HS on a Wine Tour: Visiting the Estate Producing 'Putin's Wines' for the Russian Elite

Helsingin Sanomat visited a sprawling vineyard on Russia's Black Sea coast, an estate that produces wines linked to the country's elite and often dubbed "Putin's wines."

While Vladimir Putin is not officially registered as the owner of the Krinitsa winery, the ownership arrangements strongly suggest a connection to the highest echelons of Russian power. The estate's location on the Black Sea coast evokes a French ambiance, with hundreds of French oak barrels maturing in the aging halls. Much of the operation, from the vines and fermentation tanks to the wine corks, mirrors French winemaking traditions.

The products from this estate are notably expensive within the Russian market, with bottle prices beginning at just under 20 euros. This pricing strategy, coupled with the association with the country's leadership, positions the wines as exclusive items for a discerning clientele.