📍 Crimea

Crimea is a peninsula in the south of Ukraine. Wine has been made here for a very long time, and the land is known for fortified, dessert and sparkling wines. The climate is mild and sunny, and the mountains shelter the vineyards from northern winds.

The wine areas of Crimea include the South Coast, Sudak, South-West Crimea around Sevastopol and Eastern Crimea. Both European and local grapes grow here: Kefesia, Ekim Kara, Jevat Kara and Sary Pandas. Breeders have created their own varieties too, such as Bastardo Magarachsky and Ruby Magarach. The Muscats and dessert wines of the South Coast became especially famous.

Crimea is part of Ukrainian wine and of the history of winemaking in Ukraine. Vines grow on slopes with poor, stony soils. Crimean wine has long been drunk and stored, and collection wines are still valued today. Viticulture and winemaking here are tied to the long history of the land. Today Crimean wines count as Ukrainian wine, and collection wines are kept in old cellars.