📍 Sevastopol area (Southwestern Crimea)

Southwestern Crimea around Sevastopol is a wine area in the south of Ukraine, on the Crimean Peninsula. It consists of the hilly valleys of the Belbek, Kacha and Alma rivers, and the surroundings of Inkerman, Balaklava and Bakhchysarai. The climate is mild, with hot dry summers and the influence of the Black Sea.

Winemaking here is very old: in ancient times Greek colonists made wine near the city of Chersonesos. Today international varieties are grown: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Aligoté. Dry wines are made, as well as sparkling ones. Mountain slopes and the nearness of the sea give the grapes freshness and aromas.

The area is part of Crimea and belongs to Ukrainian wine heritage. The label historic region means this is a traditional rather than an official division. Crimea is part of Ukraine, and local winemaking is part of Ukrainian wine history. Inkerman is especially known for its underground stone quarries, where wine used to be stored.