Kiewer Sektkellerei Stolichniy, Ukraine

First beer, then real success with sparkling wine

In 1860, Wilhelm Jakowlewitsch Richert from Kiev receives a license from the local economic authorities to build a brewery on his land in a suburb of Kiev. Richert’s brewery is considered to be one of the most advanced of its kind. After World War II, the government ordered that the brewery be turned over to the production of sparkling wine, representing the starting point for the very special history of success enjoyed since 1954 by Ukrainian sparkling wine company Stolichniy.

Modernisation and innovations deliver success

In its very first year, the Kiev company produced 1.5 million bottles of sparkling wine. It quickly becomes one of the biggest names in its sector in the entire Soviet Union, and in its Ukrainian homeland, it is soon the number one brand. Stolichny’s stellar success can be attributed to its regular modernisation efforts and the constant expansion of its range of products. In 1957, it launches Sovetskoye Muskat, a sparkling wine with the wonderful fresh flavour of muscat grapes. This product becomes the company’s signature wine and wins international prizes for its quality.

Success throughout Europe and strength after merger

Today, Stolichniy is one of Ukraine’s most famous companies. It takes the finest wines produced in the country and repeatedly creates new sparkling wines such as its premium brand Ukrainskoye and Krimgrad from Crimean grape varieties. Both new brands are highly regarded by sparkling wine lovers at home and throughout Europe. Since the company became part of Henkell & Co. in 2007, international brands managed by the company are now available in Ukraine, where they enjoy as much success as the country’s own products.