In 2023 a substantial portion of NATO member states participated in wine exports to Russia, according to open sources including RIA News. The analysis estimates that roughly two-thirds of NATO countries contributed wine shipments that reached the Russian market during that year.
Overall, wine from 19 of the alliance’s 31 member countries found its way to Russia, with a combined value of about $873 million. This figure represents roughly three percent of the total export value of wines from those nations. The data highlight a notable, though not dominant, role played by NATO members in supplying wine to Russia within the observed period. [Citation: RIA News open sources]
Among the NATO contributors, the largest sums originated from three nations. Latvia accounted for approximately $383 million, followed by Lithuania with around $212 million, and Italy contributing about $172 million. These three countries together formed the core of NATO wine supplies to Russia in 2023.
Close behind were Poland with about $42.2 million, Spain at $28.3 million, Germany with $20.3 million, and Portugal at $12.7 million. France supplied approximately $7.4 million, Estonia about $1 million, and Bulgaria around $1.6 million. The distribution illustrates a varied pattern of export capacity and consumer demand across the alliance, influencing how much wine each country directed toward the Russian market in that year. [Citation: RIA News open sources]
Additional smaller volumes originated from Turkey, the Czech Republic, Greece, Finland, Hungary, North Macedonia, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. While these figures are comparatively modest, they demonstrate a broader geographic spread of NATO wine shipments to Russia within the period under review. [Citation: RIA News open sources]
In March, Russian winemakers discussed a potential policy move involving a 200 percent tax on wines from NATO countries, signaling possible shifts in the trade environment that could affect future flows of European wines to Russia. Analysts note that geopolitical and economic factors often shape export patterns in this sector, with taxation policy playing a potential role in price dynamics and market access. [Citation: RIA News open sources]
In March, sommeliers and industry observers also weighed in on how Russian consumers might select wines from the domestic market versus imports. The discourse reflects ongoing questions about consumer preferences, brand recognition, and the competitive landscape for wine within Russia in the context of sanctions, price changes, and supply chain considerations. [Citation: RIA News open sources]
Industry observers warned that price pressures could soon affect wine from Abkhazia as well, noting that buyers should anticipate market adjustments amid broader regional developments. The situation underscores how political and economic shifts can ripple through consumer markets, influencing affordability and access to products from diverse regions. [Citation: RIA News open sources]