In an inspiring initiative, Ukrainian winemakers traveled to Napa Valley to learn how to rehabilitate their war-damaged vineyards. This visit, organized by Roots of Peace, Rotary International, and Grgich Hills Estate, aimed to provide these winemakers with the knowledge and resources needed to revitalize their land.

A Journey of Resilience

Georgiy Molchanov, who leads an association of winemakers in southern Ukraine, faced the daunting task of cultivating grapes in fields littered with undetonated mines after his vineyard near Mykolaiv was bombed in August 2022. “The devastation was unimaginable,” Molchanov said. “But the resilience of our community has been remarkable.”

Roots of Peace and Rotary International provided the necessary expertise and supplies to clear the mines safely, allowing for the possibility of rebuilding.

Learning from Napa Valley Experts

Molchanov, along with five other Ukrainian winemakers, spent a week at Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford, California. There, they delved into the principles of regenerative organic farming, focusing on enhancing soil health and maintaining ecosystem balance. This method could be crucial in restoring their war-torn vineyards back home.

Heidi Kuhn, the founder of Roots of Peace, has a long history of converting war-torn lands into productive agricultural areas. Her partnership with Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, founder of Grgich Hills Estate, began in 2000 with a project in Croatia focused on landmine removal and vineyard restoration. Kuhn said, “The work we do is not just about restoring the land, but also about restoring hope and livelihoods.”

Empathy and Shared Experiences

Ivo Jeramaz, nephew of Miljenko Grgich and winemaker at Grgich Hills Estate, expressed deep empathy for the Ukrainians, drawing from his own experiences during the Croatian War. “Seeing their determination to rebuild despite the destruction is truly inspiring,” Jeramaz said.

Oksana Tsybak, another Ukrainian winemaker, mentioned that although her vineyard is just four miles from Russian troops, her operations have not been directly impacted by the war. She is eager to learn and apply new techniques to improve her vineyard’s resilience and productivity. “We want to bring the essence of Ukrainian wine to the world,” Tsybak shared.

Looking Ahead

The exchange not only provided practical farming knowledge but also fostered a sense of solidarity and shared purpose. It highlighted the resilience and determination of Ukrainian winemakers to rebuild their industry despite the ongoing conflict. The visit has laid the foundation for continued collaboration and support between Napa Valley and Ukrainian vineyards.

“The journey of rebuilding is long, but with the knowledge and support we’ve gained, we are more hopeful than ever,” Molchanov concluded.