As rosé continues to gain recognition as one of the most versatile styles of wine, dedicated events celebrating its diversity are becoming increasingly popular. This spring, Monte Pacis brought that spirit to life with Le Rosé — a day-long festival combining wine tastings, expert-led discussions, and a seasonal gala dinner in one of Lithuania’s most picturesque settings.
There are events built around a drink, and then there are events that create an entire atmosphere around it. The first Le Rosé festival, held on May 30 at Monte Pacis in Pažaislis, belonged firmly to the latter category.
Set against the backdrop of the historic monastery ensemble, the event offered a full-day immersion into the world of rosé. More than a simple tasting, Le Rosé combined education, gastronomy, conversation and summer elegance, creating an experience that felt both relaxed and thoughtfully curated.
The afternoon programme unfolded in the open air at Karietų aikštė, where guests wandered between producer stands, tasting dozens of rosé wines and sparkling rosés while enjoying the first truly summery weekend of the season. Throughout the day, seminars and discussions provided a deeper understanding of rosé culture. Led by respected wine professionals including Rasa Starkus of the Lithuanian Sommelier School, Jolanta Smičienė and Jūratė Sprindžiūnaitė, the sessions explored topics ranging from the origins and structure of rosé wines to sparkling rosé styles and contemporary interpretations of the category.
What made the event particularly engaging was its balance between expertise and accessibility. Guests could move seamlessly between educational tastings, conversations with producers and leisurely glasses enjoyed in the sunshine. Discussions featuring wine expert Arminas Darasevičius added further perspective, while the atmosphere remained intentionally informal and welcoming.
The vision behind Le Rosé belongs to organiser Viktorija Pranevič, whose long-standing passion for wine inspired the creation of a gathering dedicated entirely to rosé. Her concept extends beyond what is poured into the glass, focusing equally on the people, surroundings and mood that elevate a wine experience. That philosophy was evident throughout the day, from the carefully chosen location to the unhurried pace that encouraged guests to linger and explore.
As the afternoon transitioned into evening, the festival naturally shifted into its second act: the Le Rosé Gala Dinner. Hosted beneath the linden trees of Monte Pacis' picturesque inner avenue, the setting could hardly have been more fitting. Long tables stretched beneath a canopy of greenery, creating an atmosphere that felt intimate, elegant and unmistakably seasonal.
For the occasion, Monte Pacis chef Romualdas Dambrauskas created a four-course menu that perfectly reflected the arrival of summer. Light, precise and playful, each dish was paired with a rosé selected to complement its flavours without overpowering them.
The evening began with a delicate composition of goat cheese, hibiscus, elderflower and tomato vinegar, accompanied by Raventós i Blanc De Nit Magnum from Spain. Bright and floral, the pairing set the tone for the courses that followed.
Next came rainbow trout served with sea buckthorn, cucumber, koji and buttermilk, matched with Château Minuty M Côtes de Provence Rosé 2025. The dish showcased a beautiful balance of freshness and acidity, while the Provençal rosé brought elegance and structure.
For the main course, black cod arrived alongside snail caviar, sea grapes, white asparagus and a rosé wine sauce. Paired with Roc de l'Abbaye Tradition Cuvée Sancerre Rosé 2024, the dish demonstrated how rosé can accompany sophisticated seafood preparations with remarkable versatility.
Dessert offered a fitting finale: white chocolate, strawberries, freeze-dried yoghurt and rhubarb paired with Cassano Belbo Brachetto d'Acqui 2024. The combination captured the essence of early summer, balancing sweetness with freshness and vibrant fruit character.
What distinguished Le Rosé was not simply the quality of the wines or the gastronomy, but the way the event connected them into one harmonious experience. The daytime festival encouraged discovery and learning, while the evening dinner demonstrated how rosé can seamlessly accompany refined cuisine.
As rosé continues to evolve from a seasonal favourite into a category appreciated for its diversity and gastronomic potential, Le Rosé provided a compelling showcase of everything the style can offer. Judging by the enthusiasm of guests throughout the day and well into the evening, this elegant celebration of pink wines may well become a highlight of Lithuania’s wine calendar.
