Across Russia’s hospitality sector a new national standard is being introduced to guide how wine lists are presented. The framework, widely known as GOST in restaurant and wine circles, was built by two leading industry bodies to increase clarity and consistency from venue to venue. Although the standard received formal approval within the regulatory cycle and was subsequently published for public access, its status remains advisory rather than mandatory. The goal is simple: help guests compare bottles more easily, understand what they are looking at, and have confidence in the information shown on a menu. By setting a shared reference for how origin, producer, and wine category are described, the standard seeks to reduce confusion during service and support better decision making for diners, whether they dine in a quick service spot or a fine dining room. This approach aligns with a growing demand for transparency in wine programs and mirrors similar efforts in hospitality markets abroad, including North American settings where clear wine labeling is valued by travelers and local guests alike.
