In annexed Crimea, an ongoing fuel and energy crisis has dealt a severe blow to the wine industry, according to Forbes, which cited local producers. Meduza published a brief retelling of their accounts, saying it preserved the meaning and context of the statements.
Winemakers said the situation had remained relatively manageable until May, and that this year’s harvest looked promising. After that, however, sales nearly stopped and the tourist season was effectively ruined. Vineyard maintenance has become difficult because there is not enough fuel for tractors, forcing workers to do some jobs by hand, including treating vines for pests with backpack sprayers.
According to the producers, the disappearance of tourists has been one of the heaviest blows to the business. One winery said it had to close a restaurant that had operated year-round. In past seasons, it welcomed 1,500 to 2,000 visitors, but this year only 20 to 30. The owners estimate wine sales have fallen by 99%. Another winery said it would normally receive at least 500 guests, but this year none at all.
“Because of power cuts, there is no internet, and it is impossible to sell wine,” the winemakers said, describing one of their main current problems.
Electricity outages are being compounded by fuel shortages. Producers are using diesel generators, but say diesel on the black market costs 200 to 300 rubles per liter. Employees struggle to reach the wineries because public transport is disrupted, while organizing transport independently is also hindered by the lack of fuel.
The winemakers fear that even if they manage to harvest and process the grapes, new problems will appear by winter, including shortages of bottles, corks, and other bottling supplies. They also say transport companies are reluctant to handle wine shipments, and that the peninsula’s links with mainland Russia have, in their view, been almost cut off.
The grape harvest is due to begin in mid-August, but some farmers may refuse to harvest at all, while others may try to sell at a loss. One source noted that last year grapes sold for 150 rubles per kilogram, but with gasoline now costing from 250 rubles per liter at stations and from 400 rubles from resellers, it is, in his words, “easier to abandon” the crop.