Posted: 07.01.2025
Brandy, cosmetics, a treasure trove of international awards, “coming of age” vineyards, and new traditions: 2024 at Chateau Chizay
As the year comes to a close, our team reflects on 2024, assessing our efforts, analyzing achievements, and planning for the future. How would we describe this year? It brought challenges – sometimes significant ones – but also faith in better days. It demanded relentless hard work, but the trust and appreciation of our customers made it all worthwhile. Here’s a look at the highlights: our Brandy of Ukraine collection, a new line of natural grape-based cosmetics, a promising harvest for vintage wines, international accolades, and inspiring traditions. Here’s what Chateau Chizay owner Gennadiy Gutman has to say:
“This year has been anything but easy. We worked tirelessly. The winemaking season was challenging, requiring every ounce of effort to ensure proper vineyard care and timely harvesting. Despite the challenges, we’re optimistic about producing vintage wines and introducing special new products.
The most significant milestone this year was launching our production of grape distillates and related beverages, including the debut of Zakarpattia Brandy. We’re writing a new chapter in history!
Early in the year, we unveiled our first VSOP-standard Brandy of Ukraine. Later came ‘Mala Hora’, a vintage product aged over seven years. And by the end of the year, we proudly introduced ‘Olbaum’, an XO-standard brandy. There’s more to come!
We also embarked on an entirely new project, Chizay Beauty Lab cosmetics, inspired by our vineyards and the natural beauty of Zakarpattia. We’re thrilled by the positive feedback!
A historic milestone for Zakarpattia winemaking was the official Geographic Indication (GI) for ‘Zakarpattia/Zakarpattia Wine’. On May 30, the Zakarpattia Viticulture and Winemaking Association officially received the GI certificate. This recognition, a result of five years of dedicated efforts, aligns with global practices that highlight products’ regional authenticity.
As always, we actively participated in international exhibitions and competitions. Our wines continued to journey across the globe, earning prestigious awards and serving as ambassadors of Ukrainian winemaking.
Highlights include:
A platinum medal in Japan for ‘Troyanda Karpat’ and a gold medal at the prestigious Mundus Vini competition in Germany, often referred to as the World Winemaking Championship.
Exhibitions in Paris and Düsseldorf.
Grand Gold and Gold medals at the Mondial des Vins Blancs in Strasbourg for Furmint Late Harvest and Ice Wine.
Seven medals at the Wine & Spirits Awards in Kyiv, with Furmint Late Harvest crowned the Best Wine of Ukraine.
Exhibitions in London and Vienna, with silver for Grape White Blend from London.
Recognition in Hungary and other venues.
A standout achievement: inclusion in the TOP 24 Best Wines of Ukraine, selected by six Masters of Wine. Our winners include Carpathian Sekt sparkling wine, Furmint Orange, and the celebrated Furmint Late Harvest.
Additionally, both white and red ‘Troianda Karpat’ wines now represent Ukraine at the world’s premier wine museum, La Cité du Vin, in Bordeaux. During our visit, our team had the privilege of exchanging expertise with producers in the Cognac region.
This year, our vineyards turned 18 – an age of maturity! Chateau Chizay, now 29 years old, celebrated by sharing our founding story.
We cherish tradition while creating new ones. This year, we continued our tradition of community harvest events, with our office team joining the farmers to pick Pinot Noir grapes at Mala Hora. And in November, we celebrated St. Martin’s Day and the Winemakers’ Day by ceremoniously opening the first barrel of young wine—a moment of gratitude for the team’s hard work and dedication.
Our export initiatives gained momentum, with sparkling wines reaching the U.S., new negotiations in Norway, and our first shipment of brandy to Canada. We’re grateful to our partners, especially in Japan and the UK, who not only promote Ukrainian wines but also host charity events to support Ukraine.
Chateau Chizay Academy resumed its educational activities, hosting a seminar for those creating or planning to make strong beverages. We’re eager to share our expertise and organize more events in the future.
As we look ahead, we’re brimming with creative ideas for 2025. Some of these projects are already in barrels and bottles. Stay tuned!
Wishing you a wonderful 2025. May your dreams come true!”
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