Grape harvest commences in Krasnodar, Kuban region
The Kuban region in Russia has witnessed a significant transformation in its wine industry over the past few years. Since 2017, the production of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines has commenced, marking a new era for viticulture in the region.
This growth can be attributed to a decision made by Kuban Governor Veniamin Kondratyev, who has fostered a conducive environment for the development of the wine industry. Today, around 80 large agrofactories and 150 small farm holdings cultivate vineyard lands in the Kuban region.
The vineyard areas in the Kuban region have expanded significantly, growing from 26,000 hectares in 2015 to 32,500 hectares today. This growth represents an increase of 6,500 hectares, a substantial expansion for the region.
The number of vine nurseries in the Kuban region has also seen a significant increase, with five enterprises now offering domestic saplings. As a result, the production volume of saplings has more than quadrupled, from 1.2 million to 5 million per year.
The 2019 law "On Viticulture and Winemaking in the Russian Federation" was established, introducing the concept of "vineland". This legislation has further boosted the industry, providing a framework for its continued growth.
The Kuban region currently hosts over 30% of all vineyards in the country. A third of the harvested grapes in Russia come from the Kuban region, and it produces 43 percent of Russian wines and over 50 percent of sparkling wines (champagne).
In 2024, 235,500 tons of grapes were harvested in the Kuban region, with plans to increase this to 250,000 tons in 2025. The production volume of champagne has more than doubled, from 3,500 dal in 2015 to 8,800 dal in 2024.
Support for the wine industry from the regional budget has increased significantly. From 218 million rubles in 2015, the budget allocation has grown to over 1 billion rubles in 2024, with a planned allocation of over 1.3 billion rubles in 2025.
The winery Abrau-Dyurso, located in Kuban, was named the leading wine destination in the world in 2025, further cementing the region's reputation as a global player in the wine industry.
While specific numerical growth figures for vineyard area, grape harvest, wine production, and employment are not readily available for the period from 2015 to 2025, it is clear that the Kuban region's wine sector is actively evolving and growing, driven by market demand shifts. The industry is likely to continue expanding, with the potential for further increases in production, employment, and investment.
[1] Sources: [Link to Source 1], [Link to Source 2]
- The growth in the Kuban region's wine industry has significantly impacted other sectors, with the finance industry benefiting from increased investments in agrofactories and vine nurseries.
- Lifestyle choices in Russia are gradually shifting, with a growing preference for domestically produced food-and-drink items, such as Kuban wines and champagne, over imported ones.
- With the expansion of home-and-garden spaces in urban areas, homeowners are increasingly showcasing their collections of Kuban wines as symbolic representations of business success and regional pride.
