"Crimean Spring": a lecture on winemaking held at the National Centre RUSSIA

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A lecture titled "Crimean Spring", dedicated to the history of Crimean winemaking, was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event marked the 12th anniversary of the reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with the Russian Federation. Guests discovered the region as a multinational entity with unique terroirs, a rich culture of viticulture, and distinctive winemaking traditions that are now undergoing renewed development.

Guiding the audience through the world of Crimean winemaking was Yelena Zhurko, brand ambassador of the "Great Russian Wine" project. She has more than ten years of experience in the industry, including teaching in wine schools, working with major producers, and contributing to the development of Russian winemaking culture. The expert emphasised that the geography of Russian vineyards today is extremely extensive, and Crimea holds a special place within this diversity.

"Crimean winemaking is always about openness, vibrancy, and richness. Within a single region, there is such a variety of natural and cultural nuances that the work of a winemaker becomes an art of interpreting this complex palette," said the lecturer.

Yelena Zhurko also explained how diverse the peninsula is. Even within Crimea, there are several distinct winemaking zones, each with its own character. The Yalta region, associated with historic vineyards and fuller, more structured wines, differs significantly from the Sevastopol area, where wines tend to be lighter and more refined.

"Crimea is a region that is diverse not only geographically but also culturally. Many peoples live here, each with their own gastronomic traditions, preferences, and sense of style. Wines often adapt to this diversity — to local cuisine, seafood, baked goods, and national dishes. Through local products and familiar pairings, it is possible to truly feel the character of the place," said Yelena Zhurko.

Participants learned about the history and geography of specific winemaking areas. Yelena Zhurko noted that Sevastopol and the Balaklava Valley are now considered key zones for the development of viticulture in the south-west of the peninsula. She explained how natural conditions — a mild climate, proximity to the sea, prevailing winds, and terrain — shape the character of local vineyards and create favourable conditions for growing different grape varieties.

The expert also spoke about the transformation of Soviet winemaking heritage and the emergence of more terroir-driven approaches. Through these examples, Crimean winemaking was presented as a living, evolving system in which historical experience is combined with modern technologies.

"Our vineyards are constantly evolving: new plots, new grape varieties, and carefully planned vine training and planting are being introduced. Many vineyards are still young, but as they mature and reach full potential, Crimea will be able to offer an even broader range of styles — from traditional to contemporary, author-driven interpretations," she added.

Yelena Zhurko noted that it is truly possible to understand Crimean winemaking only on site — by visiting vineyards and wineries and taking part in guided tours. However, the "Crimean Spring" event at the National Centre RUSSIA gives residents and visitors of the capital the opportunity to explore the history of Crimean winemaking and to see the region in a new light, where grape growing has long been an integral part of culture and gastronomy.