Crimea is a Ukrainian wine region on the peninsula between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The earliest remains of Vitis vinifera in Ukraine's wine history are in Crimea, and Greek colonists also made wine in Crimea and the wider Black Sea region.
Conditions range from hot, dry continental summers and warm winters to subtropical heat. The southern coast has a Mediterranean climate, and Yalta is a focal point for winemaking. Vineyards grow on marl, brown soils, limestone and chernozem. Muscat-family vines are predominant, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Aligoté and Saperavi. Kokur, Kefesiya and Ekim Kara are local varieties.
Crimea makes modern and traditional wines in dry, sweet and fortified styles, with sweet, dessert and fortified wines the clearest stylistic focus. It has long supplied wine to Russia, the Soviet Union and markets beyond them. Since the 2014 occupation, Ukraine has lost Crimean land, terroirs, grape varieties and sales markets, while Ukrainian authorities have raised concerns about misuse of the Crimea indication.
Inside the region
1 named area
Each guide keeps its place within Crimea clear, with a direct route back to the map.