Hi, today is weekend yet and it’s time to entertain again!  We continue our brief outline about Crimean sightseeing and activities and today let’s learn more about the Crimean oldest wineries. The sight of this would drive a real connoisseur of fine wines really wild! It’s not vinegary stuff, it’s a real treasure!

The wine-making production of Crimean peninsula is well-known worldwide and has been producing table and fine wines for more than 100 years.  Crimean wines have long traditions established by Russian princes and Tsars. Some sorts are made for export to North America and the countries of the European Union. The south coast of the Crimea is known by its wineries and wine culture since 4^th century BC. But the rapid wine-making development had been established since 1820s. The Vorontsovs and Golitsyns, famous Russian Princes, are known by their very substantial contribution to the local wine culture’s development. Mikhail Vorontsov, a Russian prince, planted the first vineyards in 1820. He established also a famous winery near the city of Yalta. Honourable Lev Golitsyn, a Russian Prince, is considered to be the founder of the worldwide-known sparkling Crimean wines. He owned his wine estate called Novyi Svet (it means “New World”) and produced Russian “Champagner” there.  It should be recognized that he deserved unique credit for a lot of the sparkling wine known as Novyi Svet won the top prize for Champagne in 1900, in France; at the 1900 Paris World’s Fair. The monarchs of the Russian Empire did their part. The winery of Massandra was founded by Tsar Nicholas II in 1894 – 1897 near Yalta. This winery has the richest wine-making traditions and was a Royal Family’s supplier with fine wines. Massandra Wine Collection is one of the largest collections of various types of fine and vintage wines in the world. It estimates at over 1 million bottles and recorded into the Guinness Book of Records. The high-class quality of these wines resulted from the unique geographical location of the vineyards. The grapes absorb the warmth of the sun, and exciting flavors are based on the specific soil conditions.  

Massandra has a large variety of dessert wines. Bastardo, South Coast Cahors wine, Rose Muscat, Black Muscat are among the most well-known Massandra’s dessert wines.  The real connoisseurs of fine wines appreciate such sorts as Red Stone White Muscat, Dessert Rose Muscat and Ai-Danil Pinot Gris that are among the most famous of Massandra’s liqueur wine. The doors of Crimean wineries are always open to who wish to appreciate the local wine treasures. Tasting sessions, wine tours and shopping are waiting for you and your beloved Ukrainian lady!