Ukrainian Wines presentation at WSET School London

In October 2024 Ukrainian wines were showcased at the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) School London – one of the most prestigious institutions in the wine world. This marks a significant step toward the global recognition of Ukrainian winemaking.

Despite the ongoing war, Ukrainian winemaking continues to persevere and evolve. Modern winemakers blend ancient techniques with contemporary innovations, focusing on quality over quantity with 30,200 hectares of vineyards and 60 wineries producing around 39 million liters of wine per year.

Svitlana Sera Karamshuk had a privilege to conduct the tasting, as a WSET student, wine educator and communicator. She adopted a novel interactive approach throughout the presentation, combining wine knowledge with engaging visual storytelling. Winery videos and footage from recent harvests allowed attendees to connect on a deeper level with the people and places behind the wines. They commented that seeing the winemakers in action—whether working in the vineyards or sharing stories about their family legacies—brought the wines to life.

Svitlana Sera introduced WSET students to two of the most promising indigenous grape varieties—Telti Kuruk and Odesa Black to showcase why these grapes deserve recognition on the international stage. Both varieties excel in drought resistance and acidity retention in elevated temperatures, making them ideal for modern viticulture.

1. Sparkling Rosé by Château Chizay (Transcarpathian Region).

This sparkling rosé, made from the Blaufränkisch grape variety, showcases bright aromas of grapefruit and pomegranate, complemented by a touch of meadow flowers. Its delicate and persistent mousse, along with a refreshing finish, perfectly reflects the regions volcanic soils and high-altitude vineyards. Founded in 1995, Château Chizay is nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, where winemaking traditions date back more than 2,000 years. It is known for implementing modern production techniques while remaining committed to sustainable practices. It is the first Ukrainian winery to sign the Porto Protocol, a global initiative promoting sustainability in viticulture.

2. Sukholimanske by Frumushika Nova Estate (Odesa Region).

This natural white wine, aged on its lees, displays floral and ripe notes of pineapple, stone fruits, and biscuits, all supported by a refined mineral backbone. The wines long, textured finish, with a subtle touch of cream, impressed everyone, proving that despite a hands-off approach, the estate produces wines of remarkable clarity and finesse.

Frumushika Nova was rebuilt after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the audience was deeply moved by the resilience behind the estates revival. Many were astonished by its wines clean and precise profile, especially considering its natural winemaking methods.

3. Telti Kuruk by Beykush Winery (Mykolaiv Region)

Beykush Winery is one of Ukraines most innovative and awarded wineries on the Black Sea coast. It leads to reviving indigenous Ukrainian grape varieties like Telti Kuruk, combining traditional methods with modern winemaking technologies. This crisp, complex white wine, made from the indigenous Telti Kuruk grape, offers notes of jasmine, citrus, white mulberries, and lemongrass, complemented by a lively minerality that reflects the winery unique coastal terroir.

4. Amphora Rkatsiteli by Beykush Winery (Mykolaiv Region)

Beykush Winery is renowned for reviving ancient winemaking techniques like fermenting wines in traditional clay amphoras. This technique, which dates back thousands of years, enhances the wines complexity.

The Amphora Rkatsiteli features a rich, textured palate with aromas of quince, ripe stone fruit, bergamot tea, wax, honey, and potpourri, reflecting the ancient winemaking traditions that Beykush has embraced.

5. Skin Contact Orange Wine by Biologist Winery (Kyiv Region)

This orange wine is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, and Rkatsiteli. It offers a vibrant profile with notes of dried fruits, wood polish, citrus peel, papaya, and spices. It is an exciting and complex example of natural winemaking in Ukraine.

The long and lingering finish, with vibrant acidity, grants this wine excellent ageing potential. Biologist Winery is Ukraine first biodynamic winery, founded on the principles of organic and biodynamic practices. Located near Kyiv, the winery is at the forefront of natural winemaking in Ukraine, employing minimal intervention techniques to create wines that express the land and climate.

6. Haute de Gamme by Kolonist Winery (Bessarabia Region)

This Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is a full-bodied wine with rich notes of plums, cassis, red cherries, cloves, smoke, tobacco, and nutmeg. The tannins are ripe, grainy, and well-integrated, giving the wine a beautiful texture and a complex, long-lasting mouthfeel. Kolonist Winery is in the Bessarabian region, one of Ukraine oldest wine regions. Known for producing exceptional Bordeaux-style blends, Kolonist uses French oak barrels to age its wines, ensuring the highest quality. The winery prides itself on its family-run approach and deep connection to the region winemaking history. Its story of generations of winemaking and resilience has deeply moved WSET professionals.

7. Saperavi by Stakhovsky Winery (Zakarpattia Region)

This Saperavi presents deep, bold flavours of dark cherries and plums, with firm tannins and a long finish that reflects the mountainous terroir and the meticulous craftsmanship of the winery. Founded by Ukrainian tennis star Sergiy Stakhovsky, this family-run winery focuses on small-batch craft wines that celebrate the unique terroir of the Carpathian Mountains. The winery has received significant attention for its commitment to quality and its efforts to promote Ukrainian wines worldwide. My guests were visibly moved to learn about Sergiy’s frontline efforts and initiative to plant a new vineyard in honour of the sommelier who lost his life in the war.

8. Odesa Black 2019 by Villa Tinta (Odesa Region)

Odesa Black has excellent potential for producing long-ageing, oak-matured wines, although it presents challenges due to the uneven development of sugar compared to phenolic ripeness. Achieving the right balance is essential for crafting a powerful and age-worthy wine.

I selected Villa Tinta as an exemplary producer because they effectively manage these challenges. Their Odesa Black perfectly demonstrates this balance, with rich, bold layers of blackberry, dark cherry, and a smoky finish, all supported by its ability to age gracefully. The wines quality impressed the WSET audience, who appreciated its complexity and long-term potential. Villa Tinta is in the historic wine region of Odesa and is renowned for producing robust red wines from indigenous varieties like Odesa Black. The winery blends traditional winemaking techniques with modern methods, capturing the regions essence in every bottle.

The presentation concluded with an enthusiastic round of applause, and many attendees followed up with personal messages expressing their eagerness to learn more about Ukrainian wines.

This positive reception reaffirms my belief that Ukrainian winemaking is poised to take its place on the global stage. I am excited to continue sharing these incredible wines and the stories behind them.

- Svitlana Sera Karamshuk