Georgiy Molchanov, the head of a winemakers association in southern Ukraine, faced a unique challenge after a Russian rocket dropped undetonated mines on his vineyard near Mykolaiv in the aftermath of the 2022 invasion. This incident highlighted the devastating impact of the war on the country. With assistance from Roots of Peace, Rotary International, and Grgich Hills Estate winery in Napa Valley, Molchanov began the process of reclaiming and healing his land. The international collaboration provided him with the necessary expertise and supplies to safely detonate the mines and brought him and five other Ukrainian winemakers to California.
During their weeklong stay at Grgich Hills, the Ukrainian winemakers learned about regenerative organic farming, focusing on soil health and ecosystem balance. Molchanov emphasized the importance of preserving nature and producing wine without causing harm to the land. The group also aimed to showcase the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their desire for peace amid ongoing conflict.
Svitlana Tsybak, Owner and CEO of Beykush Winery, shared her experience of operating near Russian troops while continuing to export wine to the U.S. market. She expressed her commitment to expanding the presence of Ukrainian wine internationally. Heidi Kuhn, the founder of Roots of Peace, highlighted the organization’s efforts to transform war-ravaged land into productive vineyards and orchards by clearing landmines. Rotary International supported the program for the Ukrainian winemakers and funded their trip to California.
The “mines to vines” initiative, spearheaded by Kuhn, aims to address the widespread issue of landmines in conflict zones, including Ukraine. The collaboration between Roots of Peace and Grgich Hills Estate stems from their shared history of working together to clear landmines in war-torn regions. Ivo Jeramaz, a winemaker at Grgich Hills Estate, emphasized the importance of restoring the health of Ukraine and providing inspiration to the visiting winemakers.
Overall, the partnership between international organizations, local winemakers, and California vineyards demonstrates a collective effort to support Ukraine’s agricultural industry and promote peace in the region. By exchanging knowledge and fostering collaboration, the participants are paving the way for a brighter future for Ukrainian winemaking amidst challenging circumstances.