Massandra winery: the history of the enterprise. Winery "Massandra": stamps, price

The bright sun, the gentle sea, the luscious greenery of cedars and the fragrance of magnolias, ancient palaces and a warm and blessed climate is Massandra.

But not only its landscapes and historical sights are known for the southern coast of the Crimea. Here is the world-famous plant for the production of grape wines.

Officially, the year of foundation of this enterprise is 1894. It was then under the decree of Nicholas II that the largest in Russia Massandra winery with storages equipped in underground tunnels was built and started production. But his story begins much earlier.

How it all began

Grow grapes and produce from it intoxicating beverages in the Crimea began even before our era. Not far from the ancient Chersonesos, archaeologists found a stone stela, erected in honor of an Aghaxil, with thanks of the city residents for his concern about the cultivation of grapes.

In times immemorial, the Karaites came to the territory of Massandra, the Greeks arrived and founded the colonies. For seven centuries the Khazar Khaganate flourished there , Visigoths and representatives of the trade elite of Byzantium and Genoa came. And all these great and small nations treated with reverence and great interest what Massandra is proud of today. Wine in the Crimea did not stop producing even with the arrival of the Tatars, which, as you know, belief forbids drinking, since its sale brought a big income. It is even known that in the 17th century in Moscow there was a whole Surozhsky series, where they traded Crimean wines.

Two centuries of decline

In the beginning of the 18th century viticulture in the territory of Massandra is gradually declining. To know prefers imported French drinks, and local producers, unable to withstand the competition of European wines, are ruined. Agriculture and trade are falling into decay, and former Greek and Genoese settlements are turning into ruins.

By the 19th century Massandra (Yalta), becomes a seedy village and goes from one owner to another. The only significant structure there at that time was the dacha built by MS Smirnov on the slope of the mountain, which the Countess Pototskaya, her daughter Olga Stanislavovna Naryshkina, and Count Vorontsovs in turn own .

Revival

Massandra (Yalta) again became the center of viticulture, when Mikhail Sergeyevich Vorontsov arrived there. He had big plans for the reorganization of farming practices in the Crimea. Golitsyn significantly increased the area of land for vineyards, ordered the best varieties of vines from France and Spain. From there, experienced specialists were invited. And already in 1834 the Massandra winery (the predecessor of the enterprise built by Prince Golitsyn) produced wines of such famous varieties as bordeaux, risling, kokur and Tokaj.

Unfortunately, after the death of Mikhail Sergeevich, the heirs did not show any interest in continuing the case. In 1889 the estate of the Vorontsovs, which included Massandra (winery and farmstead), Livadia and Ai-Danil, were purchased by the Imperial Specific Office.

The activities of Prince Golitsyn

As you know, Nicholas II experienced great love for Yalta and sought to develop agriculture there and establish production of wines that would not be inferior to foreign ones. On his orders Prince LS Golitsyn arrives in Massandra. At that time he was the leading winemaker of the Russian Empire and already had work experience in the Crimea.

He significantly increased the area of the Massandra vineyards, and ordered the construction of a special cellar, which looked like tunnels, for endurance of finished products. Moreover, the storage was arranged in such a way that in it, naturally, the temperature of 12-14 degrees Celsius remained throughout the year. It is optimal for keeping drinks of the best quality.

At the same time Massandra winery was built under the project of architect A. I. Dietrich.

At the end of August 1898, production was solemnly launched at a huge production complex for those times. It included the Massandra winery and a cellar, designed to store 250,000 decalitres of drum wine and 1 million bottles. And in 1900 the best examples of the company's products were presented at the World Exhibition in Paris. When several months later Nikolai II came with his wife to inspect his new palace in Livadia, Golitsyn suggested that the royal couple taste the Massandra wines. The tsar especially liked the port of Livadia, and the queen - Aleatico Ayu-Dag. Since then, both drinks have been supplied to the Romanovs table.

Under Soviet power

The plant "Massandra" continued to flourish after the October Revolution. Moreover, its cellars were turned into a gallery of the best Crimean grape drinks, and many private collections were brought there.

However, over time, the building in which the plant "Massandra" was located was dilapidated, and the equipment was obsolete. In 1937, work was begun on the reconstruction and expansion of old workshops. In addition, the construction of a new plant was initiated. During the war the works were suspended, and the reconstruction was finally completed in 1956.

"No alcohol law"

The glory of the association "Massandra" (winery) is inextricably linked with the name of Academician Alexander Alexandrovich Egorov, who worked as the chief winemaker of the enterprise for 33 years. He is the author of the famous brands: Muscat "Red Stone" and "Pinot Gris Ai-Danil."

In the 80 years of the last century over the vineyards of Massandra, there was a threat of destruction due to the too actively conducted anti-alcohol company. It was even supposed to cut down some of them and use the liberated lands for other purposes. Fortunately, the company was defended by Vladimir Shcherbitsky, then the first secretary of the Crimean regional committee.

The legendary plant continued its work. Moreover, in 1988 in the Guinness book of records there was a record that the place where the most unique and large collection of grape drinks is located is Crimea, Massandra winery.

Brands and prices

Currently, the assortment of the production association "Massandra" contains more than 250 brands of wines, including souvenirs and collection. Basically (about 80%) is liqueur, fortified and strong dessert drinks. Among them, what first of all the winery "Massandra" is proud - the wine "Kagor Partenit". Also appreciated around the world Madera "Massandra", Muscat "Tavrichesky", port pink - "Alushta" and red - "Livadia"

The assortment also includes table dry and semisweet wines, such as Aluston White, Saperavi, Merlot, and others.

If you like wine under the brand name "Massandra", the price can fluctuate widely. The most expensive are vintage drinks. You can buy, for example, Muscat pink "Dessert" (a bottle of 0.75 liters) for 1000, but there is wine from the Massandra plant and for 350 rubles.

Awards

During the existence of the plant, Massandra's drinks at various competitions held in the USSR, Ukraine and other countries, received 200 gold and silver medals. This number of awards has not a single wine company.

Tastings

At the winery in Massandra, guests are always welcome. Annually thousands of connoisseurs of fine grapes come there specially. They are offered to taste the collection wines. For tourists to visit in 2001, a special sightseeing facility was set up in the building of the main cellar of the enterprise, built in 1894-1897 under the leadership of Prince Lev Sergeevich Golitsyn.

In addition, tastings are held in the resort of Alupka, next to the Vorontsov Park. Judging by the opinions of the guests of Crimea, excursions to the Main cellar of Massandra winery make an indelible impression, and they gladly recommend them to their friends.

Have you ever tried the Massandra wines? Then be sure to buy a bottle or two of the drink produced in this famous enterprise of the Crimea. Then you will enjoy the wine that delighted crowned heads and heads of state in many parts of the world.