe, great wine, and delicious small bites made with Alessia’s ethically sourced products from Italy. Next, head over to Le Travi, a charming place where the menu creatively incorporates seasonal ingredients, offering a warm atmosphere. The wine selection is phenomenal, and the honest food made from local ingredients makes for a fantastic experience. Finally, I can’t miss mentioning Džiaugsmas — a top spot for the best dinner in town. The menu is simply spectacular, and my dear friend, chef — Martynas Praškevičius, constantly surprises me with his creations. Plus, you can find our wine at Džiaugsmas, making your dining experience here truly incredible!
VP: Where can we find you in the digital sphere?
Daniel: We’re excited to be finishing our e-shop in the upcoming days. People will soon be able to order our wines online and follow our blog for all the latest news and insights. We’re active on Instagram, where we aim to be both creative and educational — follow us @naked.noah for updates and glimpses into the world of natural wine. Don’t miss our YouTube channel, where we also post short documentaries from our visits to winemakers and share the inspiring stories behind each bottle.
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