Russia’s wine sector saw a notable rise in sales, climbing by about one-fifth over the year. The statistic was cited by the deputy head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, reflecting remarks credited to Viktor Evtukhov and reported through TASS.
In 2023, the Russian wine market, excluding catering services, reached a volume of 786 million liters. This figure underscores a strong performance across both sparkling and still wine categories during a period of targeted industry support and deliberate promotion of domestic wine brands.
The breakdown shows sparkling wine accounting for 216 million liters and still wine reaching 564 million liters in sales. The deputy head highlighted that Russian wines dominate the market in the price tier up to 500 rubles, capturing more than 85 percent of all sales within that segment.
Igor Gubin, a former winemaker and a member of the board of directors of the Russian Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers, alongside the founder of the Sarkel Estate winery, weighed in on the broader retail picture. He dismissed any expectation that higher liquor costs would lead to store closures or reductions in alcohol availability, arguing that the market would adapt rather than contract.
Earlier assessments placed Russia among the top ten markets for those who favor imported alcoholic beverages, illustrating a dynamic consumer landscape that continues to evolve as domestic offerings strengthen and import patterns evolve.