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.
craft wine, local producer, RETAIL, UKRSADVINPROM, WINEMAKING, ПЕЧКО
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
Updated rules for producers of grapes and wine products have been in force in Ukraine since January 1, 2026, they are approved by the law “On grapes, wine and wine products” (#3928-ІХ), adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on August 22, 2024. The law introduces updated rules for producers of grapes and wine products, establishes modern requirements for the cultivation of grapes, production, labeling and circulation of wine, and brings the Ukrainian system closer to European standards.
One of the key elements of the document is the protection of geographical indications – classification according to the European model, according to which a clear division of wines by origin into wines with protected appellation of origin (PAO) and wines with protected geographical indication (PGI) is introduced. Clear rules have been established for the official recognition and protection of geographical indications, allowing producers to secure regional brands and guarantee consumers authentic quality.
An important tool for streamlining the industry will be the creation of the Viticulture and Wine Registry: the state is introducing a unified information system where all grape plots, grape production and viticulture products will be registered. This will guarantee full traceability of the product from the vine to the store shelf.
In addition, the said law provides for simplification of conditions for small winemakers, which will stimulate the development of the craft segment and gastrotourism.
At the same time, Ukraine introduces strict requirements to the label: the information that must be available to the consumer is clearly regulated, which prevents falsification of wines.
The law updates the terms and classification of wine products, establishes quality standards and labeling requirements. It defines the procedure for state control and general principles of development of the winegrowing and winemaking industry.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted in the second reading a draft law on support for the development of viticulture and winemaking, said Acting Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotsky.
“I am grateful to the people’s deputies for their unanimous support for the development of viticulture and winemaking! Bill 9139 – 311 votes in favor,” he wrote on Facebook.
The draft law “On grapes and viticulture products” (No. 9139), which the government registered in the Verkhovna Rada on March 22, is aimed at implementing the relevant EU regulations on viticulture and winemaking, oenological practices, production of flavored wine products, use and protection of geographical indications of wines.
“At the same time, the purpose of the draft law is to create a unified state information system, the Viticulture and Winemaking Register, which will include information on: grape producers; wine products; vineyards; mandatory declarations and other data on wine products provided for by this law, the entry of which is mandatory, which will ensure effective administration and state support for the viticulture and winemaking industry,” the explanatory note to the document says.
The document envisages the introduction 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 particular, it is not allowed to blend wine produced in Ukraine with imported wine, as well as wines produced outside Ukraine.
The draft law provides for the possibility of state support for viticulture and winemaking within the framework of the general laws “On State Support for Agriculture” and “On Peculiarities of Insurance of Agricultural Products with State Support” without any details, except for the principles of objectivity, equality and proportionality.
The document contains the principles for conducting inspections of wine production from the vineyard to the final product, defines the controlling institutions and their powers, and specifies sanctions, according to the explanatory note.
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.
day of winemaker, EXPERTS CLUB, FESTIVAL, RIVER MALL, UKRSADVINPROM, URAKIN, WINE, wine festival, WINEMAKING, БЛАГОПОЛУЧНА, ПЕЧКО
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.
EXPERTS CLUB, UKRSADVYNPROM, URAKIN, WINE, wine festival, WINEMAKING, ПЕЧКО
