A recent survey commissioned by Roskachestvo and covered by TASS confirms a clear trend: Russians predominantly choose wines produced within their own country. The study sheds light on where most of these purchases originate and what regional preferences look like across different parts of Russia. It also reveals how consumers perceive wine types and how these perceptions shape buying choices in everyday life.
According to the respondents, a substantial majority, about 61 percent, favor wines from the Krasnodar Territory, Crimea, and Sevastopol. This leaning toward southern and coastal wine regions reflects an appreciation for the accessible provenance, consistent flavor profiles, and the availability of wines that align with regional tastes. Alongside this top cluster, Dagestan and the Stavropol region deserve mention as notable contributors to the domestic wine landscape, with roughly 20 percent and 13 percent of votes respectively. These figures illustrate a diverse domestic market where several regional labels hold strong appeal among Russian consumers.
When looking at where Russians typically buy wine, roughly one third purchase wine from the same region in which they live. The pattern is especially pronounced in the North Caucasus, where about three quarters of respondents prefer regional products, and in Southern Russia where the share remains high at roughly seventy percent. These tendencies underscore a preference for local sourcing, familiarity with regional producers, and an emphasis on regional wine identities in everyday shopping behavior.
The survey also explored consumer knowledge about wine varieties. The results show that nearly half of participants have only a rough understanding of how different wines differ from one another. In contrast, about one in five Russians feel confident that they know how various types of wine differ in practice. A small segment, thirteen percent, admitted not paying attention to the wine type during selection. These insights point to a broad spectrum of consumer awareness and highlight opportunities for clearer labeling and consumer education in retail settings.
The Roskachestvo report notes that the survey involved online participation from 1,200 Russian residents aged 18 and over who purchase wine at least once a month. The online nature of the sample captures a cross section of regular buyers and provides a snapshot of current shopping habits, preferences, and knowledge. The findings carry implications for producers and retailers seeking to align products with consumer demand and to improve guidance for shoppers seeking to understand wine options.
Industry commentary during January pointed to a forthcoming rise in wine prices, with forecasts suggesting increases of nearly one and a half times those seen previously. This price outlook follows broader economic factors affecting the market and signals to distributors and retailers the importance of managing supply chains and pricing strategies while maintaining value for domestic buyers. Observers note that price adjustments may influence purchasing decisions, especially among regular buyers who have shown loyalty to certain regional labels.
Earlier in January, analysts discussed the potential relocation of affordable wine options from traditional sources in Western Europe to wines from other regions around the world. The shift could reshape the availability and diversity of options for Canadian and American importers, consumers, and hospitality venues, prompting a reassessment of sourcing strategies and pricing structures to maintain competitive offerings in a changing global marketplace.
Additionally, Roskachestvo has previously worked on establishing a Standard wine list for restaurants and cafes, aiming to streamline choices for hospitality venues while helping consumers understand what constitutes a reliable wine program. This initiative reflects a broader push toward consistent quality signals across the industry and supports both operators and patrons in making informed dining and drinking choices. The ongoing efforts emphasize transparency and standardization as tools to elevate the overall wine experience for consumers and businesses alike.