Vilnius Bartenders Academy is the first modern school in Lithuania dedicated to training specialists in the hospitality industry. The founders and instructors of the academy are renowned and recognized professional bartenders, known across various European and global stages. These experts include winners, participants, and judges of Lithuanian and international bartending championships, managers in the hospitality sector with years of experience, and members of international associations.
Vainius Balčaitis is a multiple-time champion of bartending competitions and has represented Lithuania in global bartending championships. He won the prestigious World Class competition in the Baltic States in 2017 and has worked as the head bartender in a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Netherlands. Vainius has attended numerous Bar Shows across Europe and has accumulated invaluable experience during his more than 10 years in the bar industry. He is currently the director of the Apoteka bar.
Karolis Jauniškis has over 10 years of experience in the bar industry. After graduating from the Vilnius Bartenders Academy, he continued to deepen his knowledge by working at the Apoteka cocktail bar, participating in international internships, and attending Bar Shows. He is now the manager of the Apoteka bar. Karolis has participated in various cocktail competitions, won the World Class Baltics in 2022, and represented all Baltic countries at the global World Class bartending championship in Australia in 2022.