President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed the European integration law No. 3928-IX “On Grapes, Wine and Viticulture Products,” the press service of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy reports.
According to the report, the law was adopted to bring the norms of sectoral legislation in line with the requirements of international rules for the production of viticulture and winemaking products, as well as to implement the provisions of the European Union’s regulations on viticulture and winemaking, oenological practices, production of flavored wine products, use and protection of geographical indications of wines, flavored wine products, and control in this area.
The document provides for the introduction in Ukraine of requirements for the production and circulation of wines, viticulture and winemaking products, and flavored wine products with geographical indications similar to current rules in the EU.
In addition, the law provides for the definition of a mechanism for the protection of geographical indications in Ukraine, the introduction of new terms and definitions in accordance with the categories of European legislation, and the implementation of the rule on labeling and presentation of wine products.
The document establishes the principles for conducting inspections of wine production from the vineyard to the final product, defines controlling institutions and their powers, and specifies sanctions for violations of the requirements established by law.
Ukraine will create a unified state information system, the Viticulture and Winemaking Register, and provide for the possibility of state support for viticulture and winemaking.
It is expected that the law will help provide citizens with high-quality products produced in accordance with international rules with special properties due to the natural conditions of the territory of origin. New jobs and favorable conditions for the development of business entities of all forms of ownership will be created in rural areas.
The law will come into force on January 1, 2026.
A charity wine evening will be held in Kyiv with the support of the Experts Club think tank and the UKRSADVINPROM association. The venue and time will be announced later.
The topic of the evening: Ukraine from West to East.
The program includes a presentation of 12 varieties of Ukrainian wine.
Phone number for reservations and payments: 0671822565
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Last Friday, the Experts Club analytical center hosted the final seminar-tasting of Ukrainian wine and vintage drinks. This event once again brought together representatives of the Ukrainian wine industry, professional tasters, retail experts and media representatives.
Maksim Urakin, founder of Experts club, opened the event, emphasizing the importance of reviving and developing the culture of wine and vintage drinks in Ukraine.
“The Ukrainian wines presented at today’s tasting are limited editions that have not yet been presented to the general public, but have already been recognized at both Ukrainian and international competitions. Our events are held to support the development of domestic winemaking and spirits production, which will allow Ukrainian products to regain their leading positions, primarily in the domestic market, which, unfortunately, have been lost in recent years,” said Urakin.
The founder of Experts club also emphasized that a systematic approach to supporting Ukrainian producers will also lead to their entry into foreign markets and help the development of our economy as a whole.
In his turn, Andriy Strelets, General Manager of Knyaz Trubetskoy, emphasized that despite the destruction his winery suffered as a result of military operations, production continues to revive and develop.
“The wines that are presented at today’s event are new limited collections of 2022. And this is a sign that our winery is resuming production and working to expand its range. We have decided to change the name of our brand to Stoic Ukrainian winery, as it should symbolize the resilience of Ukraine in these difficult times,” said Strelets.
Sergiy Parkhomchuk, Marketing Director at PrJSC Knyaz Trubetskoy, spoke about the company’s new projects.
“Dnipro Hills is a new Ukrainian wine created in cooperation between STOIC Ukrainian winery and Chateau Pinot winery. At a critical moment in the 125-year history of our winery, Chateau Pinot provided us with invaluable support.
Representatives of a new industry for Ukraine – the production of craft distilled beverages, Oleksandr and Lesya Slobodian, presented their own products, including whiskey, calvados and grappa made in Ukraine. CraftSAD is a family-owned distillery with a unique history and philosophy, created by the Slobodian couple. Even after the loss of their laboratory and home during the war, they did not give up, but found a way to continue creating unique signature drinks for their fans. Their work is based on two key principles: the use of local raw materials (grains, berries, fruits) and the priority of quality over quantity. This provides CraftSAD with the opportunity to produce products that preserve the unique aroma and taste of natural ingredients and guarantee the uniformity of each batch.
“The event presents the author’s drinks that are already loved by many. “Zapechena” is based on an old Cossack recipe, a spicy honey brew that will first surprise and then impress with its richness of flavors. Aged for more than 3 years, the exquisite whiskey and calvados are truly worthwhile drinks, of which there are very few left after the house was destroyed,” said Lesia Slobodian.
In general, the event emphasized the importance of supporting Ukrainian wine and spirits producers and promoted the popularization of unique domestic alcohol brands.
The partner of the Experts club was Myasnyi Rai.
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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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On the occasion of the annual celebration of the Ukrainian Winemaker’s Day and in order to support and popularize domestic wine producers, the capital will host the first Winemaker’s Day festival, which will feature products from all over Ukraine. The event will showcase both the ancient traditions and the modern approach of Ukrainian winemaking.
“In recent years, Ukrainian wine production has begun to revive largely thanks to small wineries and wine tourism. But the war has slowed this process to a large extent. One of the ways to stimulate the country’s economy to recover is to hold events that will help popularize domestic producers among consumers,” says Volodymyr Pechko, CEO of UKRSADVINPROM.
“Most major wine-producing countries support their producers and stimulate sales both in the domestic market and for export. Ukraine will not be able to develop as a wine country without systematic state support for domestic producers. That is why I am grateful to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy for its support in organizing the festival,” said Maksym Urakin, founder of the Kyiv-based think tank Experts Club.
According to him, Ukraine can produce much more wine than it does today, but competition from imported products is high. According to the Experts Club, imported wine occupies a significant share of the Ukrainian market, accounting for about 70% of total sales in the country, while the share of Ukrainian wine is about 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,” Urakin emphasized.
In her turn, Natalia Blagopoluchna, Head of the All-Ukrainian Association of Winemakers and Sommeliers, emphasized the unique organoleptic characteristics and taste 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 strike with their originality, arouse admiration and stimulate bold experiments,” she said.
The festival will be held on November 11-12 at the address: Kyiv, Dniprovska embankment, 12, RIVER MALL, food court area on the 3rd floor.
The festival program includes a presentation of Ukrainian craft wines, charity auctions, master classes from winemakers, tasting sessions, cooking shows, music performances and much more.
The festival is organized by the UKRSADVINPROM public union, the Club of Experts think tank, and the Association of Winemakers and Sommeliers.
The following Ukrainian wineries will take part in the festival:
– Zelenytsy winery “Zelenytsy Family Winery”;
– Gigineishvili Wine House;
– Slyvyno Winery, a private enterprise;
– Dnipro hills (Stoic Ukrainian winery);
– WINEIDEA;
– Tiras Vaineri LLC;
– 46 Parallel;
– Uman Winery of Igor Maksymenko;
– Father’s wine VB;
– Falko Winery;
– Villa Tinta;
– Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine;
– Kulinichenko winery;
– KOBLEVO;
– Wines of the Silver Land;
– National Research Center “Tairov Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking” of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine.
The event is supported by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.
Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
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More than 65% of Ukrainians surveyed cannot recall a single brand of domestically produced wine. This is evidenced by the results of a sociological survey conducted by Active Group in cooperation with the Kyiv-based analytical center Experts Club.
Among the domestic wine brands most frequently mentioned by Ukrainians are Koblevo, Shabo, Villa Krym, Bolgrad, Chizay, Kolonist, Inkerman, Oreanda and others. Also, only 30% of respondents have tasted Ukrainian-made craft wine at least once in their lives, and 17% do not know what craft winemaking is.
On the other hand, 54% of respondents would prefer Ukrainian wine if they had to choose a bottle for a visit or a party. At the same time, 47% of respondents prefer Ukrainian alcohol in general, while 27% prefer imported alcohol, and 27% are undecided.
In addition, the survey showed that 30% of citizens do not drink alcohol at all, 28% drink alcohol once a month or less, and 16% drink no more than once a week.
“In wine-growing countries, people are very patriotic about their own products, but in Ukraine, for some reason, sommeliers would rather recommend a foreign product than Ukrainian ones, even though we have quite high-quality craft wines. Therefore, it is necessary to change the worldview and popularize our own production so that the word Ukrainian is synonymous with quality,” said Oleksandr Poznyi, director of Active Group.
In turn, Maxim Urakin, founder of the Experts Club think tank, emphasized the importance of Ukrainian wine in new markets.
“Increasing export volumes is also a good information occasion that will make Ukrainian wine more popular among our consumers. This can be achieved through obtaining international certificates confirming the high quality of Ukrainian wine, as well as through cooperation with well-known winemakers from other countries to improve the skills of Ukrainian winemakers. An example of such cooperation is the assistance to Ukrainian winemaking from the world-famous representative of this industry, Ricardo Fernandez Nunez, owner of the international wine group Vinos de la Luz,” said Urakin.
Volodymyr Pechko, Chairman of the Association of Gardeners, Winegrowers and Winemakers of Ukraine (UKRSADVINPROM), noted that the creation and presentation of new unique varieties and improvement of production technologies could be important factors that will improve the image of Ukrainian craft wine among consumers.
“Ukrainian wineries are increasingly implementing modern wine production technologies. This can be a good reason to hold public events and popularize this product. In particular, UkrSadVinProm has stepped up the use of the latest technologies in the field of planting, processing, cleaning, storage and transportation of wine and wine materials to ensure that Ukrainian fruits and berries meet international quality standards,” said Pechko.
The survey was conducted in July 2023 among Ukrainian citizens aged 18 and older by self-administered questionnaires in the SunFlowerSociology panel.
About 1 thousand respondents – citizens of Ukraine aged 18 and older – took part in the survey, which was conducted online in the SunFlower Sociology panel. The survey program was developed jointly by Experts Club and Active group.
