Aureus Vita Fibonacci Dry Gin: The Golden Ratio Meets the Art of Distillation

There are spirits that impress, and then there are spirits that redefine what’s possible. Enter Aureus Vita Fibonacci Dry Gin, a liquid masterpiece inspired by the mathematical elegance of the golden ratio (1.618). This ultra-premium gin doesn’t just raise the bar; it rewrites the formula for balance and beauty in a bottle.

What Happens When Chemistry Meets Craft?

It began, as most revolutions do, with curiosity. Chemist-turned-master-distiller John Hall wasn’t content with convention. Instead, he wondered: If nature, art, and even music could follow the Fibonacci sequence, that repeating pattern found in sunflowers, shells, and symphonies, why couldn’t gin do the same?

Years of experimentation led to a breakthrough: the Fibonacci-Hall Distillation Method. Every ratio, temperature, and botanical interaction is calculated using the golden ratio, resulting in a gin that quite literally embodies mathematical perfection.

The result? A spirit with more depth, viscosity, and aromatic complexity than your standard London Dry. Think of it as the meeting point between scientific precision and artistic intuition, a gin where every drop tells a story of balance.

What Makes Fibonacci Gin So Unique?

Aureus Vita is far from your everyday pour. While most gins might offer two or three recognisable flavour notes, this one delivers a 10-layer flavour journey, unfolding with clarity and sequence. 

At its heart are juniper and baobab pulp, both harvested in November and used fresh within three months to capture their peak brightness. Distilled once a year to mirror the rhythm of the natural world, Aureus Vita reflects a rare commitment to purity and timing.

Even its name, Aureus Vita, translates to “golden way of life,” a fitting tribute to the mathematical harmony guiding its creation.

How Does It Taste?

Expect a smooth yet structured texture, richer than most gins, with unfolding notes that feel deliberate, almost choreographed. First come bright citrus and green spice, followed by the earthy sweetness of baobab and a subtle, lingering finish of blackcurrant leaf and liquorice.

Its 61.8% ABV isn’t a number chosen for shock value; it’s a deliberate nod to the golden ratio itself. Sip it neat, in a Golden Martini, or as part of a slow-savour G&T; every serve is designed to reveal a different facet of its precision.

Why It Belongs in Every Collector’s Cabinet

With only one Fibonacci-Hall still in existence, a prototype built in Cornwall, each bottle of Aureus Vita feels like owning a piece of distilling history. This is craftsmanship at its most cerebral and sensorial.

From its phi-inspired bottle design to the golden spiral of its botanical blend, Aureus Vita is a conversation piece. A story of how numbers, nature, and flavour can intertwine to create something rare, balanced, and utterly mesmerising.

Where to Find It: Available exclusively at Fortnum & Mason

Size: 70cl
ABV: 61.8%
Price: £169

Cutty Sark 17-Year-Old: A Voyage into Opulent Depths

Some whiskies tell their story quietly. Cutty Sark, however, has never been one to whisper. Born from a spirit of rebellion and discovery, this seafaring Scotch has just unveiled a release that perfectly captures its century-old DNA: the Cutty Sark 17-Year-Old. It’s bold, it’s refined, and it’s ready to take connoisseurs on a flavour journey across uncharted waters.

A Whisky Rooted in Adventure

Cutty Sark’s legacy has always been defined by its daring origins. Launched in 1923, right in the middle of Prohibition, the brand was never content to play it safe. Smuggled into cocktail bars and adored by those who valued smoothness over smoke, it built a reputation as the whisky for rule-breakers with taste.

Now, 102 years later, that same spirit resurfaces in a whisky that quite literally sets sail into richer flavour territory. The 17-Year-Old expression is a nod to both heritage and innovation, crafted for the kind of drinker who sees a dram not as an end, but an invitation to explore.

How Is Cutty Sark 17 Made?

This isn’t your average blend. The 17-Year-Old marries whiskies matured in three distinct cask types, each contributing its own personality.

• Highland and Speyside single malts matured in sherry and port casks lend depth, fruit, and complexity.

• Lowland grain whisky aged in first-fill bourbon barrels brings creaminess and balance.

• Seventeen years of patience tie it all together, allowing oak, fruit, and spice to harmonise into something remarkably smooth.

Master Blender Stephen Woodcock

The result? A symphony of candied orange peel, cherries, and plums that unfurls into layers of oak, cappuccino, and soft spice. It’s indulgent, but never overwhelming, proof that adventure and elegance can share the same glass.

Why This Release Feels Different

At first glance, the bottle itself tells you this isn’t the Cutty Sark you’ve seen before. Housed in a sleek black presentation box with flashes of gold and that unmistakable yellow signature, it carries a tactile rope-and-eyelet motif, a subtle wink to the brand’s nautical roots. Even the stopper resembles a twist of rope, adding a playful detail that collectors will appreciate.

But beyond its aesthetics, this is a whisky with intent. It’s designed not just to be admired, but to be experienced, whether as a thoughtful gift, a centrepiece for one’s home bar, or a companion to a quiet evening where the only thing louder than the pour is the imagination it stirs.

How Does It Taste?

Think of it as a whisky voyage in three acts:

1. The Arrival: Burnished copper in colour, its aroma greets you with bursts of citrus and red fruit: warm, inviting, and layered.

2. The Exploration: On the palate, rich oak and roasted coffee notes surface, balanced by hints of baking bread and cocoa.

3. The Return: A long, lingering finish carries whispers of spice and malt, a reminder that adventure doesn’t have to end when the glass is empty.

The Final Word

Setting sail in October, Cutty Sark 17 isn’t here to replace what’s familiar; it’s here to evolve it. By pushing flavour boundaries while honouring tradition, it captures the essence of what the brand has stood for since its smuggling days: boldness, craftsmanship, and a touch of mischief.

Priced between £85 and £90, it’s a whisky for those who appreciate both story and substance. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious explorer, this is a dram that rewards the journey.

So, raise your glass. Adventure, as it turns out, tastes best at 17.

Dover Yard and Ed Sheeran’s Spicy Tribute to Friendship

From London’s most sustainable bar to one of the world’s biggest music icons, this partnership has a story worth toasting. Dover Yard at 1 Hotel Mayfair has teamed up with Ed Sheeran’s hot sauce brand, Tingly Ted’s, to create something fiery, fun, and full of flavour: the Tingly JAM cocktail.

It’s not just another celebrity collaboration. It’s a drink with soul, crafted in loving memory of Ed’s late friend Jamal Edwards, and built around the flavours that defined their friendship: fried chicken, hot sauce, and laughter.

What Makes the Tingly JAM More Than Just a Cocktail?

The Tingly JAM isn’t just about what’s in the glass; it’s about the story it carries. A nod to friendship, creativity, and shared passion, it celebrates the bond between Ed and Jamal with every sip.

The cocktail blends butter-fat-washed Casamigos tequila with a house-made Tingly Ted’s tincture, creating a velvety balance of smoke, spice, and warmth. The name “JAM” pays tribute to Jamal himself, but also to those spontaneous jam sessions that defined their creative connection.

It pairs perfectly with Dover Yard’s crispy fried chicken and Tingly Ted’s dipping sauce, combining comfort and craftsmanship in one bite. And with 10% of every cocktail and dish supporting the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust, it’s an indulgence that gives back.

How Did This Collaboration Come to Life?

The partnership goes beyond flavour. It’s about honouring Jamal’s vision, empowering young talent, and sparking creativity through opportunity.

Dover Yard’s bar team worked closely with Ed and the Trust to ensure the project felt true to Jamal’s energy: bold, inclusive, and inspiring. The result is a cocktail that captures his essence: uplifting, unexpected, and made to be shared.

As Jamal’s mother, Brenda Edwards, continues to champion his mission through the Trust, the Tingly JAM serves as a heartfelt reminder that creativity and confidence can truly change lives.

Sustainability Meets Soul

For Dover Yard, purpose-driven hospitality is nothing new. Since opening in 2023, the bar has become a quiet revolution in Mayfair, one where sustainability and indulgence happily coexist.

Under the guidance of Giulio Guarini and Marco Grisafi, the team repurposes ingredients from the neighbouring Dovetale restaurant (led by chef Tom Sellers) and prioritises zero-waste innovation across every serve.

The Regenerative Forces menu, where Tingly JAM now proudly sits, is a showcase of that ethos: creative, conscious, and deeply considered.

One Sip, Endless Stories

Priced at £22, the Tingly JAM is available now at Dover Yard, 1 Hotel Mayfair, a drink that proves flavour can be fun, purposeful, and deeply personal all at once.

Because sometimes, the best cocktails don’t just lift your spirits; they carry a story worth sharing.

Highland Park x Björn Frantzén: A Whisky That Invites You to Taste Emotion

What happens when a whisky stops dictating what you should taste and starts asking what you feel?

From the coasts of Orkney to the creative mind of Swedish chef Björn Frantzén, Highland Park’s latest release, “Between You and I,” isn’t your usual single malt story. It’s not about ticking off tasting notes or chasing collector hype. It’s about emotion, memory, and what happens when a whisky invites you to pause … and listen.

What Makes “Between You and I” Different?

Most whisky launches lead with a list: honey, spice, smoke, oak. “Between You and I” takes a more human route. It’s inspired by the moments flavour can bring back: the scent of a kitchen from childhood, the warmth of a fire on a snowy night, or the calm that follows a long journey. This whisky isn’t asking you to identify its tasting notes; it’s asking you to explore what it reminds you of.

This approach came from Frantzén’s own sensory response to the liquid. Known for blending Nordic simplicity, French precision, and Japanese restraint, he viewed the whisky as a conversation between memory, flavour, and place. The result is something far more introspective than prescriptive: a dram that asks for connection rather than critique.

A Whisky That Looks as Bold as It Feels

Even the design of “Between You and I” breaks the rules. Instead of polished gloss, it’s dressed in a box that feels alive: graffiti-style strokes layered in vibrant orange, deep blue, and muted heather tones. The orange hints at warmth and firelight; the blue and purple, at flowing water and peat smoke. Every brushstroke mirrors the layered complexity of the whisky itself.

Frantzén’s design celebrates imperfection. The spray-painted layers overlap with confidence, echoing the whisky’s depth and character. Inside, there are no official tasting cards or checklists, only a small booklet filled with thoughtful prompts to guide your own reflections. It’s a refreshing reminder that flavour doesn’t have to be defined; it can be discovered.

What’s Inside the Glass?

For all its artistry, “Between You and I” stands firmly on craftsmanship. Matured for 16 years in a combination of virgin Swedish oak, sherry-seasoned European and American oak, and ex-Bourbon casks, it’s the first Highland Park whisky to use Swedish oak, adding a unique, textural spice to the distillery’s signature balance of honeyed sweetness and gentle smoke.

The flavour journey is rich and evolving: a wave of fruit and vanilla warmth, a slow build of oak, and that familiar thread of aromatic Orkney peat that ties everything together. It’s smooth, layered, and quietly confident, much like the creative partnership behind it.

The Meeting of Minds

Frantzén isn’t just a chef. He’s a storyteller through flavour. As the only chef in the world to simultaneously hold three Michelin stars across three restaurants, his food is an emotional experience as much as a culinary one. Highland Park recognised a shared philosophy in his approach: both view taste as deeply personal, tied to place and memory.

Together, they’ve crafted something that bridges two worlds: the meticulous artistry of fine dining and the centuries-old tradition of whisky-making.

Where Can You Buy “Between You and I”?

The 16-year-old Between You and I launches in the UK on 14 October 2025, available through Selfridges, The Whisky Shop, Master of Malt, and The Whisky Exchange (£145).

For travellers, a Global Travel Retail exclusive, “Between You and I: Journeys,” offers a 17-year-old expression inspired by Frantzén’s memories from around the world (£155).

Final Sip: A Whisky That Tells Your Story

Highland Park’s Between You and I is a rethink of how we taste. Instead of asking “what’s in the whisky?”, it asks “what’s in you when you taste it?” It’s a whisky that rewards reflection, connection, and curiosity, proof that sometimes, the most profound tasting notes are the ones that can’t be written at all.

The Glendronach 30 & 40 Year Old: A New Chapter in Sherry Cask Mastery

Two rare releases showcase four decades of patience, craftsmanship, and the art of sherry cask ageing.

For nearly two centuries, The GlenDronach has been synonymous with rich, sherry-cask-matured whisky. From its Highland home in the Valley of Forgue, the distillery continues to prove why it’s regarded as one of Scotland’s masters of maturation. Now, The GlenDronach unveils two remarkable new expressions: the 30-Year-Old and the 40-Year-Old 2025 Edition – each representing the height of its craft.

What Makes The GlenDronach 30-Year-Old So Special?

The GlenDronach 30-Year-Old is a beautifully composed Highland Single Malt that highlights the distillery’s sherry cask artistry. Under the guidance of Master Blender Rachel Barrie, the whisky brings together three distinct sherry cask styles: Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso, and, for the first time, Amontillado.

Barrie explains, “With the 30-Year-Old, we have composed a symphony from our most historic sherry cask styles. Three decades of maturation have resulted in a sublime and charming Single Malt, with generous layers of rich and complex character.”

The inclusion of Amontillado adds elegant notes of toasted hazelnut and crème caramel, perfectly balancing The GlenDronach’s hallmark dark cherry, chocolate, and spiced fruit tones. Presented in a walnut curl veneer case engraved with 30 facets, a nod to the years of patient ageing, this release is priced at £1,000 and available at Selfridges.

How Does the 40-Year-Old Represent the Peak of GlenDronach’s Craft?

The 40-Year-Old 2025 Edition is the distillery’s ultimate expression, a rare whisky composed from a small number of hand-selected Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks. Matured over four decades in Spanish oak, it offers an extraordinary depth of flavour and a velvet-smooth texture that speaks to The GlenDronach’s time-honoured expertise.

Barrie shares, “At forty years old, it represents four decades of sherry cask refinement, polished by time to become the ultimate expression of The GlenDronach. It is a privilege to be the custodian of such remarkable casks.”

Expect a nose of black cherry, stewed plum, and blackberry, followed by a palate of bramble compote, prune, raisin wine, and cinnamon-laced chocolate espresso. Bottled at 43.9% ABV (Natural Cask Strength), it’s presented in a dark rosewood case with brass details and a golden plinth, a fitting vessel for a whisky of such stature. Retailing at £5,000, it is available through select global markets and Selfridges.

Why Are These Releases Important for Collectors and Enthusiasts?

The GlenDronach’s reputation rests on its mastery of sherry cask maturation, and these new releases reaffirm that legacy while deepening it. The 30-Year-Old introduces the Amontillado cask for the first time, while the 40-Year-Old showcases the distillery’s commitment to refinement through time, patience, and precision.

In an era of innovation and experimentation, The GlenDronach proves that true artistry still lies in tradition. Each bottle is not merely a whisky. It’s a time capsule of craftsmanship, matured to perfection beneath the cool stone walls of Forgue.

Ring the Alarm: Piper-Heidsieck’s ‘Code Rouge’ Ignites the Holidays in Style

If there were ever a Champagne that begged to be unleashed, it’s this one. Just in time for Christmas, Piper-Heidsieck (the house that’s never been afraid of a little drama) has dropped its latest limited-edition showstopper: the “Code Rouge Edition.” Exclusive to Selfridges from November 2025, this fiery red collectible doesn’t whisper luxury; it shouts it, all while winking at tradition.

Is It a Champagne or an Emergency Kit? (Maybe Both)

Forget the usual foil and label routine. The Code Rouge Edition arrives in a sculptural, metallic red case shaped like a vintage fire extinguisher, a playful nod to life’s “Champagne emergencies.” Finished in gold, secured by a quarter-turn lock, and emblazoned with the words “In case of Champagne emergency, break open case,” it’s part celebration, part spectacle.

It’s Piper-Heidsieck doing what Piper-Heidsieck does best: taking the seriousness out of sophistication. The result? A piece of design you’ll want to show off long before you pop it open.

What’s Bubbling Inside This Red Hot Release?

Inside the bold exterior sits the Cuvée Brut, the signature Piper-Heidsieck Champagne that captures the house’s spirited elegance. Made from a trio of Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes sourced from over 100 crus, it’s as expressive as it is refined.

The first sip delivers bright pear, white peach, and citrus, followed by orange blossom, toasted almonds, and a whisper of mint. It’s vibrant, harmonious, and joyfully alive, the kind of Champagne that makes any moment feel just a little more cinematic.

Why Does Piper-Heidsieck Keep Getting Design So Right?

Because it never plays it safe. Piper-Heidsieck has long treated Champagne as both an art form and an attitude, with collaborations spanning Jean-Paul Gaultier, Viktor & Rolf, and Christian Louboutin. From lipstick boxes to sound-inspired cases, every design is a declaration that Champagne should be seen as much as it’s sipped.

“This is Piper-Heidsieck at its boldest,” says CEO Stéphane Decaux. “Piper-Heidsieck lights up life’s celebrations with joy. This uniquely designed set is not just a gift, it becomes a call to celebrate boldly.”

Mission accomplished.

So, Who’s This For?

At £65.99 and available exclusively through Selfridges, the Code Rouge Edition hits that sweet spot between collectible and accessible. It’s for the person who’s impossible to buy for, the host who always brings the flair, or simply anyone who thinks life’s too short for boring bottles.

Because really, when the year winds down and the Champagne cravings rise, there’s only one emergency worth breaking glass for, and Piper-Heidsieck’s Code Rouge is it.

Mezcal vs. Tequila: What’s the Difference and Which Should I Drink?

You might have seen (or even tried) swapping mezcal into your favourite tequila-based cocktails. The smoky, vegetal, and herbaceous spirit adds a unique edge to classic drinks like the Margarita, Paloma, and Old Fashioned, and it’s likely featured on a cocktail menu at your favourite bar. But what exactly is the difference – and which should you be drinking or buying?

What Are the Differences Between Tequila and Mezcal?

Both are agave-based spirits, distilled from the fermented juice of the agave plant, specifically from the central core of the mature plant, called the piña.

To be labelled as tequila, it must be made in one of five areas of Mexico – Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, or Tamaulipas – and be distilled from only one species of agave: Blue Weber Agave. This agave is slowly steamed in brick ovens or pressurised steam ovens (called autoclaves) to release the native aromas of the agave.

To be labelled as mezcal, it must be made in one of nine areas of Mexico – Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Puebla, Durango, San Luís Potosí, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas – and is typically distilled from more than 30 different varieties of agave, each with slightly different nuances depending on where it was grown.

In mezcal production, the traditional method, especially in the state of Oaxaca, where most mezcal is produced, involves roasting the piñas in stone-lined pits. This gives mezcal its signature smoky aroma. However, keep in mind: not all mezcal is smoky!

What Do Tequila and Mezcal Taste Like?

In terms of flavour, tequila tends to be more agave-forward, with a smoother, sweeter profile often accented by hints of citrus, pepper, and vanilla. Mezcal, on the other hand, is known for its smoky, herbal character, imbued with fruity, floral, and earthy notes.

Traditionally, tequila is paired with Sangrita (a spicy tomato-based chaser), and mezcal is often paired with orange slices and Sal de Gusano (that’s worm salt to us!).

Both spirits are delicious, and there are lots to choose from, so here are some standout options to get you started!

Tapatio Blanco Tequila

Handcrafted in Tapatio by a family-owned distillery, forget the throat-burning shots you are used to and embark on this smooth profile of citrus and white pepper. Located in the mountainous region of Jalisco, Mexico – known for growing the best Blue Agave – the Tapatio brand has been making tequila since 1937, with a lineage of tequila distillers dating back to the 1800s.

Tapatio Blanco is rested in stainless steel tanks for two months, giving the overall effect of a smooth yet spicy pepper expression. With a touch of sweetness, expect notes of vanilla, apple, and cooked agave with an earthy and oaky finish.

Size: 500 ml 
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £28.25

Cazcabel

Nestled in the highlands of the Jalisco Mountains lies the Cazcabel Distillery, an area surrounded by natural water springs and vast agave fields. This independent, family-owned distillery is run by the Vázquez family, who have mastered the art of crafting premium tequila. Fermented in steel tanks for 10 days and then distilled in traditional copper pots, the spirit is chill-filtered to remove impurities, resulting in an incredibly smooth and balanced flavour.

Whether you're after a traditional Tequila Blanco or Reposado, or prefer a flavourful twist like coffee, honey, or coconut tequila, you’ll likely find Cazcabel on the shelves of your local bar. It’s perfect for cocktails – or as a delicious shot to share with friends!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find Here: £29.95

El Rayo Tequila Plata

El Rayo Tequila Plata is a clean, zesty tequila crafted for cocktails and effortless mixing. Rooted in Mexican folklore, the bottle’s name recalls the myth of a lightning bolt – El Rayo – splitting the sky and striking the Blue Agave plant. A curious campesino, drawn by the distant glow, discovered the roasted heart of the agave. From fire and folklore, tequila was born.

Made with 100% agave and a dash of spring water, this bottle offers a bright and peppery profile, with hints of pineapple and wildflowers.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £37.25

ArteNOM Seleccion de 1579 Blanco Tequila

This tequila is made by slow-roasting 100% blue weber agave in brick ovens and then fermenting in steel tanks with local rainwater. Bright and complex with an oily texture, this tequila is well-rounded with aromas of mint, roasted agave, and a creamy tropical note reminiscent of ripe mango. These flavours linger softly, complemented by sweet, clean layers of toffee and a warm hint of cinnamon and brioche.

Size: 700ml  
ABV: 40.7%
Find Here: £62.95

Mezcal Amaras Verde

Dipping your toe into the world of mezcal? This bottle is the perfect entry point. Crafted artisanally from Espadín agave, it delivers a smooth, smoky, and vegetal expression – made using natural and sustainable methods. For every agave harvested, the brand replants ten more, and 20% of net profits are given to ecological and social sustainability programs.

Mezcal Verde is a project made with love, featuring unique labels designed by contemporary Mexican artists. Cooked using a blend of three woods – ocote, red oak, and pepper tree – this mezcal offers a complex yet balanced profile with notes of smoked candied fruit, jasmine, pine, and fresh herbs.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find Here: £40.50

Pensador Ensamble Mezcal Joven

This bottle is made with a small batch of mezcal coming from Southern Oaxaca. This is a blend of Espadin and Madrecuishe agaves, which offers sweet, caramel, custard-like aromas on the nose yet is clean and grassy on the palate. An easy drinker, this is smoky, smooth, and velvety.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 48%
Find Here: £42.75 

Montelobos Espadin Joven Mezcal

Montelobos Mezcal was created by agave specialist Iván Saldaña, PhD in Botany, and fifth-generation mezcalero Don Abel López Mateos. Their vision was to craft a mezcal that reveals something new with every sip. Produced in small batches using organic agave, Montelobos is roasted underground in traditional pits, resulting in a complex and harmonious blend of flavours. Smoky, sweet, and vegetal notes come together beautifully, offering aromas of fresh-cut grass, ripe tomato, damp earth, and ash – perfect in a smoky margarita.

Size: 700ml                                                   
ABV: 43.2%
Find Here: £54.50

Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal

If you are a fan of peaty whiskies, this is one to try! Del Maguey may very well be one of the most well-known mezcals on the international market. Founded in 1995 by artist and mezcal visionary Ron Cooper, the brand was born from deep cultural relationships with Zapotec Mexican producers. Del Maguey is known for merging ancient artisanal practices with organic, sustainable methods.

Deep and sweet on the tongue, Chichicapa is lithe and elegant on the palate. The nose offers aromas of citrus, butter, slight smoke, and a subtle salinity, while the finish brings notes of chocolate and mint.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find Here: £78.95

So, whether you prefer the crisp, smooth notes of tequila or the smoky and savoury complexity of mezcal, both spirits offer a rich taste of Mexican tradition. Explore both, experiment with cocktails, and let your palate decide which one deserves a place in your glass.

If you’d like to see more from Adele including the best Cognac to try and why Vermouth should be on your radar, make sure you click here!

6 Ukrainian Wines You Really Should Try

Photo Credit: Arsen Fedosenko

What do you know about Ukrainian wine? If I had to guess, probably not much. Unless you’re in the industry, it tends to fly under the radar. But it shouldn't. Ukrainian Riesling won the Grand Prix at the very first Paris Wine Expo in 1900. And that was just the beginning. In 2025, Ukrainian wines brought home four gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

At the Villa d'Este Wine Symposium on Lake Como, a blind tasting panel – including none other than the co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and the then head winemaker at Dom Pérignon – placed a Cabernet Sauvignon from Ukrainian producer Shabo ahead of bottles from Bordeaux icons Château Haut-Brion and Château Margaux. So yes, there’s definitely something going on here.

What are Ukraine’s Ancient Wine Roots?

Photo Credit: Arsen Fedosenko

Winemaking likely arrived in what is now Ukraine even before the Greeks did. Archaeologists in Crimea have found Vitis vinifera seeds, the kind used for making wine, dating back to the 8th century BCE. (And in case you didn’t know: the grapes we drink and the grapes we eat are not the same species.)

By the 1st century BCE, wine was being made in what is now western Ukraine, and Roman poet Ovid name-checked wines from the Black Sea region. In the Middle Ages, winemaking flourished in Kyiv’s monasteries before expanding west toward Lviv and east into the steppes. Ukrainian Cossack leaders – hetmans – were known to enjoy a good bottle. Mazepa, a baroque-era hetman whose sabre is on display at the Tower of London this summer, had an enviable wine cellar. His successor, Kyrylo Rozumovsky, imported over 30,000 vine cuttings in an effort to establish a large-scale vineyard.

By the 19th century, Ukraine was very much part of Europe’s wine boom. Local wine cellars (then also a term for wine bars) were praised by the likes of Mark Twain and Honoré de Balzac. At the first Paris World Expo, Ukrainian wines won the Grand Prix and several gold medals.

Soviet Setbacks and a Winemaking Revival

Then came the Soviet regime. The 1930s Holodomor (Stalin’s man-made famine) devastated rural life and wiped out much of the viticultural landscape. The repression of experts followed, and then Gorbachev’s anti-alcohol campaign in the 1980s brought another blow: mass destruction of vineyards and near extinction of many indigenous grape varieties.

Things started to change after independence in 1991. Ukrainian winemakers began investing in quality production. A 2018 law legalising small-scale winemaking was a turning point, unleashing a wave of independent producers, wine bars, and festivals.

What Makes Ukrainian Wine Unique?

Photo Credit: Arsen Fedosenko

Today, Ukraine’s wine scene is rich and varied – with family estates, urban wineries, organic farms, and a thriving spirit of experimentation. Consultants from Burgundy and Bordeaux lend expertise. Growers are exploring amphora ageing, pét-nats, skin-contact whites, and frost-resistant PIWI varieties. Climate change has shifted vineyard zones northward, and Ukrainian wines are earning praise from critics like Jancis Robinson and Oz Clarke.

You’ll find familiar grapes like Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and less common varieties like Saperavi, Pinotage, and Albariño. Aligoté, the high-acid darling of Burgundy, known for its notes of lime and fennel, grows beautifully here. Indigenous grapes and local crossings include Telti-Kuruk, Sukholimansky White, and Odesa Black. Others, sadly, remain in Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.

In Zakarpattia, western Ukraine, Hungarian and Austrian influences are noticeable, though the region has its own unmistakable voice. They make everything from herbal-infused wines to ice wines and luscious dessert bottles – an echo of the area’s rich tea and foraging culture.

The full-scale Russian invasion in 2022 was catastrophic. Many wineries and vineyards were shelled, looted, mined, or occupied. The historic Prince Trubetskoi winery (a Grand Prix winner in Paris in 1900) was destroyed. So was the Hostomel glass factory, leaving many producers without bottles. Many winemakers and wine professionals joined the army or focused on volunteer work to support Ukraine’s defence.

And yet, even during shelling, blackouts, and active combat, Ukrainian winemakers harvested and bottled the 2022 vintage. It’s become a symbol of resilience. Despite everything, Ukrainian wines are now exported to over 20 countries. They’re made under unimaginable conditions, but they are still being made.

This entire industry runs on passion, grit, and the unwavering determination to show the world what Ukrainian wine can do. And the world is taking notice. In 2024, six Masters of Wine from different countries gathered to blind-taste nearly 100 Ukrainian wines and choose the ones with the most potential and international appeal.

Their final verdict was a curated list of 24 wines that speak to Ukraine’s winemaking present and future - four of which we’ll highlight below.

So where should you start? Last Christmas, Wines of Ukraine launched a campaign called Just One Bottle, encouraging people to try just a single Ukrainian wine. The message still holds. Pick one. That might be all it takes to keep going.

Villa Tinta Sukholimansky White 2024

Top 12 Ukrainian Wines of 2024

You may not have heard much about Bessarabia, the southern Ukrainian region, nestled near Moldova, but your glass is about to change that. The family-run Villa Tinta winery sits on the shores of Lake Yalpuh, where vineyards soak up sun, sea breezes, and Danube air. The estate bottles under a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), meaning strict quality standards apply – and to make sure, they’ve got their own certified lab right on-site.

This wine is made from Sukholimansky White – a Ukrainian-born grape sometimes called Odesa White. It’s a 20th-century crossing of Chardonnay and the Moldovan variety Plavai, created by local viticulturalists. While it’s often used for skin-contact (aka orange) wines thanks to its generous body, here it’s all fresh, floral elegance.

The nose is pure summer: ripe pear, wildflowers, honey. The palate opens with grapefruit, white peach, a sprig of mint, and a delicate hint of sea air. Start solo, then experiment – it pairs beautifully with buffalo mozzarella bruschetta, delicate white fish, or even artichokes (no easy feat).

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £14.80 (Ukrainian Wine Company)

Beykush Artania Rosé 2022

This one comes with a backstory worthy of its own docuseries. Beykush Winery began when its founder set out to build a countryside summer house with a wine cellar and got unexpectedly distracted by the grapes instead. Fast forward a decade, and it's now one of Ukraine’s most daring and dynamic producers, winning international awards and earning praise for its unconventional and fearless style.

The vineyards perch on Cape Beykush, a high point above sea level flanked by water on three sides. The terroir is wild, sea-kissed and dramatic – and the wines reflect that energy. Despite being within striking distance of the frontlines, the team presses on, crafting wines that are impossible to replicate anywhere else.

Their rosé is made from Pinot Gris with a dash of Pinot Noir and aged on lees for five months. On the nose: raspberry, juicy watermelon, and wild herbs. On the palate: zingy gooseberry, redcurrants, and a salty sea note that lingers just long enough to make you want another sip.

Pair it with grilled seafood, goat’s cheese, tuna steak, or even roasted pork. It’s confident, characterful, and unapologetically moreish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £18 (Ukrainian Wine Company)

Villa Tinta Odesa Black 2022

Top 24 Ukrainian Wines of 2024

Now for something bold. Odesa Black (aka Alibernet) was born in the 20th century at the Tairov Institute in Odesa – a hybrid of Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet. Originally used for blending, it’s now stepping into the spotlight on its own terms.

And in this solo from Villa Tinta, it absolutely delivers. Aged in bottle and poured deep purple-black (you'd better not spill this on your sofa), it opens with a wild mix of blackberries, aronia, fig, earthiness, and even beetroot and prunes. There’s something unmistakably Ukrainian in its character, like a nod to the country's UNESCO-listed national dish: borshch.

Yet another surprise is in the taste. Despite its power and depth, the texture is velvety, the alcohol restrained, and when lightly chilled (around 14°C), it’s more versatile than you’d think. Try it with duck and prunes, smoky grilled meats – or yes, even a hearty bowl of borshch.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £14.80 (Ukrainian Wine Company)

Beykush Telti-Kuruk 2024

Top 12 Ukrainian Wines of 2024

Meet Telti-Kuruk – a grape with serious survival instincts. It arrived in southern Ukraine some 500 years ago during Ottoman rule, made it through the phylloxera plague, and is now having a well-deserved revival. Its name means “fox tail” in Turkish, a nod to the grape’s long clusters and the coppery tinge of its ripening berries.

The bird on the label isn’t just for decoration; Beykush Winery sits on Europe’s largest bird sanctuary. During harvest, flocks often help themselves to the vineyard’s best grapes. The winemakers joke that whichever variety the birds love most is the one they'll have the least of. Only 900 bottles of this vintage were made.

The wine itself is mineral, herbal, warm, and quietly complex. Think white mulberry, quince, kiwi, and wildflowers, with a vivid, layered finish: sea salt, honey, and a delicate bitter note of apricot pits. It also ages like a dream; we’d love to meet this one again in five years. Pair it with spaghetti alle vongole or roast Basque chicken with rosemary.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £27 (Ukrainian Wine Company)

Beykush Lerici Al Mar Nero 2022

Timorasso, the grape from Piedmont, was nearly extinct by the 1980s until Walter Massa, a maverick winemaker and visionary, brought it back. Thanks to Massa and Beykush’s winemaking consultant, Bisso Atanassov, 1,000 Timorasso vines made it from Italy to Ukraine – the grape’s first European debut outside its homeland.

Tricky to grow, Timorasso demands special treatment. But Beykush likes a challenge. At a 2023 tasting in Portofino, wine experts from across Europe singled out Beykush’s Timorasso - some even named Lerici their favourite of the event.

Now grown near the Black Sea, Timorasso reveals a new side of itself. This vintage – winner of a 2025 Decanter Bronze – is spice-laced and generous. On the nose: dried flowers, honey, and some warm baking spices. On the palate: juicy pears and golden plums, with a silky, rounded finish where vanilla and caramel sneak in (courtesy of ageing on lees in used French oak). Definitely age-worthy, it’s drawing comparisons to Chablis and Riesling.

Serve with grilled fish, creamy risotto, or anything that says "dinner with intention."

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £39 (Ukrainian Wine Company)

Kolonist Bisser Brut

Top 12 Ukrainian Wines of 2024

Founded in the early 2000s by Ivan Plachkov – a descendant of Bulgarian settlers – Kolonist Winery is nestled in the Bessarabia region. This family estate has long focused on quality, and even wine legend Oz Clarke called their work a sign that this region would soon earn its rightful spot on the global wine map.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Plachkov family has hosted evacuees from occupied areas, and one of the winery’s co-owners now serves in Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Through it all, they’ve continued making standout wines – including red blends that can hold their own next to Bordeaux’s best.

Their vineyards share a latitude with Bordeaux and Piedmont, and thanks to south-facing slopes and sunlight bouncing off Lake Yalpuh, the grapes here achieve full, balanced ripeness.

Their Bisser Brut is made from Chardonnay using the traditional method (yes, the same process as Champagne) and aged on lees for three years. It’s clean and elegant, with aromas of pancakes and lemon, white flowers, and hazelnuts. On the palate, you’ll find crisp green apple, tangerine, and a creamy texture with a rich, lingering finish.

Pair with local-style lightly salted Dunaika herring if you can find it. Otherwise, go for smoked salmon or buttery toast with caviar.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £35 (Cellar Door Wines)

Want to Learn More About Ukrainian Wine History?

Before we wrap: if you’re curious about the deeper story behind Ukrainian wine and want to bust a few Soviet-era myths along the way, this book is essential reading: 29 Centuries: Rediscovered History of Wine in Ukraine by Anna Eugenia Yanchenko.

Written by a graduate in cultural studies, sommelier, and wine educator, 29 Centuries digs through 800 historical sources to uncover Ukraine’s true winemaking past – the one erased for decades by Soviet propaganda. "We used to think there was a void in our history where wine culture should be,” she says. “But it wasn’t void. It was oblivion.”

The result is a deeply researched, engaging read with original illustrations (some in graphic novel style) and commentary from historical figures including Homer, Pliny the Elder, and Mark Twain. The book won a 2024 award from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine and is now available in Ukrainian and English.

Ukrainian wines tell a story of place, passion, and resilience. And if this tasting has you thinking about what other bottles are worth discovering, take a look at our Champagne picks here – whether you're after the classic, the quirky, or something that simply feels like a celebration.