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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Higher education and the gastronomy industry have joined forces to create a new training center.
Academy of Labor, Social Relations and Tourism has announced the opening of a new Department of Gastronomy, Sommelier and Wine Culture, which is an important step in the development of gastronomy in Ukraine and will provide new opportunities for professional development for students and guests of the educational institution.
The grand opening of the department was attended by prominent figures from various fields, which symbolizes the broad support for the initiative. One of the invited guests was Ricardo Fernández Núñez, owner of Vinos de la Luz, an international wine group with wineries in Argentina, Spain, and Italy, as well as offices in Ukraine and Poland and production in the United States. He also holds a Doctorate, which recognizes his active role in the development of the wine industry. During his speech, Nunez expressed his deep support for Ukraine and his willingness to fight for its freedom and identity. He noted that he supports Ukraine not only with words, but also with his activities, trying to contribute to the country by means available to him.
Mykola Malomuzh, former Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, also took part in the opening of the chair. His presence at the event demonstrates the government’s support and interest in the development of the gastronomy industry.
Hryhorii Osovyi, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine since 2014, emphasized the importance of vocational training in the gastronomy sector and its impact on the country’s social development.
In his turn, Viktor Sukhomlyn, Acting Rector of the Academy, PhD in Public Administration, Honored Worker of the Social Sphere of Ukraine, emphasized the importance of developing the new department and its contribution to the training of gastronomy and sommelier specialists. He noted that this initiative will contribute to improving the quality of education in Ukraine and developing wine culture among our citizens.
The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Academy, Yevhen Mykhailovych Drapyatyi, expressed his support for the new project, the implementation of which is an important step towards the development of the gastronomy industry for the further successful development of the country.
“The opening of the new department marks the beginning of a new stage of gastronomic education in Ukraine,” said Volodymyr Pechko, Chairman of the UKRSADVINPROM Public Union.
He also expressed his support for this innovative step and thanked the initiative’s participants for their work in restoring the international organization and bringing it back to Ukraine.
Natalia Blagopoluchna, President of the All-Ukrainian Association of Winemakers and Sommeliers, head of the first Ukrainian sommelier school “Master Class”, also spoke about the history of the first sommelier school in Ukraine, which was born more than twenty-three years ago. Since then, the school has been providing students and guests of the Academy of Labor with ample opportunities for training and development in the areas of tourism and social relations. Not only does it allow students to gain solid knowledge, but it also facilitates the acquisition of practical experience in the gastronomic field, which stimulates the further development of gastronomic culture in Ukraine.
Maksym Urakin, founder of the Club of Experts think tank, publisher, and marketing director of Interfax Ukraine, in turn, emphasized the importance of developing education in Ukraine and stressed that this initiative is a step towards training a new generation of professionals who will restore and develop the country in the future.
Thanks to the support and activity of prominent personalities and the university staff, the new Department of Gastronomy, Sommelier, and Wine Culture promises to become a leader in the field of gastronomic education and development of wine culture in Ukraine. We stay in touch to follow the further achievements and contribution of this department to the gastronomic heritage of our country.
The Academy of Labor and Social Relations was established in 1993 with the aim of providing high-quality program-targeted training of specialists in the field of law, market relations, social partnership, labor organization, and management. In 2013/2014, the name of the Academy was renamed to the Academy of Labor, Social Relations and Tourism. Along with the use of modern advanced teaching technologies, the Academy also draws on the many years of experience and traditions of the Higher School of Trade Union Movement.
Today, the Academy is a leading higher education institution in Ukraine, a national center of modern knowledge about society and social technologies.
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On Friday, July 31, the conference hall of the Kyiv-based think tank Experts Club hosted the fourth scientific and practical seminar-tasting of vintage drinks for people aged 20 to 80. The event was attended by Ukrainian and international wine experts, retailers and media representatives. Ricardo Nuñez, one of the world’s leading winemakers and an investor in the Ukrainian wine industry, was the guest of honor.
Igor Magalyas, a leading expert collector of vintage alcoholic beverages, introduced the participants to his collection, which includes the most popular Ukrainian and European brands of wines and brandies, including:
1. Italian wine Muscat, produced in 1999, which has a unique bouquet, characterized by luxury and depth.
2. Black Doctor 2005 – a wine with a wonderful multi-component aroma, which harmoniously combines the tones of dark grapes.
3. Massandra sherry made in 1983 is a unique wine from the Crimea, famous for its palette of aromas and flavors.
4. Sicilian semi-dry Marsala of the 1990s – this drink gives off a feeling of rich flavor, complemented by notes of cherry, fruit and vanilla. Marsala is considered one of the most famous Italian wines and is a symbol of Sicilian winemaking.
5. Green apple liqueur from the 1970s – this drink is attractive for its fresh and fruity aroma, with a balance of acid and sweetness. Its unique flavor evokes memories of summer, green apples and outdoor picnics.
6. Apricot liqueur of the 1980s is a sweet, but not over-colored drink that explodes with natural apricot flavors.
7. Poncho 1974 is a citrus alcoholic beverage with a unique flavor bouquet that combines the acidity of lemon, orange and grapefruit with light notes of spices. Made according to a traditional recipe, Poncho is a classic of cocktail culture.
8. Bobadilla 103 Sherry Brandy 1977 – with an unsurpassed bouquet of vanilla, caramel and nuts, this brandy is a model of sherry style. It has a balance between sweet and dry, with a rich and intense flavor.
9. Terry Centenario Sherry Brandy 1975 is a perfect representative of Spanish sherry, known for its deep aroma, with notes of nuts, fruits and spices. Its rich, delicious flavor and long aftertaste are the unique features of this exceptional drink.
10. Sherry brandy from the 1950s is a true relic of the past, with a rich and intense flavor that includes notes of caramel, nuts and dried fruit. This old sherry brandy is a reminder of the long and glorious history of winemaking in Spain.
The most intriguing part of the tasting was the rare dessert drinks, which are a real “living museum” of the alcohol industry of the 1970s. These are four special drinks: grapes, cherries, plums and raisins infused in different types of brandy and liqueurs. Among them, the Muscat raisin grappa was especially appreciated by experts, as it is distinguished by its unique bouquet.
High-quality gastronomic pairings for the drinks presented during the tasting program were provided by one of the best Ukrainian meat producers, Karapyshivski Kovbasy, a trademark of the company.
Igor Magalyas noted that all the presented drinks are in an affordable price segment, and their cost does not exceed the cost of modern vintage alcohol in Ukrainian supermarkets.
“These drinks were purchased by collectors in Europe at auctions or sales of private collections. They have a number of flavor and quality advantages over modern drinks,” he said.
Maxim Urakin, the event’s organizer, emphasized the importance of systemic support for Ukrainian winemaking.
“Long-standing Ukrainian-made beverages have traditionally been at the top of our experts’ preferences. However, without new systemic efforts by the government to support the industry, the situation will deteriorate. That’s why the Club of Experts analyzes the situation and provides its proposals in this regard,” emphasized Maxim Urakin.
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The Ukrainian wine market continues to actively develop and introduce new quality standards. This is evidenced by the recent return of Ukraine to the International Wine Organization and the holding of competitions, festivals and tasting events aimed at popularizing domestic brands. The highest quality of Ukrainian products was demonstrated during the second tasting seminar-presentation “Consumer tasting of the best craft wines of Ukraine-2023”, which was held at the Kyiv Analytical Center “Experts Club” on June 23. This event was part of a broad initiative aimed at supporting and developing the wine industry in Ukraine.
The event was supported by the All-Ukrainian Association of Winemakers and Sommeliers, the House of Ukrainian Wine, and the Public Union “Ukrsadvynprom”. They act not only as organizers but also as active participants in the process of supporting and developing the domestic wine industry. Information support for the event was provided by the Open4business portal and the Interfax-Ukraine news agency. The special partners of the evening, TM Zakarpatski Kovbasy and TM Kozatski Kozyrni Cheese, provided gastronomic wine pairings that allowed to fully reveal the unique taste of each bottle presented.
In his speech, Maxim Urakin, the founder of the Experts Club, emphasized the importance of supporting domestic wine producers.
“Every bottle of wine made in Ukraine is not only a high quality and delicious product. It is also a contribution to the development of the Ukrainian economy, jobs and confidence in the future for our compatriots,” he emphasized.
In her turn, Natalia Blagopoluchna, President of the Ukrainian Association of Winemakers and Sommeliers, emphasized the unique organoleptic and flavor properties of Ukrainian craft wines.
“Our wines impress with their diversity, which is guaranteed by different local conditions and grape characteristics. They surprise, inspire, and encourage experimentation. Our wines are creativity and art. And we have every right to be proud of it,” said Blagopoluchna.
During the tasting, experts, guests and participants were able to evaluate the quality and taste of twelve best wines and spirits presented by domestic producers: TM 46 Parallel, TM Babchuk Winery, TM Driukivski Wines, TM Chateau Pinot, Georgiy Samsoniuk, TM My Wine by Eduard Gorodetsky, TM Kovach Wines, TM Vinorob Vinokur, TM KALYUS WINERY and Ivan Gorobets.
At the same time, the event has become an excellent platform for the exchange of experience, knowledge and ideas between producers, experts and wine lovers. Such interaction is the key to the success of the Ukrainian wine industry, which continues to actively develop and conquer new heights of quality.
The next seminars and tastings are already planned for the “Experts Club“.
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On June 23, 2023, Kyiv Think Tank Club, within the framework of the initiative aimed at supporting and developing the wine industry, will hold the second tasting seminar-presentation dedicated to the winners and finalists of the VIII All-Ukrainian Tasting Competition “Variety and Terroir. Micro winemaking. Unbreakable”.
According to the organizers, this event will be an interesting event for all wine lovers, both expert sommeliers and restaurateurs, representatives of retail, media community and ordinary consumers. At the seminar, visitors will be able to learn about the products of the leading craft producers of Ukrainian wines and spirits, as well as join the platform for the exchange of opinions and ideas between leading experts in the field of winemaking.
Maksym Urakin, founder of the Club of Experts, PhD in Economics, emphasized the importance of supporting domestic wine and spirits producers.
“Our event is not just aimed at developing a culture of wine consumption in Ukraine. It also contributes to the growth of domestic production, helping the economic revival of our country. Each bottle of wine produced in Ukraine is a step towards creating jobs, increasing tax revenues and enhancing economic stability,” said Maxim Urakin.
The wine samples presented at the event will be presented by the finalists of the VII All-Ukrainian Tasting Competition “Variety and Terroir. Micro winemaking. Unbreakable” of the All-Ukrainian Association of Winemakers and Sommeliers, which will give visitors the opportunity to experience a rich bouquet of flavors created using traditional winemaking methods and modern technologies. Natalia Blagopoluchnaya, President of the Ukrainian Association of Winemakers and Sommeliers, noted that all wines presented at the event have been expertly evaluated according to all criteria, from aroma and taste to texture, color and overall harmony.
The following Ukrainian wines and spirits will be presented at the wine evening:
“Sparkling pink, 2019” by 46 Parallel TM;
“Riesling, 2022 by Babchuk Winery;
“Rkatsiteli Orange, 2020” from TM “Driukivski Wines”;
“Pinot Noir, 2021 from Chateau Pinot TM;
“Pinot Noir, 2020 by Georgiy Samsoniuk;
“Merlot, 2021” and “Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021” from TM “My Wine”, Eduard Gorodetsky;
“White dessert vermouth” and “Honey casserole, 40%” from TM “Winemaker Vinokur”;
“Chacha Odesa Black, 2022, 42%” from TM “Winemaker Vinokur”;
Zweigelt 2019 TM “Vina Kovač”
Chorna perlina 2017 TM “Vina Kovača”
“Apple, 42%” from TM “KALYUS WINERY”;
“Calvados, 42% from Ivan Gorobets.
The partners of the event are the All-Ukrainian Association of Winemakers and Sommeliers, the House of Ukrainian Wine and the Public Union Ukrsadvynprom, which actively support the revitalization of domestic winemaking and expansion of its influence on the global wine market.
Information support for the event is provided by Open4business portal and Interfax-Ukraine news agency.
The special partners of the evening, Zakarpatski Kovbasy TM and Kozatski Kozyrni Cheese TM, will provide the perfect gastronomic pairings for the wines, which will help to further reveal the taste of each bottle presented.
Each participant will have the opportunity to personally taste the wines of leading Ukrainian winemakers, evaluate their character and quality, exchange opinions with other visitors and experts, and ask questions to the representatives of the producers. The seminar-tasting, which will be held at the Club of Experts, promises to be a bright event in the life of the Ukrainian wine community, bringing together wine connoisseurs, experts and producers under one roof.
In addition to supporting domestic winemaking and getting acquainted with the best samples of Ukrainian wine, the event participants will have the opportunity to engage in an important dialog about the future of winemaking in Ukraine. This includes discussing the current problems and challenges faced by the industry, sharing experiences and finding potential ways of development.
The organizers of the event hope that this initiative will not only raise the status of Ukrainian winemaking, but also stimulate the development of this industry by attracting investors’ attention, facilitating international dialogue and opening new prospects for Ukrainian wine on the global stage.
CLUB_OF_EXPERTS, HOUSE OF UKRAINIAN WINE, SEMINAR, TASTING, UKRAINIAN_WINE, URAKIN, WINE, WINE_INDUSTRY, WINEMAKING
