Consumer interest in Russian wine is gaining momentum, fueled by systematic efforts to develop the industry, expand vineyard areas, and improve overall product quality, according to the country’s Agriculture Ministry.
The ministry reported that over 60% of the wine available in Russian stores and restaurants is now domestically produced, a significant shift from past decades when imported labels dominated the market. Consumers, increasingly aware of quality improvements, are opting for local wines at a higher rate than ever before.
Production Growth Across Categories
Wine production is rising across both still and sparkling categories. In the first seven months of 2025:
- Sparkling wine output grew 15.8% year-on-year to reach 8.7 million decaliters (dal).
- Still wine production increased 12.6%, totaling 20.9 million dal.
This expansion reflects both heightened consumer demand and structural growth within the sector.
Vineyard Expansion and Grape Harvest
A key driver of this growth is the sustainable expansion of vineyards. Russian vineyards now cover more than 110,000 hectares, with 86,400 hectares already in fruit-bearing age. In 2025 alone, plans are in place to plant approximately 6,000 new hectares.
The majority of these new vineyards are concentrated in traditional winemaking regions such as Krasnodar Territory, Dagestan, Crimea, and the Chechen Republic. At the same time, winemakers are investing in autochthonous grape varieties, signaling a growing focus on producing wines with a distinct Russian identity.
Preliminary projections indicate that Russia’s grape harvest in 2025 will reach around 900,000 tonnes, broadly in line with the record harvest of 908,000 tonnes in 2024, which marked the highest output in modern Russian history.
Wine Tourism on the Rise
Alongside vineyard and production growth, wine tourism has become a major area of development. Russian wineries attracted 800,000 visitors in 2024, and forecasts suggest the number will exceed 900,000 tourists in 2025. The growth of wine tourism reflects not only domestic enthusiasm but also Russia’s ambition to showcase its wine industry as part of its broader cultural and agritourism offering.
Outlook for Russian Wine
Russia’s wine industry is undergoing a transformation. With increasing vineyard expansion, record grape harvests, and rising consumer demand, the sector is positioned for continued growth. By investing in both quality improvement and autochthonous varietals, Russia is gradually building a stronger identity in global wine culture, while domestic wine tourism provides an additional layer of economic and cultural value.
Source: Interfax