Gastronomy and Wine Portal

Winemaking is an integral part of national culture and heritage, and therefore an important element of cultural diplomacy. With this in mind, several leading Ukrainian wineries have united their efforts under the new WATAGA brand, aiming to promote Ukrainian wine culture both locally and internationally. 

Kyiv — Las Vegas 
29.01.24-01.02.24. 

The name of the brand symbolizes the association of active, strong, positively charged people doing a common thing. Its creation at first had an exclusively pragmatic purpose — it was necessary to present Ukrainian wines at the large international wine event Access LIVE 2024 taking place in Las Vegas, USA, on 29.01-01.02.24. 

It‘s common knowledge, however, that nothing will stop the idea when it‘s due time for it to be implemented. The creative process behind the new WATAGA brand gave impetus to the emergence of a real artistic collaboration, which is a reflection of social and cultural processes in Ukrainian society during the war. 

Modern Ukrainian artists and designers were engaged in the development of the concept and labels of the wines included in the new brand.”The idea of uniting Ukrainian artists and Ukrainian winemakers to popularize our culture in the USA turned out to be extremely powerful and resonant,” says Oksana Buyachok, the owner of the Ternopil-based winery Father’s Wine and the ideologist of the project. — In the process of developing the concept for our new brand, we decided that it would be cool to introduce Americans not only to Ukrainian wine, but also to our young and prominent artists who create their artworks during the war while being actively engaged in volunteering, giving their earnings to support the Ukrainian army. This project is a sign of gratitude to them for their effort and talent, and a commemoration of the historical moment when all Ukrainians are doing their best to bring the day of our Victory closer.” 

The following wineries joined the WATAGA brand: 

• Father’s Wine (Ternopil region) 
• Chateau Pinot (Odesa region) 
• Big Wines (Kyiv region) 
• Kolonist Winery (Odesa region) 
• Villa Tinta (Odesa region)
• Medovy spas mead factory (Kyiv region). 

More details about collaboration products and artists: 

Father’s wine red blend 2022 

The label of this wine shows an image of an open book with an excerpt from Serhii Zhadan’s poignantly romantic poem “Some are better at consonants”, a poem about a woman, eternal wisdom, eternal pain, eternal love. “When she said the word love, I could see blood on her teeth.” 

Serhii Zhadan is a real hero of modern Ukrainian literature, an outstanding poet and prose writer, translator, musician and frontman of the band “Zhadan and the Dogs”, a public activist. He grew up in Luhansk region, and currently lives in Kharkiv. Zhadan’s literary works have won numerous national and international awards and have been translated into more than twenty languages. 

Father’s wine white blend 2022 

On the label there is a picture illustrating a frame from the video of the popular Ternopil music band Kozak System for their song called “Ukrainian sun”. For two years, millions of Ukrainians have been watching their sunrises and sunsets through the window panes sealed with construction tape, to keep them from falling out during missile attacks. This is a terrible sign of a terrible war, as well as a symbol of the unbreakable Ukrainian spirit. 

The band Kozak System was created in 2012 by several musicians who previously played with another popular Ukrainian band named Haydamaky. The leader of the band is Ternopil musician and vocalist Ivan Lenyo. During the two years of the full-scale aggression in Ukraine, Kozak System organized more than 150 charity concerts, the proceeds of which went to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Chateau Pinot Pinot Blanc 2023 

On the label, the idea of which was proposed by the Ukrainian writer Andrii Lyubka, there is a fragment of the map of Ukraine drawn by the French cartographer, Guillaume Le Vasseur de Beauplan. From the first days of the Great War, Andriy Lyubka has been looking for used vehicles to purchase and transporting them to Ukraine, for the Ukrainian army units in the Eastern Front. This period of his life is closely associated with maps and roads. The writer believes that, symbolically, wine also walks its path. 

Andriy Lyubka is a novelist, poet, translator and essayist, a member of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine committee. Since February 2022, he has been a volunteer, actively supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. During the entire war, he has provided the Armed Forces with about 200 pieces of equipment. For his input, Andriy Lyubka was awarded medals by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Minister of Defense of Ukraine.

Big Wines Big Art Ivan Marchuk Odesa Black 

The label shows the fragment of “Awakening“, a painting by an outstanding Ukrainian artist, Ivan Marchuk. The painting was created 30 years ago, but it is extremely relevant today. Marchuk is the author of a special technique, “Plontanism”, in which thin intertwined lines merge into an image, have a dense texture and consist of web-like layers of paint. “Awakening” was also created in this technique. 

Ivan Marchuk is well-known not only in Ukraine, but also abroad. In 2006, the International Academy of Contemporary Art in Rome admitted Ivan Marchuk to the “Golden Guild” and elected him an honorary member of the academic council. This was the first time a Ukrainian artist was recognized by an institution of such a high level. In October 2007, he was included in the “100 geniuses of our time” rating compiled by the British newspaper Daily Telegraph. 

Kolonist Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 

The label was created by the talented Ukrainian graphic artist, famous poster artist Nikita Titov. According to the author, wine is a romantic and bright accent in the modern world, which has recently turned black and white. 

Each poster created by Nikita Titov is a reflection on an acute topic. The author’s heart and mind are extremely sensitive to everything happening in his beloved country. Nikita’s work is inextricably linked with the modern history of Ukraine, and lately it has been completely dedicated to the war in Ukraine — dramatic events, the fight, indomitability and heroism of Ukrainians. 

Villa Tinta collection of sparkling wines 

The labels of this series of three white sparkling wines — two Bruts and and one Semi-Sweet — have been created by the artist Serhii Maidukov and called “Crimea”, “Khersonshchyna” and “Donetsk”. These are the names of regions of Ukraine that are famous for their wines and are also under Russian occupation. This is Ukrainian land, caressed by the Ukrainian sun. And we will definitely win it back. 

Serhiy Maidukov is a Ukrainian artist born in Donetsk. Currently, Serhiy is a columnist for world-renowned media such as The Guardian, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Die Zeit, The Economist, The Atlantic and many others.

Villa Tinta Rose sparkling wine

The label features the work of the Ukrainian artist and designer Serge Payet. It depicts the Tree of Life, a symbol of family continuity and prosperity, adorned with a playful couple representing love. Serge Payet is known for his collaboration with Etat Libre d’Orange perfumery and Cartier jewelry house. He works in the directions of OP Art, Neo Pop Art, Collage and Ceramic. His creativity is inspired by Ukrainian “vyryvanka” — a traditional type of folk art, where various decorations and charms are intricately cut out of paper. 

From the first day of the war, the artist together with his colleagues weaves camouflage nets for the army, jokingly calling it “macrame for the new collection.” 

Medovy Spas Sikera red (red mead) 

The label features a lovely drawing by Marko Galanevych, the frontman of the famous Ukrainian music band DakhaBrakha, creating music in their own style called ethno-chaos. The picture drawn in the style of “Ukrainian naïve” shows the band’s musicians in stage costumes.

Every performance of DakhaBrakha is an incredible, crazy performance, a real emotional catharsis, a wild mix of Ukrainian folklore, trip-hop, jazz, rock and roll. The musicians of DakhaBrakha have been given hundreds of standing ovations at the concert venues of Ukraine, Europe and beyond.

________________________

What is Access LIVE?

Formerly known as the WSWA Annual Convention & Exposition, Access LIVE is the premier wine and spirits industry event for access and discovery.

Access LIVE offers the highest concentration of American distributor decision-makers than any other industry event, with 2,500+ attendees from all over the US.

Nearly 25% of the attendees are distributors. 

67% of distributor attendees are Vice President or C-Suite level executives.

Access LIVE attendees distribute more than 80% of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States (the U.S. wine & spirits wholesale market is worth over $69 Billion).

All 50 states and DC are represented at Access LIVE.

With more than 400+ exhibiting spaces available, Access LIVE will bring together hundreds of established and up-and-coming brands and thousands of unique products. 

Photos: WATAGA

Winemaking is an integral part of national culture and heritage, and therefore an important element of cultural diplomacy. With this in mind, several leading Ukrainian wineries have united their efforts under the new WATAGA brand, aiming to promote Ukrainian wine culture both locally and internationally.  Kyiv — Las Vegas  29.01.24-01.02.24.  The name of the brand […]

On the eve of the New Year holidays, the WTA nominee — Rutabalm — has prepared festive packaging for its well-known RUTA balm. Now the beautiful bottle of the balm is complemented by a bright gift box. So, as before, so now, RUTA balm is a worthy gift for any festive or business event.

Winter is still ongoing, and the festive vibe still fills the air. That’s why RutaBalm decided to update the design of its famous RUTA balm. So now fans of RutaBalm products have a chance to add a rare bottle to their collection!

The packaging design was developed by a graphic designer — Vitaliya Levchenko from the RutaBalm team. The gift box is made of durable metallized cardboard. RUTA balm is a worthy gift for any festive or business event.

RUTA is a craft herbal balm created from 96 of the best botanicals collected from different parts of our beautiful Ukraine – from Chernihiv forests to Crimean steppes, from the Carpathian Mountains to the meadows of Poltava region.

On the eve of the New Year holidays, the WTA nominee — Rutabalm — has prepared festive packaging for its well-known RUTA balm. Now the beautiful bottle of the balm is complemented by a bright gift box. So, as before, so now, RUTA balm is a worthy gift for any festive or business event. Winter is still ongoing, and the […]

The warmest month in New Zealand is January. And it is not surprising that right now it is summer in the southern hemisphere. Cloudy Bay, one of New Zealand’s greatest wineries, a Wine Travel Awards nominee in Brand – the Visiting Card of the Country, opens its doors to anyone who loves summer, fine wine and breathtaking scenery.

Cloudy Bay Winery has two locations in Marlborough and Central Otago. The doors of both are open to avid wine tourists and just anyone who cares about good wine.

Known as the birthplace of New Zealand wine, Marlborough is the sunniest place in New Zealand and it is here, surrounded by the Richmond Ranges, vineyards and spectacular scenery, that you can explore the full range of Cloudy Bay wines and enjoy a delicious lunch. The wines produced here have a clean and rich taste with pronounced notes of stone fruits, lemon and exquisite echoes of exotic fruits.

Summer restaurant in the garden – Jack’s Raw Bar, is open daily from 12.00 to 15.00 from December 1 to April 30. This is a place where time has stood still, fresh oysters and bright dishes made from local vegetables and fruits await true gourmets. Locals love this restaurant for its seasonal menu and have dubbed it a “seafood haven.”

Central Otago is Cloudy Bay’s second location, “our second home,” as the winery team calls it. The cellar and restaurant The Shed is located on the shores of Lake Dunstan. The impressive outdoor spaces are perfect for enjoying a glass or two paired with local cuisine. But guests can come here in winter as well: burning fireplaces, breathtaking views and a cozy warm atmosphere, what else is needed to relax the body and let the imagination of the soul fly? The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11.30 to 15.00.

Only one Te Wāhi Pinot Noir is produced in Central Otago, but the full range of Marlborough wines is available here for tasting. The comfortable tasting room has tables for groups of up to six people. For larger groups, please contact the winery in advance.

Photos: cloudybay.com

The warmest month in New Zealand is January. And it is not surprising that right now it is summer in the southern hemisphere. Cloudy Bay, one of New Zealand’s greatest wineries, a Wine Travel Awards nominee in Brand – the Visiting Card of the Country, opens its doors to anyone who loves summer, fine wine […]

On February 9, Tel Aviv will host a unique event by Einat Klein and Andrey Makarevych.

Those lucky enough to attend tastings at Einat Winery know that they are always informative, delicious and fun.

On February 9, the creative tandem of Einat Klein and Andrey Makarevych invites lovers of wine and good music to a tasting where two new wines from Einat Winery will be presented – Lonely Cat 2020 and 3 Other Cats 2020.

As always, Einat Klein – the nominee and winner of the public vote of the Wine Travel Awards in Wine Guide/Top Guide and a WTA judge – was responsible for filling the bottle, and Andrey Makarevych for the exclusive design of the labels. Each bottle is numbered and is a collector’s item.

The event will take place at the Eretz Israel Museum, located on the campus of Tel Aviv University (Haim Levanon 2, Tel Aviv). The program of the evening includes a unique wine tasting of Einat Winery accompanied by delicious appetizers from a professional chef, a jazz concert by the Katia Toobool Trio, as well as live communication with the organizers.

You can buy tickets and learn more about the upcoming event here.

Photos: eventer.co.il/3othercatswine, Julia Goland, Einat Klein

On February 9, Tel Aviv will host a unique event by Einat Klein and Andrey Makarevych. Those lucky enough to attend tastings at Einat Winery know that they are always informative, delicious and fun. On February 9, the creative tandem of Einat Klein and Andrey Makarevych invites lovers of wine and good music to a […]

In 2023, the unique Museum of Wine in Bordeaux – Cité du Vin, received a record 391,000 visitors including about 6000 professionals serving a corporate event, despite the fact that the museum was closed for one month for the renewal of the permanent exhibition.

In 2023, the unique Museum of Wine in Bordeaux – Cité du Vin, received a record 391,000 visitors including about 6000 professionals serving a corporate event, despite the fact that the museum was closed for one month for the renewal of the permanent exhibition. By the end of 2023, since its opening, Cité du Vin, the […]

The Drinks+ and Wine Travel Awards team has received an invitation to participate in the virtual ProWein Media Summit 2024.

This year, our media resources have once again taken on the role of Information Partner for ProWein, while ProWein actively participated in the WTA as its Exhibition Partner as well as we have now two nominees — the leading trade fair for the wine and spirits industry in the Chinese mainland, ProWine Shanghai and THE LARGEST AND MAIN PROFESSIONAL WINE AND SPIRITS FAIR IN THE AMERICAS ProWine São Paulo become a WTA nominee in the Magnet of the Region category, Enogastronomic Events nomination.

The Summit 2024 was started with the speech of Mr. Peter Schmitz, ProWein Director about the success of ProWein 30 years story: “The secret of success is simple and as always amazing. We have always seen ourselves as a partner of a wine and spirits industry. Recognize trends at an early stage, brining supply and demand together on the global scale. This is our recipe for success. Today ProWein turns 30 and its fulfil the special wish. We will have our own podcast studio which will be used for recording for all three days of the fair.”

As per Mr. Peter Schmitz, the organizers anticipate over 5,700 participants from approximately 60 countries, including a expanding array of spirits producers. Projections include 50,000 visitors from over 140 countries, with the presence of 937 media representatives from around the globe.
Presenting the Latest ProWein Business Report 2023: Available Now!

The second part of the Summit was dedicated to the ProWein Business Report 2023. On behalf of ProWein, Geisenheim University conducted its seventh annual survey in late 2023, polling experts spanning the entire value chain of the wine industry. Over 2,000 industry insiders worldwide participated, encompassing wine producers from key European and overseas wine-growing countries, exporters, importers, specialized wine merchants, and representatives from the food service/hospitality and hotel industries.

Prof. Simone Loose, Head of the Institute for Wine and Beverage Business at Geisenheim University, presented the result of the global industry barometer. “Consensus among industry experts suggests that the wine sector must tailor its communication strategies to meet the preferences of young consumers to effectively connect with the upcoming generation of wine enthusiasts. Additionally, ensuring the necessary profitability will entail a structural overhaul of global excess wine production,” says Prof. Simone Loose.

There were a few main topics according as cold regular “Marktbarometer” (Market Barometer). So, the first main topic was prevailing sentiment in the industry is characterized by economic challenges. Escalating costs and significant declines in purchasing power within private households are exerting a negative impact on the industry’s profitability. In response, companies are taking proactive measures to reduce costs and enhance sales. For 2024, the wine industry anticipates only moderate cost increases and maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook for the future.

Current challenges for the wine industry

The count of economic challenges has risen compared to the previous year, now leading the list with four indicators, albeit with a slight reduction in the risk of additional cost increases due to declining inflation. The global economic climate is still perceived as fragile. Notably, apprehensions about declining wine consumption and the limited profitability of the wine industry have markedly intensified – crucial aspects highlighted in this year’s ProWein Business Report.

Companies react to economic challenges

In response to economic challenges, businesses in the wine industry have implemented various entrepreneurial measures. A significant majority, comprising 72% of companies, attempted to offset some of the cost increases by raising prices. However, this strategy resulted in declines in sales, attributed to intense competitive pressure and heightened price sensitivity among consumers.

The second mail topic was Market Segment Dynamics. The trade industry is witnessing a robust shift towards popular market segments, with premium wines and the medium segments experiencing a decline. Trade experts anticipate an even more pronounced continuation of this trend in 2024 and 2025. Producers foresee a future polarization, expecting growth in both the basic/popular and premium segments.

In the absence of indications for economic recovery, the trade anticipates continued growth in the popular segment for 2024 and 2025, particularly prominent in Scandinavia and the Netherlands. Concerning the medium and premium segments, the proportion of merchants foreseeing a decline slightly outweighs those anticipating growth. Consequently, modest overall losses are expected in these segments.

Topic three — Factors Behind Declining Wine Consumption. The primary cause of declining wine consumption is lower disposable income. Health and wellness trends contribute to a general reduction in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In certain countries, there is a shift in preferences from wine to other alcoholic beverages.

The industry must exert considerable effort to leverage the health trend and advance alternatives, such as no-and-low alcohol wines, to reach technical and sensory maturity. This will establish them as authentic alternatives to traditional wines, recognized by both merchants and consumers. Following the No-and-Low Special in the ProWein Business Report 2023, a comprehensive update on this topic is scheduled for summer 2024. As the wine industry competes with other alcoholic beverages for consumer preference, there is also a need to align communication strategies more closely with their evolving needs.

Topic 4 — Strategies for Attaining Market Equilibrium. The wine market currently grapples with an imbalance stemming from excess supply. Producers emphasize the need to curtail this surplus supply. Many producers advocate for state support to facilitate this reduction. Optimism exists among some producers regarding the prospect of achieving a better balance through improved outreach to young consumers.

Topic 5 — Future Strategies for Wine Marketing. To compete effectively with other alcoholic beverages, the wine industry must enhance its targeting of young consumers. A consensus among industry experts is that wine needs to be more accessible and understandable for new target demographics. A subset of the industry envisions increased sales by positioning wine as an exclusive premium product. To align with other beverages in terms of marketing expenditure, wine must enhance its profitability.

You can find more information here.

The Drinks+ and Wine Travel Awards team has received an invitation to participate in the virtual ProWein Media Summit 2024. This year, our media resources have once again taken on the role of Information Partner for ProWein, while ProWein actively participated in the WTA as its Exhibition Partner as well as we have now two […]

This difficult year is coming to an end…

Time flies at such a maddening speed and each year contains so many events that it would be enough for as many as ten. For us, Ukrainians, it was a year of expectations, hopes and disappointments, and, despite everything, a year of hope and faith in our Victory. Working hard, supporting the Ukrainian economy, and donating to the Armed Forces of Ukraine — this is what we do, consistently. We are proud of Ukrainian winemakers and spirits producers who, despite the challenges of the war, have once again demonstrated significant development of the industry, presented many new high-class releases on the Ukrainian and international markets, and won an impressive number of medals from national and international wine and spirits competitions. We are pleased to be with them in this endeavor and will continue to support the industry in word and deed. 

So we enter the New Year with new hopes and new expectations. On the eve of Christmas, we would like to wish all our readers, colleagues and partners light, warmth, love and peace in their families and households. These are simple things that make us happy, and they are especially valuable now. 

Merry Christmas and a happy victorious New Year, Ukraine! 

Sincerely and best wishes, Drinks+ editorial tea

This difficult year is coming to an end… Time flies at such a maddening speed and each year contains so many events that it would be enough for as many as ten. For us, Ukrainians, it was a year of expectations, hopes and disappointments, and, despite everything, a year of hope and faith in our […]

The event, WineFuture, brought together acclaimed professionals whose expertise spanned from the revolutionary wine tech companies in New Zealand to the esteemed top-recognized wineries in Argentina. Drinks+ and Wine Travel Awards were featured as official partners of Wine Future, and one of the WTA nominees had is special place at that event. Now a bit more details step by step. For three days, this event turned Portugal into a hub for wine discussions, highlighting its role in the global wine scene. Wine Future, already known for its significant impact, had its first meeting in Barcelona in 2006, focusing on climate change and wine. This 2023 gathering in Coimbra marked its fourth, memorable edition under the theme “Breaking Barriers”. The event, under the visionary leadership of Pancho Campo, the founder of the Wine Future and Green Wine Future summits, gained additional prestige with Wines of Portugal as a co-organizer. It was further elevated by the esteemed and adept leadership of its president, Frederico Falcao.

The event, WineFuture, brought together acclaimed professionals whose expertise spanned from the revolutionary wine tech companies in New Zealand to the esteemed top-recognized wineries in Argentina. Drinks+ and Wine Travel Awards were featured as official partners of Wine Future, and one of the WTA nominees had is special place at that event. Now a bit more details step by step. […]

SHABO, one of the most famous and successful wineries of Ukraine, is celebrating a serious date: 20 years since the company was founded.

This winery is a family business of the Iukuridze family, grounded on wine traditions that go back to more than 200 years. Within two decades, SHABO team has created a powerful brand of unique, high-quality and sophisticated wines, shaping the country’s wine culture and having a significant impact on the wine tastes and preferences of Ukrainians. 

Here are a few interesting facts about SHABO:

— the winery owns 1,200 hectares of vineyards in the Shabo terroir in Odesa region, located at a winemaking latitude of 46.6°. Besides the best European varieties, the well-known Ukrainian indigenous grape, Telti-Kuruk, is grown here (SHABO has the largest plots of genetically native Telti-Kuruk); 

— the company has a modern technological complex and up-to-date equipment, which can be envied even by well-known wineries in the most famous wine regions of the world; 

— the company produces still and sparkling wines and also has a distillery producing brandys and grape vodka;

— SHABO Wine Culture Center, located at the territory of the winery, has been welcoming thousands of guests; despite the russian aggression, a few months ago the Center’s team resumed the winery tours; 

— within the 20 years’ time, SHABO wines have received more than 500 awards from the most influential international tasting competitions — Mundus Vini, Berliner Wine Trophy, IWC and others. In 2021, SHABO wines were the first in Ukraine to win two gold medals at the London Decanter. In 2023, SHABO received 85 prestigious awards, including Platinum from Decanter for Muscat Ottonel 2016! 

— SHABO wines are exported to 22 countries around the world and represent Ukraine in the famous Cite du Vin in Bordeaux. 

“During these 20 years we have walked an extremely interesting and thorny path,”  Giorgi Iukuridze, co-founder of SHABO, wrote on his Facebook page. — Ukrainian winemaking was gathered from the ashes, a winery was rebuilt from the ruins, vines of the best grape varieties in the world were planted and grown. Every year, every day, we worked tirelessly for 20 years, regardless of any difficulties, because we have a big goal — to create the Great Wines of Ukraine. We’ve survived economic crises, pandemics, and continue to do our job even during full-scale war. So today, we want to say “thank you” to everyone who has been near and with us since 2003: 

— To the SHABO team – the people who use their skills and work really hard to create Great Wines. 

—  To our partners and colleagues who have been supporting and helping us in this difficult task. 

— To amazing Ukrainians who believe in us and choose SHABO. 

And, most of all, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Thanks to you, we have been able to work on Our Independent Land for the last 2 years. Thank you!” 

The editors of Drinks+ join in the congratulations and wish the incredible team of SHABO and the founders of the company inspiration, strength, passion for their work, as well as many beautiful vintages and fine wines that demonstrate the best features of Ukrainian terroir and true Ukrainian character. Cheers!

SHABO, one of the most famous and successful wineries of Ukraine, is celebrating a serious date: 20 years since the company was founded. This winery is a family business of the Iukuridze family, grounded on wine traditions that go back to more than 200 years. Within two decades, SHABO team has created a powerful brand […]

Oleksandra Hryhorieva, Drinks+ correspondent located in France, sheds light on the must-visit place in Burgundy for anyone who is keen on learning more about its history and wine culture – The Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne.

A missionary project that dates back to 2010, when the idea of a cultural and tourist site dedicated to promoting the history, heritage and wine culture of Burgundy was born. An ambitious project that is truly unique in its concept, as it has three sites at once, helping visitors to discover the region from different locations (Chablis, Beaune and Mâcon) and through different types of activities. A bold project that opened its doors right into the tourist season – in May 2023 – and had to quickly adapt to receiving a large number of visitors. Today I invite you to immerse yourself in the world of the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne, in particular its site located in Beaune.

First things first, how can you get to the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne when in Beaune? It turned out to be very simple: a special bus line – A – runs from the train station (there are several more stops closer to the center) to the Cité parking lot. Thus, the city strives to make the itinerary easier not only for tourists, but also for local residents.

The first thing you can probably admire when you arrive here is the outstanding architectural feat of the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne. Its distinctive spirals, rising to a height of 24 meters, resemble the vines winding around their trellises. However, during my conversation with the Cité workers, I learned that sometimes tourists see these architectural turns as a snail or may have other associations. Well, there is no limit to imagination! What cannot be denied is that the building attracts attention. From the eco-responsible point of view, there are also some things to mention. The site in Beaune is made of bio-sourced materials, using hemp concrete for the construction of timber-framed facades, and locally geo-sourced materials. Renewable energy production and systems’ efficiency are also very well thought out here.

Following the museum’s scenography, you immediately find yourself in a world of contrasts: bright colors of vineyards, soil and wine against a black background. A voice in the audio guide welcomes you to the world of Burgundy. It all starts with the soil. Right here, 200 million years ago, Bourgogne was under the sea. It was at this time that its subsoil was med, and the geological history of Bourgogne began. As you walk along the visitor trail, you’ll learn about the region’s winemaking history, the Climats of the Bourgogne vineyard, classified as UNESCO World Heritage in July 2015, as well as its two main grape varieties – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In addition, you will get introduced to Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winegrowers, and the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin.

The experience that I particularly appreciate is the Cave aux aromes where you can hone your sense of smell in preparation for a future tasting. 12 sensory globes containing 12 aroma families found in wine await you. What is interesting to know is that all the aromas presented here are natural: flowers, coffee and forest floor (sous-bois) are changed regularly; leather and spices require less maintenance.

This contributes to the remarkable intensity and length of the scent. The visitor can then do a blind tasting at the bar to practice their senses and newly acquired knowledge. I had a glass of Bourgogne Côte-d’Or Pinot Noir Bio 2021: rich in red fruits, such as redcurrant and raspberry, with a pleasant acidity that adds freshness. There is also a wine marker that we usually find in aged wines – leather and forest floor. Enjoy your tasting!

Apart from the classic visit, the Cité offers a great variety of experiences: 45-minute workshops of food pairing and the art of tasting, newly added ‘Wine and Perfume’ and ‘Wine and Chocolate’ workshops and a half-day training devoted to the Grands Crus de Bourgogne. All levels are accepted: from amateur to professional.

After a day full of activities, you can enjoy a glass of wine with a suggested food pairing at the Discovery Bar ‘Les Accords’ on the 4^th floor of the Cité and get some fresh air on the panoramic terrace while contemplating the vineyards.

Who conducts the master classes? How is wine selected for display in the bar? Where did the idea for the Cité’s building in Beaune come from? And what is the connection between the three sites of the Cité (Chablis, Beaune and Mâcon)? You can find out the answers to these and many other questions in our interview with Chloe Butet, Director of Culture and Communications at Cité, which will be released soon on Drinks+.

Oleksandra Hryhorieva, Drinks+ correspondent located in France, sheds light on the must-visit place in Burgundy for anyone who is keen on learning more about its history and wine culture – The Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne. A missionary project that dates back to 2010, when the idea of a cultural and tourist site […]