On 24 January 2025, a working meeting dedicated to the development of viticulture in the region was held in the picturesque village of Krynychne in the south of Odesa region. Here, among the endless vineyards, under the warm sun and protected by the magnificent nature, at the Kolonist winery, which is considered one of the best in Ukraine, people gathered for whom the development of this industry is not only a professional but also a spiritual matter.

Danubian Bessarabia is a land where the steppes meet the endless waters of the Danube, creating a unique landscape shrouded in legends and ancient traditions. Here, the land breathes history, and every breath of wind carries the aroma of steppe grasses, vines and the brackish breath of estuaries. The people of Danube Bessarabia are its greatest treasure. They are strong, hard-working and hospitable, with a deep respect for their land and native culture. Their life is about harmony with nature, the wisdom of generations, and an unshakable faith in the future. The traditions of different peoples have long been intertwined here, creating a unique mosaic of cultural diversity. The nature of this land fascinates with its grandeur and generosity. The golden sun bathes the vineyards in its rays, giving the berries a unique taste, and the quiet waters of the Danube bring peace and inspiration. Here, among the endless expanses of the steppe, people know how to appreciate every drop of water, every sunrise and every harvest that this fertile land gives them. Danubian Bessarabia is not just a geographical corner of Ukraine, it is a soul filled with love for its native land, its people and traditions. This is a place where the heart beats in unison with nature, where every step is a story, and every day is a new page of life written on fertile lands under the boundless sky. The village of Krynychne is not just a dot on the map, it is the heart of the Odesa wine region, a place where the beauty of nature and the powerful potential for producing unique wine are combined. Olives, pomegranates, persimmons, cedars, firs, laurels, almonds - all this creates an atmosphere of ideal conditions and mood for the development of a new direction. The Kolonist winery is not located here by chance: Krynychne is the best place for vineyards due to the perfect combination of sun, water and wind, which makes it possible to grow grapes with an unrivalled taste.

The Kolonist winery dates back to the Bulgarian settlers who settled on this land in the early 19th century. Their hard work and love for their native land turned the sun-baked steppe into a blooming, fertile pearl. The founder and owner of the winery, Ivan Plachkov, is a worthy descendant of this people, who has passed on the art of growing grapes and making wine from generation to generation, embodying the spirit of hard work and love for the land. Plachkov, a man with a deep understanding of viticulture, has realised his dream and revived the winemaking industry in Odesa region, which was once at its peak. After all, viticulture in the past accounted for about 30% of agricultural turnover and served as the basis for economic stability. Nowadays, it is enterprises such as Kolonist that are able to bring Ukraine to a new level in craft winemaking.

The meeting in Krynychne was not limited to discussing the current state of affairs. Ivan Plachkov shared interesting information about grapes and their role in human health. For example, in the past, when water was unfit for consumption, wine was used to purify it, diluting it with it for safe consumption. This confirms how grapes were an important part of our ancestors' everyday life and even health.

The history of the vineyards in Krynychne is particularly impressive, where young and old plantations coexist harmoniously, giving the grapes an incomparable taste and aroma. Another interesting fact is that at the Kolonist vineyards, rose bushes are planted at the beginning of each row of grapes, which, in addition to their natural beauty, are an indicator of grape diseases.

It is interesting that France, which is famous for its vineyards, has a small amount of land, but a huge number of winemakers, where the average farm has only 8 hectares. However, these people have become millionaires and their wines have gained worldwide fame.
And this is a great example for Ukraine, which has a huge potential for the development of viticulture. The Odesa region, with its natural conditions and skilled workforce, is gradually becoming a leader in the production of not only quality wines, but also national brands.

“My native Odesa region, my Bessarabia, is not just land, it is our roots, our pride. Viticulture is a part of our culture and history. The entire Odesa region has unique opportunities for the development of this industry. The Kolonist winery team is more than just a collective. It is a family united by a common love for the vine, for its land and for the business that has become not just a job but a vocation over the years. Here, everyone is an invaluable part of the winery's big heart, everyone is the creator of a unique story that is filled with the aromas of ripe grapes, sunny steppe and sincere dedication to their work. These are the people who go out to the vineyards with the first rays of the sun, cherishing each vine with tenderness and care, like a child. These are the craftsmen who put a piece of their soul into every bottle of wine with their hands and hearts. These are the experts who know how to create an exquisite symphony of taste from a drop of juice that will tell the world about the generosity of our land. At Kolonist, each employee is a true professional, and at the same time someone who knows how to feel, who preserves traditions, respects the work of colleagues and is always ready to lend a shoulder. These are people who know how to laugh together, overcome difficulties together and enjoy every drop of wine that is born in their hands.", - said the Alla Stoyanova

“This meeting was an important milestone in the development of the Odesa region's viticulture industry. Working together, sharing experience, supporting each other - all this helps us move forward. Together, we can make a significant contribution to the development of winemaking and raise the Odesa region's brand to new heights" Raisa Vozhegova emphasises.

The development of viticulture and winemaking in Odesa region opens up great opportunities not only for the production of high-quality wine, but also for the creation of related products from grape raw materials. One of the most striking examples of successful processing is the use of grape seeds to produce grape oil, which is known for its super-healing properties and wide range of applications.

Grapeseed oil is a real source of health and youth. It is rich in antioxidants, in particular resveratrol, which slows down the aging process, protects cells from free radicals and helps strengthen the immune system. Due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-6, this oil has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, lowers cholesterol and improves vascular elasticity.

In addition, grapeseed oil contains vitamins A, E, C and B, which help maintain healthy skin, give it elasticity and radiance. It is widely used in cosmetics as a powerful moisturiser that deeply nourishes the skin, promotes cell regeneration and helps fight the signs of ageing.
In cooking, grapeseed oil is valued for its light nutty flavour and ability to withstand high temperatures without losing its beneficial properties. It is ideal for making sauces, salads and baking, adding sophistication and nutritional value to dishes.

Grape seed processing in the Odesa region is an excellent example of the rational use of viticulture resources, which contributes to the creation of waste-free production, opens up new markets and increases the profitability of the wine industry. This is a clear proof of how traditional viticulture can be combined with modern environmental approaches to create products that benefit people and their health.

Alla Stoyanova is confident that "The development of viticulture and winemaking in Odesa region is a journey that begins with a deep respect for traditions and a bold look to the future. This is a land that has been giving growers bountiful harvests for centuries, shaping the unique character of local wines filled with sun, steppe winds and love for their craft.
The first steps in the development of this industry should be based on a reasonable combination of generations of experience and modern technology. First and foremost, it is important to focus on reviving and expanding vineyards, choosing the varieties that best unlock the potential of the Odesa land.
It is important to introduce advanced grape care methods, preserve the ecological balance and rationally use natural resources.
The second integral step is the development of wineries that can combine classical production traditions with the latest technological solutions.
The construction of modern wineries equipped with innovative equipment will not only preserve the richness of taste, but also open Ukrainian wines to the world.
It is equally important to build the brand of Odesa winemaking, create a unified style and promote local wines at the national and international levels.
This is a story that should be told through every bottle of wine, through tastings, festivals and gastronomic routes that will reveal the uniqueness of our region.
But the main thing is people. They are the driving force behind the wine industry. Investments in education and training, support for young winemakers and the use of foreign experience will help revive the glory of Odesa region as the wine heart of Ukraine.
These first steps are just the beginning of a long journey where every vineyard, every glass of wine will become a symbol of rebirth, pride and inspiration for future generations."Alla Stoyanova emphasises.

The development of viticulture and winemaking in Odesa region is not just a project, it is an integral part of Ukraine's culture and future.
Key steps to promote the national wine brand include supporting local producers, attracting investment, and actively promoting Ukrainian wine on the international market.
Consumer patriotism and pride in their own products should be the basis for the development of this important industry.
Ukraine has everything it needs to become a world leader in winemaking, and Odesa region is the best place to do it.

ACTING TOGETHER FOR VICTORY!