Retrospective analysis and current priorities of winemaking development in Southern Russia

Abstract

The development of winemaking in southern Russia has a centuries-old tradition. The peculiarities of winemaking development in the Crimean peninsula should be considered on a case-by-case basis due to the special geographical and climatic conditions and the distinctive historical development of the region. The accession of Crimea to the Russian Empire not only gave a new impetus to the development of the industry on the peninsula, but also opened a new page in the history of Russian winemaking. The Russian elite quickly assessed the economic prospects of the region. Natural conditions led to the existence of three winemaking zones in Crimea, which, despite the change of historical eras, still reflect the conditions of winemaking on the peninsula. To assess the condition of winemaking on the peninsula, a retrospective analysis of the industry's development since Crimea was annexed to the Russian Empire in 1783 was made, and three major periods in the history of winemaking, corresponding to the general course of historical events in Russia, were highlighted: Crimean winemaking in the Russian Empire, development of viticulture and winemaking in Crimea in the Soviet period, and the dynamics of industry development at the present stage. The study analyses the main problems facing the industry at the present stage. At the same time, statistical data and examples confirmed the role of Crimean winemaking as one of the fundamental branches of the Crimean economy, based on a rich historical experience, but also actively developing in line with modern trends.