**Tallinn-Helsinki, March-April 2024 shopping, LIGHT

A REVOLUTION OF
WINE
A new wine country is emerging, although under
fire, it is steadily rising to the map. It’s Ukraine.
Although Ukrainian wine production can be traced
back to the 4th century BC, their wine production
declined in the 20th century during the years of the
Soviet occupation. The past decade, however, has
seen a renaissance in wine making.
Jancis Robinson, one of the greatest wine critics
of our time and wine consultant for the UK’s royal
family, believes in Ukrainian wines: “This is the
beginning of a starting point for the new history of
Ukraine,” she comments on the state of Ukrainian
winemaking.
Ukrainian wines have a certain freshness and
brightness. They are very subtle, lively, and
high-quality wines. The region also makes the
flavour profile and stories of the wines exciting, like
a breath of fresh air on the well-trotted wine paths
of the world.
Sarah Abbott, another UK wine master, adds: “These
aren’t wines that you choose out of sympathy. You
choose them for their quality and diversity.”
The full-scale war unleashed by Russia has
significantly affected the state of Ukraine’s wine
industry – some wineries are occupied, others
are damaged and looted, many vineyards are
mined, and the local market has shrunk.
Svitlana Tsybak, CEO of Beykush, the best
Ukrainian winery, states that their mission is to
present Ukraine as a winemaking country. “And
tell everyone everywhere that Ukraine has its
own place in the winemaking world!” she
adds.
Now, Ukrainian wines are being discovered
worldwide, and today, they are represented in
the UK, USA, Japan, as well as the Baltic and
Nordic countries.
Alcohol may be harmful to your health!
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