In late November, Moscow hosted the first Russian Wine Forum, a landmark event that drew producers, investors, distributors, regulators, experts, and consumers into one marketplace. The organizers envision the forum as an annual gathering that nurtures the Russian wine ecosystem, supports viticulture and winemaking, boosts export potential, and helps shape a positive image for domestic wine. (citation: Russian Wine Forum)
During the forum, Aeroflot, Russia’s largest airline, hosted a tasting program titled “Wine on It.” Leading Russian sommeliers and wine authorities evaluated nearly 50 local wines, spanning white, red, sparkling, and fortified categories. The selection for tasting was guided by sommelier Arthur Sargsyan, a prominent independent wine expert. Twelve recognized wine professionals participated, including Vlada Lesnichenko, who has authored 20-plus wine lists for Russian restaurants and co-founded the Russian Wine Award; Sergey Aksenovsky, head sommelier at Maison Dellos; and Vladimir Kosenko, director of the WineState sommelier school and an ASI-certified sommelier, among others (citation: Aeroflot tasting).
Crucially, the tasting used a methodology that minimizes human bias. Each sample was evaluated with two glasses—the standard Aeroflot glass and a second vessel chosen for aviation use—ensuring an objective, consistent assessment. The best-rated wines from the panel may appear on Aeroflot’s list as early as next year, with three top choices selected from each category (citation: tasting methodology).
As a flagship carrier and national ambassador, Aeroflot reinforces its commitment to domestic producers. The airline’s representatives express pride in presenting outstanding Russian wines on board and anticipate that passengers will soon notice new innovations in the wine list (citation: Aeroflot statement).
The growing presence of high-quality Russian wines on the market has prompted Aeroflot to increase its support for local producers. Government efforts to back the industry are advancing as well, signaling a broader push to elevate Russian winemaking. The Russian Wine Forum stands as a central proof point for these developments (citation: government support).
Participants noted the broad range of Russian wines available, pointing out that the market includes numerous manufacturers, distributors, sommeliers, and other experts who increasingly value large-scale events. The forum itself offered a platform to showcase the best Russian wines to future passengers (citation: forum insights).
Currently, Aeroflot offers four wine options for first-class guests, two red and two white, aligned with its service standards. Plans exist to swap one red and one white for Russian-made wines. Samples from the sparkling and fortified categories were also included in tastings, suggesting the possibility of these styles appearing on board next year (citation: cabin wine program).
Some experts note a preference for fortified wines in Russia and predict potential on-board introductions of fortified options. The tasting team emphasized that the destination environment on board can influence flavor, and decisions will hinge on tasting outcomes (citation: fortified wine discussion).
Accounts from wine professionals reveal a fondness for port-style wines and their favorable performance in flight. They argue fortified options often retain character at altitude better than some lighter regional wines, given the unique pressure and cabin conditions (citation: Port wine discussion).
exploring in-flight taste dynamics
Speakers spent substantial time examining how taste changes between ground and air. Glassware, temperature, and pressure all play roles, and tasting sessions included two glasses to capture how each wine expresses itself in the cabin environment (citation: in-flight taste dynamics).
Experts explained that the glasses used in Aeroflot service are not the most aromatic venues, so the aim was to identify wines that perform best with the airline’s chosen vessels. They also highlighted that altitude can dampen certain flavors while enhancing others, leading tasters to favor wines that hold intensity or balance under cabin conditions (citation: glassware impact).
Some examples discussed include how acidity and dryness might be preferred in wines labeled extra brut or brut zero, yet cabin pressure can soften perceived sharpness. Personal experiences shared by tasters illustrate how a wine’s profile can shift from ground to sky, sometimes revealing new attributes (citation: altitude effects).
One expert recalls a flight where champagne tasted older than its years, underscoring how context matters. The conversation also touched on how varieties like Argentine Malbec can feel very different at height, and how wine lists on board could mirror restaurant traditions by offering alternatives to satisfy diverse palates (citation: in-flight anecdotes).
Another point raised was the parallel between wine and food on flights. An in-house tasting team evaluates new dishes quarterly, anticipating how dishes and wines interplay in the air. The aim is to maintain a balance where sauces, heat, and textures complement rather than overpower in-flight beverages. Some suggestions pointed to more vegetables and varied textures to enhance overall dining experiences (citation: wine-food pairing in flight).
Overall, experts see Aeroflot’s strategy as a path to a distinctly Russian inflight experience: local wines paired with carefully selected dishes. The approach is viewed as a bridge to foreign audiences who can discover Russian products in a contextual, authentic setting. A preference was voiced for offering travelers alternatives to ensure comfort for curious tasters who may still be unsure about Russian wines (citation: overall strategy).
advancing domestic winemaking
Industry voices welcomed collaborations with Russian winemakers, predicting more projects as interest in homegrown wines grows. The emphasis on professionalism suggests meaningful, lasting changes, aligning with Aeroflot’s initiatives and broader industry momentum (citation: industry outlook).
Looking ahead, experts advocate continued support for local producers. Building dialogue will help set expectations for price, flavor, and variety, enabling consumers to access higher-quality wines from fellow countrymen who share common language and tastes. The consensus is that the market is expanding, with fewer underperforming examples and clearer progress across the board (citation: industry progress).