8 Ukrainian wineries whose wines are worth buying

I will tell you which Ukrainian wines you should buy. I will probably start with the fact that we bypass the shelves with domestic wine in stores, out of habit thinking that there is no good wine in Ukraine. In fact, this is not the case — the wine industry has developed decently in recent decades. A large number of wineries appeared in our country, in particular family ones, where enthusiasts are involved in the production of alcohol.

Due to the war in Ukraine, many of them are in a difficult financial situation. The best way to support domestic producers is to look for products produced in our country in supermarkets. Ukrainian wine can also be bought on the websites of producers and wine shops.

Colonist family winery

The Colonist winery is located in the Odesa region, in the village of Krynychne, and is a family-run winery. It is named after the Bulgarian colonists who settled this area in the 18th century and throughout its history engaged in winemaking. The winery was established in 1905 by the Bulgarian colonist Vasyl Prachkov. His portrait from the period of the Russo-Japanese War still adorns the brand’s logo today, and his descendants are engaged in the production of premium wines. Today, Colonist wines can be purchased not only in Ukraine, but also in stores in Great Britain, France, and Poland.

What wines to taste? Dry wines are the specialty of the winery. However, there are also semi-dry, sparkling and sweet ones in the line. So feel free to experiment.

SHABO winery 

You have probably heard and tried SHABO cognac, but rarely paid attention to the wines of this brand. Now you know: in 2003, the company was the first in Ukraine to open a unique winery complex, the SHABO Wine Culture Center, the main goal of which is to increase the culture of drinking noble drinks. It is located in the village of the same name Shabo in Odesa, where wines have been produced since ancient times.

What wines to taste? I suggest you take a closer look at the collection of aged still wines of the SHABO-reserve premium class, and on a special occasion, uncork a bottle of the limited collection of sparkling wine.

Chizay winery 

This winery was founded in 1995 and quickly became a popular destination for wine tourism. Chateau Chizai is located in the town of Berehove, Transcarpathian region. The landscapes there is no worse than in Italian Tuscany, and there is also a wine museum and an atmospheric restaurant on Malia Hora.

And now a little about wine. It has been produced in Transcarpathia for thousands of years — thanks to the sufficient amount of moisture, the slopes of the volcanic Carpathians, as well as the combination of Italian, Hungarian and Austrian winemaking traditions.

What wines to try? Aged dry, kosher wines and author’s samples, made according to the recipes of the chief winemaker Chizai Zoltan Udvargeli.

Hygienishvili Wine House

The Hygienishvili family wine house produces real craft wine in Vinnytsia from the best varieties of Ukrainian grapes according to the recipes of European winemakers. The owner of the winery, Volodymyr Hyginishvili, a Ukrainian with Georgian roots, was initially just interested in winemaking, and then decided to turn his hobby into a profession. Currently, its wine cellars are equipped with the latest technology, the enterprise has its own winery, storage and laboratory. In the near future, the winemaker plans to start growing his own grapes in the south of the Vinnytsia region.

What wines to buy? Red dry wine Saperavi, Cabernet, Merlot and white dry wine from the classic Georgian grape variety — Rkatsiteli.

Beykush Winery

Another family winery on our list is located on Beykush Cape between Beykush Bay and Berezan estuary. Beykush wines are non-traditional blends or rare experimental varieties. The winemakers decided to base their work on the rethinking of Western technologies and their adaptation to the realities of the Ukrainian climate. The vineyards are located several hundred meters from the sea and are surrounded by water on three sides. The neighborhood with estuaries and the sea works as a great natural air conditioner, softening the climate in dry years.

What wines to try? Any of the existing line Beykush, Artania, Fantasia, Arbina, Kara Kermen.

Terroir Winery

It is located in the city of Mukachevo, Transcarpathian region. The Terroir winery was founded in 2018. Located in the caves of the 13th and 14th centuries and equipped with modern Italian equipment. During production, they follow the correct winemaking technology. All wines are dry, natural, varietal. Wine is stored in caves at a stable temperature of 9-11°C and natural humidity. Young vineyards are planted near the Shiroki protected tract, where the terroir is ideal for growing grapes: the special composition of the soil, the presence of a water body and a forest.

What wines to taste? Dry muscat, rosé, cherseg, red dry wines.

Biologist Winery

You won’t believe it, but to get to this winery, it’s enough to get in a car and drive outside Kyiv. Just 5 minutes, and you are at the winery, the owners of which produce the most honest wine — they refused to use artificial fertilizers and chemicals. The principle of winemakers: better less, but better. Biologist winery has halved the amount of grapes grown and picks the berries by pH. Vineyards are located in Kyiv and Odesa regions.

What wines to taste? Pinot Noir, Odessa Black, Rkatsiteli, Chardonnay and Aligot.

Father’s Wine Winery

Winery of Volodymyr Buyachko. Located in Ternopil. I’m sure you didn’t know that cool craft wine is produced there. The history of the Father’s Wine winery began in 2006. The vineyard planting area is 5 hectares. Soils: chernozem, loam. The volume of production is 16,000 liters per year. Stainless steel containers are used for production. The wine is aged on oak chips. The winemakers are particularly proud of the Johanniter grape variety — the drink from this variety has repeatedly received awards at regional and Ukrainian tastings.

What wines to taste? Merlot, Cabernet, Odessa black, white dry Johanniter.

Separately, I would like to talk about Trubetsky’s winery, founded at the end of the 19th century. This list would not be complete without it. However, at the moment, the winery, located in the territory of the Kherson region is under Rashist occupation. The building was partially damaged by shelling, and the rich wine collection was looted. But after the war, of course, we will rebuild it.