In the first quarter of 2025, Russia’s wine production surged to 12.4 million decaliters (dal), marking an 11.6% year-on-year increase, according to the Russian Ministry of Agriculture.
This growth reflects not only a solid domestic wine industry but also evolving consumer preferences and geopolitical shifts influencing import-export dynamics.
Regional Leaders: Krasnodar and Crimea at the Helm
Two regions continue to dominate Russian wine production: Krasnodar Krai and the Republic of Crimea, jointly contributing over 60% of the country’s total output. Krasnodar Krai alone saw production rise by 356,000 dal, while Crimea added another 87,000 dal in Q1. These areas benefit from favorable viticultural conditions and sustained investment in both quality and volume.
Kuban-Vino, the largest wine producer in Russia, attributes this steady increase to both government support and strong market demand—especially for white and sparkling wines, which are gaining popularity among Russian consumers.
Still and Sparkling Wines on the Rise
Russia’s production of both still and sparkling wines has seen significant gains:
- Still wines: 8.4 million dal produced (+11.5% YoY)
- Sparkling wines: 3.7 million dal produced (+15.6% YoY)
These figures align with shifting consumption habits. The Ministry of Agriculture reports that domestic wines now account for about 60% of wine sales in retail and hospitality sectors across Russia—a clear signal that consumers are increasingly opting for homegrown options.
Consumer Trends and Industry Sentiment
The improving quality and affordability of Russian wines are key drivers of their growing popularity. Over the past decade, producers have focused on enhancing vineyard management, winemaking techniques, and branding. The result is a more sophisticated wine offering that is gaining trust and recognition among local consumers.
Maxim Shut, brand-chef barman of the Midian Place restaurant chain, notes a rising wine culture in Russia, with customers showing interest in high-quality domestic wines. He emphasizes that the country’s wine industry is "moving quickly and in the right direction."
EU Wine Imports: A Winter Surge
While domestic production is thriving, imports from the European Union unexpectedly rose in February, breaking a downward trend observed over the previous months. According to Eurostat data analyzed by RIA Novosti:
- Total EU wine exports to Russia reached 7.5 thousand tons in February (+14% from January).
- Poland saw the largest growth (1.8x), exporting 1.2 thousand tons.
- Italy and Portugal increased shipments by about 25% (to 2.8 thousand and 878 tons, respectively).
- Latvia grew exports marginally (+0.2% to 1.4 thousand tons).
- Germany, however, sharply cut back exports by over 50%, delivering just 230 tons.
Russian companies spent 28 million euros on EU wine imports in February, up from 25.3 million euros in January, indicating a continued interest in maintaining a diversified wine offering despite political and economic tensions.
Outlook: Russia’s Wine Industry Gains Ground
Despite the fluctuating import landscape, Russia’s wine sector is clearly building momentum. With consistent government backing, rising quality standards, and a consumer base increasingly loyal to domestic labels, the outlook for Russian wine producers remains positive.
The balance between imported premium wines and a growing domestic production base could position Russia as both a formidable wine market and a rising player in global wine production over the next decade.
Source: Eurostat, Agroday