The makers
of Krimsekt sparkling wines left their ruined homes and business in
Bakhmut, relocated their wine-making team and started again – by working with a
partner winery in Odesa. They created
new bubblies, different from the ones they used to make, but superb in a
totally new way. They audaciously named
them the Artwinery VICTORY series – and these are now at the LCBO.
The Story..
Imagine this…
Your home and the city you live in have
been completely destroyed: every building, store, your
chidrens’ school and the hospital are ruins. Your family, friends and neighbours are
fighting the invaders – and many have been killed or injured. The historic place where you worked and made
your career has been destroyed and you are forced to flee. You are now a refugee, with nowhere to live
and no work to provide a living.
What do you do?
If you are the people of the Artwinery
winery, you muster up the courage you can, move to Odesa, find a place to live
- and start over. But even here, the
city has been damaged, air raid sirens sound several times a day and there is a
risk you could lose everything - again.
The makers of Krimsekt sparkling wines
left their ruined homes and business in Bakhmut, relocated their wine-making
team and started again – by working with a partner winery in Odesa. They created new bubblies, different from the
ones they used to make, but superb in a totally new way. They audaciously named them the Artwinery
VICTORY series – and these are now at the LCBO.
This is a story of courage and
extraordinary resilience.
For almost three years, Russia has waged
a brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.
Last year, the world watched in horror as the city of Bakhmut in Ukraine
was reduced to rubble by advancing waves of mercenary invaders. The death and destruction are on a scale not
seen since World War II. Bakhmut was just one of the many Ukrainian towns and
cities that have been annihilated by Putin.
The city was known for the amazing Artwinery winery, makers of the
renowned Krimsekt.
For over two decades, Katherine Vellinga
had been importing these wines to Canada.
Vellinga is better known as the CEO of Zirkova, a Canadian company which
produces ultra-premium vodka in Ukraine.
She explains, “Krimsekt was a labour of love. Our main business is obviously Zirkova vodka,
but we fell in love with Krimsekt when we lived in Ukraine 25 years ago. Last year, we were able to arrange a special shipment
of the last of the Krimsekt bottles evacuated from Bakhmut. It sold out at the LCBO within weeks.”
She adds, “We thought that was the heart-breaking
end to this story. But never
under-estimate Ukrainians!”
Katherine
and John Vellinga, her husband and business partner, have been to Ukraine
several times since the start of the full-scale invasion to work on initiatives
to help the country and to ensure the survival of their own business. On John’s most recent trip to Ukraine in
March 2024, he traveled through Moldova to Odesa where he met with the
displaced, yet brave winemaker and Artwinery employees. “I heard of what they
were doing and had to go see it for myself.
At the time, there were constant air strikes on Odesa, so it was
concerning, but I have the utmost admiration for these amazing people and wanted
to support them in any way that I could,” John says.
John with the winemaker and Artwinery Victory people in Odessa
The partner winery in Odessa
“The VICTORY
series of bubblies are different from Krimsekt, but the good news is that they
are fantastic – and may be a bit more accessible and familiar to most people,”
he explains. “People who like Prosecco will love the white and at $18.95, both
are a good price.”
Just as with
Krimsekt, the Artwinery VICTORY sparkling wines are available at the LCBO as
both a white and a red. This time, the
white is a BRUT made from Chardonnay, Riesling and Aligoté grapes. The red semi-sweet is once again a blend of
Cabernet, Merlot and Saperavi grapes. “This is not a rosé or a pink bubbly,”
exclaims Vellinga. “It is a deep red wine with bubbles. It is one of a kind. But for more good news, the LCBO has already
ordered a rosé version that will show up this spring. The LCBO has been very helpful and supportive
to Ukraine during this extremely difficult time.”
Katherine says, “It is a great way to support Ukraine this
holiday season. There are so few
Ukrainian products here, besides Zirkova vodka. By enjoying these drinks, you can help
Ukraine, while toasting to its victory.
It is only in about 100 stores
and last year it was sold out before the holidays. I already bought mine!”
The best way
to find stores with stock is to do a product search ARTEMIVSKE on lcbo.com. Or click these links:
WHITE: https://www.lcbo.com/en/artemivske-victory-white-brut-sparkling-40769
RED: https://www.lcbo.com/en/artemivske-victory-red-semi-sweet-sparkling-40768
Contact
information:
Both co-founders (CEO and CXO) can be made available for interview, video or comment. There
may be an opportunity to interview the Ukrainian winemaker/exporter by video or
audio, depending on connectivity, situation and timing.
For video and photos, attractive
Ukrainian-themed venues can be arranged with tastings.
For more information, requests and photos,
please contact:
|
Casey Wing, CMO +1 (585) 519-6265 |
Katherine Vellinga, CEO +1 (416) 729-8695 |
John Vellinga, CXO +1 (905) 601-1649 |
https://www.facebook.com/krimsekt/videos/883753219831272