📍 Ukrainian Bessarabia (Budjak)

Bessarabia (Budjak) is the steppe south of Odesa Oblast in Ukraine, between the Danube and the Dniester. It is the country's main wine zone. The area lies by the Black Sea, with a warm climate, hot summers and mild winters. Viticulture in these parts has a long history.

Many towns and villages with wine estates are located here: Shabo, Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Tarutyne, Bolhrad, Izmail, Kiliia, Artsyz, Tatarbunary and others. The famous Shabo estate was founded in the 19th century by settlers from Switzerland. International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon grow here, as well as Aligoté and Saperavi. There are also local varieties, for example Telti-Kuruk and Aliberne.

Budjak makes red, white, rosé and sparkling wine. The area belongs to Odesa Oblast and to historical Bessarabia. Ukraine is one of the wine countries of Europe, and Budjak provides a significant part of its grapes. Importantly, winemaking here continues despite hard times and remains part of the culture of the region.