About us

At Water & Wines, we believe learning about wine should feel like savoring a perfectly aged vintage – an incredible journey unveiling layers of complexity at every step. That’s why we created a series of puzzles to take you on adventures through the world of wine. Originally focused on iconic wine regions, we’re now branching out to whiskies, beer, coffee, and gourmet.

But our puzzles are more than just beautiful illustrations to piece together. They come packed with guides, recipes, and learnings so you can be inspired to explore more about every flavor.

Sustainably made and expertly crafted, every puzzle is rigorously researched so you can play, learn, and create unforgettable moments. We want to be your one-stop-shop for wanderlust-filled adventures and memorable experiences that bring you closer to loved ones or add mindfulness to solo time.

Imagine cozying up with your besties for a lasagna dinner night and bonding over a wine puzzle of Italy, or feeling recharged after putting together the sunny coast of California during your wind-down time. These are the moments we live for, and we're thrilled to share them with you.

"We want to share our passion for oenology through fun and creative puzzles that will transport you to the heart of wine country and sparkle joy in your life. We invite you to join our magical adventures into the world of wine and gourmet, and create memorable moments filled with peace and love."

— Yamit Viitaoja, Founder

How it all started

Yamit and Mathilde are the dynamic duo behind Water and Wines, united by their love for wine and puzzles. Yamit, a sommelier with an unwavering passion for wine, wanted to create a way to learn about wine that didn't feel like homework. That's when she teamed up with her friend Mathilde, a master of maps and puzzle lover, to create a playful experience that would encapsulate the essence of the world of wine and gourmet. Together, they set out to create a series of puzzle that would each be an adventure to savor.

Female led, female run

Dreamed up and run entirely by women, our team may be few in number, but we're bursting with big dreams and even bigger determination to deliver the most exciting, educational and entertaining puzzles around.

We're constantly exploring the finest flavors of the world while pushing the boundaries of what a puzzle can be, combining creativity with a dash of whimsy.

Join us on this journey to discover the joy and magic of the world of wine and gourmet like never before!

The making of our puzzles

Crafting the perfect puzzle is a true labor of love that we do not take lightly. Our team of sommeliers and illustrators work hand-in-hand, with each puzzle being carefully created and reviewed to ensure that it's beautiful to look at, a joy to build, and an educational experience that you'll never forget.

Made with love by sommeliers

The puzzle-making process starts with extensive research, fact-checking, and cross-referencing. We spend countless hours selecting the most relevant and interesting information, while reviewing all the elements with expert sommeliers and local colleagues. With limited space, we focus on the details that we feel will be of most interest to every wine lover. Our goal is not to provide encyclopedic knowledge, but rather to spark curiosity and encourage learning. We take pride in the accuracy and quality of our puzzles, and we pour our hearts into making beautiful and informative puzzles that will stimulate your senses.

Hand-illustrated by artists

Next, our talented artists get to work on hand illustrating each region, bringing the delicate details to life. We play with color and scale to challenge your visual mind as you build the puzzle. No dull or blank pieces in our world! We carefully layer geography, history, and wine knowledge into the design, hiding fun and interesting facts for you to discover. For example, did you know that Californian vineyards are using falcons to scare off pesky grape-eating birds? Look for the falcon in our Californian puzzle and see if you can spot other cool facts hidden in the illustration. Our puzzles are more than just fun to build, they're a journey through winding roads, historic landmarks, and unique flora and fauna.

Earth-friendly commitment

We put a lot of love and care into our puzzles, but we're equally passionate about the planet. That's why our puzzles are locally produced with earth-friendly materials, ensuring that they're of the highest quality for you to enjoy for years to come. Our materials are locally sourced and all recyclable, and our puzzles are made in compliance with the toughest environmental standards. We're proud to be women-led and committed to giving back to the planet. For every puzzle sold, we plant one tree and make a donation to improve global access to safe drinking water. So, when you buy one of our puzzles, you're not only treating yourself to hours of fun, but also helping to make the world a better place.

In the end, they are more than just puzzles, but an invitation to explore the world of wine and spirits in a fun and engaging way. They're made with love and care by sommeliers and artists who pour their hearts into every detail. So go ahead, grab a glass of your favorite vino, cozy up with one of our puzzles, and let the journey begin! Cheers to you, wine explorer!