A winemaker in southern Ukraine, Georgiy Molchanov, faced the challenge of reclaiming his vineyard which had been damaged by mines dropped by a Russian rocket during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Thanks to the efforts of Roots of Peace, Rotary International, and Grgich Hills Estate winery in Napa Valley, he received the expertise and supplies needed to safely detonate the mines and begin the process of healing his wounded land. Along with five other Ukrainian winemakers, Molchanov traveled to California to learn about regenerative organic farming, which prioritizes soil health and ecosystem balance, from the Grgich Hills team.
The group of Ukrainian winemakers, led by Molchanov, also aims to spread a message of resilience and hope amidst the ongoing war. Despite the conflict, they remain committed to rebuilding and looking forward to a future of peace. Svitlana Tsybak, Owner and CEO of Beykush Winery, located in the Mykolaiv area, emphasized the importance of continuing to work and live their lives despite the war. She expressed a desire to expand the presence of Ukrainian wine in the U.S. market and learn from the experiences in California.
Heidi Kuhn, a peace activist and founder of Roots of Peace, has been working for years to remove landmines from war-torn areas and transform them into agricultural lands, including vineyards. Rotary International collaborated with Roots of Peace to plan the program for the Ukrainian winemakers and funded their travel to California. Kuhn’s initiative, known as the “mines to vines” program, aims to address the issue of landmines in war-affected regions, with a focus on Ukraine where over 30% of the land is riddled with mines.
Ivo Jeramaz, a winemaker at Grgich Hills Estate and nephew of the late founder Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, understands the impact of war firsthand as a native Croatian. He expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian winemakers and emphasized the importance of restoring the health of the country through sustainable farming practices. The Grgich Hills Estate has a history of supporting Roots of Peace in their efforts to clear landmines, including a successful fundraising campaign in Vukovar, Croatia, after the war in the former Yugoslavia.
The collaboration between international organizations, winemakers from Ukraine, and the team at Grgich Hills Estate highlights the power of unity and shared expertise in overcoming challenges caused by war. Through education, exchange of ideas, and support from the global community, these winemakers are not only reclaiming their land but also contributing to a message of resilience and hope for the future. The experience in California provides them with valuable knowledge in sustainable agriculture practices, which they can apply in rebuilding and expanding their wine industry back home in Ukraine.
As the Ukrainian winemakers return to their homeland with newfound knowledge and inspiration, they carry with them the message of peace and determination to thrive despite the adversities of war. By working together and learning from experiences in different parts of the world, these individuals are paving the way for a brighter future for Ukrainian wine industry and demonstrating the power of collaboration in overcoming challenges. The support and partnership between international organizations and local winemakers serve as a beacon of hope for regions affected by conflict, showing that resilience and unity can lead to healing and progress.
