Ukrainian local and craft wineries can expand their presence in national retail chains, but to do so, producers must meet retailers’ requirements regarding quality, safety, documentation, and supply stability.
This was discussed during the National Roundtable “Local Grape Varieties: Heritage, Sustainability, and Rural Development,” organized by the Public Association “UKRSADVINPROM” to mark the 10th anniversary of the Association’s activities.
Olena Gordon, a representative of the “Ukraine Food Retail Alliance” (UFRA)—which includes leading Ukrainian food retail chains such as ATB-Market, Silpo, VARUS, NOVUS, and KOLO—noted that local producers can enter retail chains provided they meet standards and are ready to scale up production.
For Ukrainian winemakers, this means that having a high-quality product is no longer the only requirement for increasing sales through retail channels. Retail chains expect suppliers to provide stable shipments, a clear quality control system, production traceability, the necessary certifications, regulatory approvals, and a willingness to work within a long-term partnership framework.
Roundtable participants noted that retailers’ interest in craft wineries and local producers is growing amid rising demand for Ukrainian products. In the context of the war, supporting domestic producers is viewed not only as a consumer choice but also as a key element of the country’s economic resilience.
For the producers themselves, collaboration with retail chains can be a crucial step in scaling their businesses. A presence on the shelves of national retailers boosts brand recognition, expands access to consumers, and helps foster a culture of Ukrainian wine consumption.
At the same time, participants in the discussion emphasized that craft winemaking requires a distinct approach. Small producers cannot always operate according to the logic of mass industrial production; therefore, flexible collaboration models, professional support, assistance with certification, and clear rules for market entry are essential for the segment’s development.
The HoReCa sector and wine tourism could serve as additional channels for promoting Ukrainian wine. Restaurants, tasting events, festivals, and wine tours provide opportunities to introduce consumers to local grape varieties, create an emotional connection with producers, and gradually build demand that can subsequently support retail sales.
The roundtable also noted that the development of local grape varieties could become part of a broader strategy for promoting Ukrainian wine. Volodymyr Pechko, Chairman of the “UKRSADVINPROM” Public Association, emphasized that Ukraine needs to more actively showcase its own varieties and build a wine identity around them. In particular, “Odesa Black” and “Sukholimansky” were cited as flagship varieties of Ukrainian breeding.
For retailers, local varieties could become a distinct competitive niche, as they allow retailers to offer customers not just Ukrainian wine, but a product with provenance, history, and regional identity. This approach could boost interest in Ukrainian wines both in the domestic market and, in the long term, in export markets.
Participants in the event also emphasized the need to create a Vineyard Register and conduct a comprehensive inventory of vineyards in accordance with EU approaches. This is important for the sector’s transparency, the development of geographical indications, Ukraine’s integration into the European system of support for viticulture, and the future use of EU financial instruments.
The “UKRSADVINPROM” General Association is an industry association operating in the fields of horticulture, viticulture, and winemaking. The organization brings together market participants, takes part in industry discussions, promotes the interests of Ukrainian producers, and supports the development of high-value-added products. In 2026, the Association celebrated its 10th anniversary.
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The development of local grape varieties in Ukraine is already moving from the level of professional discussion to practical implementation and is becoming one of the key areas for enhancing the competitiveness of Ukrainian winemaking, building regional brands, and promoting high-value-added products in domestic and international markets.
This was discussed during the National Roundtable “Local Grape Varieties: Heritage, Sustainability, and Rural Development,” organized by the UKRSADVINPROM Association to mark the 10th anniversary of the Association’s activities.
Participants in the event noted that local grape varieties are already becoming for Ukrainian producers not only an agricultural resource but also an element of cultural heritage, regional identity, and the future export specialization of Ukrainian winemaking. It is precisely around these varieties that the new identity of Ukrainian wine is taking shape—with its own history, origin, taste, and distinctiveness.
Volodymyr Pechko, Chairman of the “UKRSADVINPROM” Public Association, emphasized that Ukrainian winemaking already has its own foundation for development, and this foundation is linked to the promotion of domestic grape varieties. According to him, the flagship and ambassadorial varieties of Ukrainian wine could be, first and foremost, “Odesa Black” and “Sukholymansky,” which reflect Ukrainian breeding, authenticity, and the country’s wine identity.
Special attention was given to the creation of a Vineyard Register and the conduct of a comprehensive inventory of vineyards in accordance with EU approaches. This work is intended to serve as a practical foundation for Ukraine’s further integration into the European system of support for viticulture and winemaking, as well as for the potential use of EU financial instruments following the country’s accession to the European Union.
Pechko also reported that approximately 10,000 hectares are currently under vineyards in Ukraine. According to him, the reduction in vineyard acreage requires additional attention from the government and the industry, as it is impossible to ensure the stable growth of winemaking without preserving and developing the raw material base.
Interest from retailers and the HoReCa sector in local producers is already becoming an important factor for the Ukrainian wine market. Olena Gordon, a representative of the “Ukraine Food Retail Alliance” (UFRA)—which includes leading Ukrainian food retail chains such as ATB-Market, Silpo, VARUS, NOVUS, and KOLO—noted that local producers can enter retail chains provided they meet standards and are ready to scale up production.
This factor is particularly important for craft wineries, which are already creating a strong local product and have their own history, but face the chains’ requirements regarding supply stability, quality, safety, documentation, and production traceability.
Representatives of the restaurant and hotel sectors, in turn, noted that Ukrainian consumers’ interest in domestic wines is already growing. There is potential for promoting Ukrainian wine both domestically and abroad; however, strengthening the industry’s position requires systematic promotion—participation in international exhibitions, professional presentations, tastings, and “blind tastings,” which allow for an objective demonstration of product quality.
Wine tourism is already emerging as a distinct promotional tool. Festivals, tastings, and the development of wine routes help forge an emotional connection between producers and consumers, introduce Ukrainian wine to a wider audience, and create additional opportunities for the development of rural areas.
According to the participants, craft winemaking requires a distinct approach to regulation and development, as it cannot be evaluated using the same criteria as mass industrial production. For the sector to grow, it is important to foster a culture of Ukrainian wine consumption, support local producers, and develop the domestic market, which can serve as a foundation for future exports.
Mykola Patyka, Vice President of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, highlighted the role of science in preserving and developing the genetic potential of Ukrainian grape varieties. Scientific support, breeding, research into the adaptability of varieties, and work with genetic resources are essential for ensuring that local varieties become not only part of the country’s heritage but also a competitive product in the modern market.
The development of local grape varieties is already laying the groundwork for the emergence of new regional brands and geographical indications, the revitalization of rural areas, and increased recognition of Ukrainian products in international markets. For the industry, this means a shift from the general idea of promoting Ukrainian wine to a more specific model—one with its own varieties, origin, history, quality standards, and distribution channels.
The “UKRSADVINPROM” General Association is an industry association operating in the fields of horticulture, viticulture, and winemaking. The organization brings together market participants, takes part in industry discussions, promotes the interests of Ukrainian producers, and supports the development of high-value-added products. In 2026, the Association celebrated its 10th anniversary.
GRAPES, local variety, UKRSADVINPROM, WINE, WINEMAKING, ПЕЧКО
GS “UKRSADVINPROM” celebrated its 10th anniversary by hosting a national roundtable titled “Local Grape Varieties: Heritage, Sustainable Development, and Rural Development.”
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, industry associations, academia, the retail sector, the HoReCa sector, winemaking enterprises, and experts from the agricultural sector.
Deputy Minister Denys Bashlyk congratulated the Union on behalf of the ministry, noting UKRSADVINPROM’s contribution to the development of horticulture, viticulture, and winemaking in Ukraine.
Roundtable participants discussed the development of local grape varieties as a means of preserving Ukrainian identity, cultural heritage, and regional distinctiveness. It was noted that the competitiveness of Ukrainian winemaking should be built not only around the “Made in Ukraine” principle but also around the “Developed in Ukraine” approach, where domestic breeding achievements become part of the national brand.
Particular attention was paid to the need to create a Grape Register and conduct a comprehensive inventory of vineyards in accordance with EU approaches. Meeting these requirements could open up access for Ukraine to European industry support instruments following the country’s accession to the European Union.
Vladimir Pechko, Chairman of the “UKRSADVINPROM” Public Association, noted an alarming trend of shrinking vineyard areas. According to him, approximately 10,000 hectares are currently under vine in Ukraine, a situation that requires additional attention from both the government and the industry.
Participants in the event also emphasized the importance of supporting Ukrainian producers amid the war, developing craft winemaking, promoting Ukrainian wines in domestic and international markets, and enabling producers to participate in international exhibitions, professional presentations, and tasting events.
The “UKRSADVINPROM” General Association brings together participants in the horticulture, viticulture, and winemaking sectors; it participates in promoting Ukrainian products, developing industry policy, and protecting the interests of producers.
The 50% increase in minimum wholesale and retail prices for alcoholic beverages provided for in the draft law No. 11416d on introducing a number of amendments to the Tax Code of Ukraine will have a positive impact on the country’s alcohol market, Volodymyr Pechko, chairman of the board of the public association UkrSadVinProm, told Interfax-Ukraine.
He reminded that the minimum retail prices for wine and spirits have not been raised since 2018, and they are regulated by the Cabinet of Ministers.
“This will lead to an increase in tax revenues to the state budget and resolve the issue of counterfeit products,” assured the head of the industry association.
Mr. Pechko pointed out that there is currently very cheap wine on store shelves that is of extremely poor quality.
“Such a product sometimes costs 40-45 UAH/l. And compare this price with juices, which are much more expensive – this is basically impossible. In order to sell cheaply, unfortunate producers are forced to mix something into their product or dilute wine with water. Accordingly, the decision proposed by the parliament will “knock out” unscrupulous producers from the market,” explained the head of Ukrsadvynprom.
Pechko confirmed that as a result of such actions by the parliament, wine will become more expensive for the end consumer, noting that this process in relation to alcoholic beverages in the country has been going on for a long time. He explained the rise in prices for wine and vodka products by the rise in gas prices, which led to higher prices for glass containers.
In addition, crop protection products have risen in price in the 2024 season, and the price of grapes is breaking records, having almost doubled. “If wine hasn’t risen in price at the same time, it should raise questions and concern consumers. A 50% increase in the minimum retail price for alcoholic beverages is a very modest price increase. Currently, the minimum retail price subject to excise tax is 42 UAH/l, while it should be at least 95 UAH/l,” Pechko said.
The head of Ukrsadvynprom advised consumers to choose wine at a price of at least UAH 130, 150, 200 per bottle in order not to risk their health and to be sure of the quality of the product they buy.
As reported, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the law (No. 11416d) on amendments to the Tax Code regarding the peculiarities of taxation under martial law, which provides for an increase in the military tax from 1.5% to 5% starting October 1, and a 50% increase in the bank profit tax in 2024. Other new provisions include the introduction of advance payments on gas station profits, pegging the advance payment rate for currency exchange offices to the euro, increasing the minimum tax liability for agricultural land and increasing the rent for crushed stone extraction, but at the same time exempting from taxation the funds received by citizens under the national cashback program.
This weekend, the first festival dedicated to the Ukrainian Winemaker’s Day was held at the River Mall in Kyiv. This event became a vivid symbol of the revival and popularization of Ukrainian winemaking. Visitors had the opportunity to enjoy wine products from all over the country, as well as learn about traditional and modern winemaking methods.
Maksim Urakin, founder of Experts Club, a Kyiv-based think tank, noted that the production and sale of wine products in Ukraine today is complicated primarily by significant competition from foreign wines.
“Experts Club’s information and analytical project systematically supports all producers in the country, and winemakers are no exception. According to Experts Club, imported wine already accounts for more than 70% of total sales on the Ukrainian market, while the share of Ukrainian wine is below 30%. Holding thematic festivals dedicated to winemaking could open up unique varieties of Ukrainian wine to consumers, which are in no way inferior to French or Italian wines. That is why we all need to show consumer patriotism and buy Ukrainian wine,” added Maksim Urakin.
According to Volodymyr Pechko, CEO of UKRSADVINPROM, recent years have been difficult for Ukrainian winemaking, primarily due to the war. However, thanks to the efforts of craft producers, the industry continues to develop.
“I am confident that our festival will become an annual event, as we must support Ukrainian producers and promote Ukrainian quality both in Ukraine and internationally. I sincerely congratulate all winemakers on their professional holiday and thank them for the incredible work they continue to do. I also express my gratitude to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine for its assistance in organizing this year’s event,” he said.
Natalia Blagopoluchna, Head of the Ukrainian Association of Winemakers and Sommeliers, emphasized the uniqueness of Ukrainian craft wines.
“The diversity of our wines is the result of unique local climatic conditions and the peculiarities of the grape varieties we use. They are striking in their originality and are admirable,” said Natalia Blagopoluchna.
The festival took place on November 11-12 on the Dnipro embankment at the RIVER MALL shopping center. The organizers of the festival, the Public Union “Association of Gardeners, Winegrowers and Winemakers of Ukraine” (UKRSADVINPROM), the All-Ukrainian Association of Winemakers and Sommeliers, and the analytical center “Club of Experts”, presented the best winemakers of Ukraine with certificates from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food.
One of the highlights of the festival was a charity auction that not only raised funds to support an important cause but also demonstrated the social responsibility of the organizers and participants. The auction was hosted by TV presenter and Help for Ukraine ambassador Yevhen Koshovoy. The unique Ukrainian-made wine lots on display were the subject of competition among collectors and wine lovers. All the proceeds from the auction were donated to the Reconstruction and Development Fund of Ukraine. These funds will be used to finance the purchase of a mobile hospital to rescue the wounded. In total, the auction raised about UAH 100,000.
“I am pleased that today I had the opportunity to present these unique wines to true connoisseurs of winemaking. Also, each of those who received a collector’s bottle today can be sure that the money spent will go to a really necessary and good cause – rescuing the wounded and war-affected,” said Koshovoy.
The festival ended with an award ceremony where the winners of the Best Winery of the Festival competition were announced. It was a moment of pride for the winemakers, who were recognized for their efforts and skills. Voting for the best wine took place both with the help of a QR code and by filling out ballots. Each guest had the opportunity to express their opinion.
Three wineries became the winners based on the choice of festival visitors: Zelenytsy winery, Gigineishvili Wine House and the Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. All of them received the same number of votes.
– Overall, the festival will feature the following Ukrainian wine brands:
– Zelenytsy winery;
– Gigineishvili Wine House;
– Dnipro hills (Stoic Ukrainian winery);
– WINEIDEA;
– Tiras Vaineri LLC (My Wine, Eduard Gorodetsky);
– 46 Parallel;
– Uman Winery of Igor Maksymenko;
– Father’s wine VB;
– Villa Tinta;
– Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine;
– Kulinichenko winery;
– Wines of the Silver Land;
– National Research Center “Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking named after
Gastronomic wine pairings were provided by such producers as Tsar Khlib, TM Zinka, TM Karapyshivski sausages, and others.
Festival partner Voda.ua
Thus, the Winemaker’s Day festival in Kyiv has not only become a significant event in the cultural calendar of the capital, but also made a significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian winemaking. It brought together winemakers, sommeliers, and wine lovers, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience, and drew attention to the Ukrainian wine industry. The organizers of the festival announced plans to hold similar events in the future, giving a new impetus to the development of this sector in our country.
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Director General of the International Organization of Vine and Wine Industry (IOVI) Pau Roca thanked representatives of the Ukrainian wine industry for the work done to restore Ukraine’s membership in this international structure.
“In this difficult time that Ukraine is going through and in this difficult situation, we focus on the promotion of Ukrainian winemaking in the world. The fact that Ukraine joined our interstate organization is a very important step at this very period. This step will bring results in the near future”, – stressed the Head of IGOV at a press conference in the news agency Interfax Ukraine.
In turn, the Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Markiyan Dmytrosevych also noted the importance of Ukraine’s membership in IGOV, as this organization currently unites 85% of the world’s specialists in the field of viticulture and winemaking, as well as represents the interests of 80% of consumers.
“The International Organization of Winegrowing and Winemaking is primarily a platform for the exchange of experiences in the promotion of wine products. Membership in IGOV and work in its committees will give Ukraine the opportunity to be aware of all the changes and directions of development of the industry, which, in turn, is important in the context of European integration of our country, “- said Dmitrasevich.
Speaking about the consequences of war for the sector, the Deputy Minister said that, according to the estimates of the World Bank and experts of the Institute of International Economics, the cost of destroyed, stolen, damaged property in the agricultural sector is $8 billion. With the rest of the indirect losses – lost profits, unfulfilled contracts – the total damage from military action reaches 40 billion UAH.
“If perennial plantations are destroyed, it will take years to recover. After the human losses such losses are the most painful for us and for the industry”, – he stressed.
In addition, M. Dmitrasevich recalled the possibility of attracting state grant program for the establishment of new vineyards.
The head of the public association “Ukrsadvinprom” Volodymyr Pechko noted that in 2021 in Ukraine officially there were about 266 industrial producers of grapes and wine, 125 winegrowing enterprises, 29 small producers of grapes and wine products.
“About the figures, to process each hectare involved 33 employees on a permanent basis, each enterprise employed an average of 250 people. Thus, the employment rate in viticulture and horticulture in Ukraine is one of the highest compared to other industries,” stressed the industry representative.
Pechko also thanked the Ministry of Agrarian Policy for implementing an industry support program and providing grants to winemakers in both 2021 and 2022.
“The state’s support of planting vineyards even in this difficult time will allow not only to preserve the industry in the future, but also to expand vineyard planting areas,” he said.
According to the moderator of the press conference and the deputy head of the public association “Ukrsadvinprom” Maxim Urakin, in the current realities it is extremely important to extend the status of winemaking to all regions of Ukraine.
“Granting the status of winemaking regions to all regions of Ukraine without exception is especially relevant in connection with the displacement of viticulture in the central and western regions of the country, where dozens of winemakers are already working effectively; the status of winemaking region will allow winemakers to claim assistance, technology, benefits,” – said Urakin.
According to the deputy head of “Ukrsadvinprom” on international relations Natalia Burlachenko, the main purpose of the renewal of membership in the IOVV is the popularization of the Ukrainian product.
“First of all, we want to show what heights and quality Ukraine has achieved, despite the realities in which we live. This is an important platform to sound to the world. It is an opportunity not only virtually but also offline to communicate with foreign colleagues and show that Ukrainian wine exists, exists and will become more competitive in the future,” she said.
Ricardo Nuñez, owner of the Vinos de La Luz wine company and investor in Ukrainian winemaking, stressed that Ukraine needs a state program for the development of winemaking to bring the industry to a new level of development after the war.
“In February 2022 the dynamic development of the wine industry in Ukraine came to a halt. Many Ukrainians, including those involved in winemaking, left their homes. But they will return with the knowledge and experience gained outside the country. They must be prepared for new opportunities”, the winemaker said.
Ricardo Nunez presented the novelty of the season – a red dry wine Big Wines Big Art, which was produced from the grapes of Odessa black vintage 2020 grown in the Rhenia district of the Odessa region. The first batch of 1,000 bottles was produced at the facility in the Kyiv region. A well-known artist Ivan Marchuk was involved in the work on the new Ukrainian wine, who provided his painting “Awakening” symbolizing the revival of Ukrainian winemaking after the war, said Ricardo Nuñez.
Speaking about the future recovery of the industry the winemaker reminded that development always begins with the emergence of many small producers who become the basis for the creation of large enterprises.
“I am the first investor in the winegrowing and winemaking industry in Ukraine during the war. I am working on wine production right now. My task is to teach Ukrainians to drink their own wine. Then the country will have a great and great industry,” he said.
Representatives of Ukrsadvinprom handed over the flag of the International Organization of Vine and Wine Making to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine.
The International Organization of Vine and Wine (IOVV) is the successor of the International Bureau of Vine and Wine, which existed from 1924 to 2001 and today unites 49 countries. It is this organization that develops the standards of world winemaking. IOVW consists of four committees – viticulture, enology, economics and law, safety and health. Ukraine will be represented in the international organization by a delegation, which consists of representatives of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, the Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking named after Tarov. Ukraine will be represented by a delegation consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and the Winemaking Institute named after Tairov, members of “Ukrsadvynprom”.
The Vinos de La Luz Group has wineries in Old and New World wine-growing regions, in particular, in Spain, Italy, Argentina and the USA, where it produces wines under the Vinos de La Luz brand.
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