Ukrainian winemakers defy war to maintain production

As the grape harvest season begins in Ukraine, the Chizay vineyard in the western Zakarpattia region is navigating significant operational challenges. Dmytro Sholudko, the winery's director, told AFP that they have installed solar panels to mitigate power outages caused by Russian military strikes, as a steady electricity supply is essential for maintaining storage temperatures. Beyond infrastructure issues, the sector is grappling with labor shortages due to the mobilization of men for the war effort. Sholudko noted that finding the approximately 110 seasonal workers needed to harvest the 270-hectare estate has become increasingly difficult. Despite these hurdles, the winery continues to produce 1.3 million bottles annually. While vineyards in eastern and southern Ukraine have suffered destruction or occupation, producers in the west are focusing on domestic market growth. Zoltan Udvargelyi, Chizay's head winemaker, stated that Ukrainian wines are increasingly recognized for their quality, often matching or exceeding foreign counterparts. Additionally, climate change is prompting some producers to explore red wine production alongside the region's traditional white varieties.