Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Ukrainians’ Unyielding Love for Wine Amidst Conflict Chris Lehoux, October 7, 2026 Winemakers often find themselves watching the sky during harvest season, but for Giorgi Iukuridze in Ukraine, the threats are far more severe than errant weather. As the owner and CEO of SHABO wines, Iukuridze operates his vineyards about 120 miles from the frontlines of an ongoing war that has seen his winery subjected to bomb and drone attacks multiple times since the conflict began. Despite the constant danger, Iukuridze remains committed to his craft, continuing to tend to his vines while navigating the horrors of war. His journey into winemaking came somewhat unexpectedly after studying politics and international relations before falling in love with the process while working in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Languedoc-Roussillon. The vineyards are situated along the Black Sea, benefiting from climatic conditions that are surprisingly conducive to viticulture. Iukuridze attributes a remarkable crop to the vintage this year, referencing the expertise passed down from his father, who founded the winery in 2003. The history of SHABO is tumultuous; originally established by Swiss winemakers in 1822, it has faced various governmental upheavals. The vineyards grow several European grape varieties, but the native saperavi and rkatsiteli varieties are especially celebrated. A unique grape called telti-kuruk, dating back to the Ottoman era, also flourishes in these vineyards. However, the real challenge is not just growing grapes—it’s distributing the wine amid a war. With critical infrastructure obliterated, deliveries are rerouted through Moldova and Romania. When bombings targeted warehouses, Iukuridze had to adapt by delivering directly to consumers, a reality foreign to American winemakers. His workforce has also been drastically reduced as many employees have joined the military. In response, Iukuridze’s team has even repurposed wine trucks to deliver water to hospitals and schools in need. Amidst the chaos, Ukrainian resilience shines through. Participation in a wine fair in Kyiv exemplified this spirit; although attendance was sparse the first year, Iukuridze’s wine sold out within hours at the event the following year. While brandy sales remain the primary revenue source for SHABO, the winery produces three million bottles of wine annually, representing a medium to high price point. Despite the devastation that has impacted several large producers, Iukuridze remains unwavering in his commitment to his work, viewing it as a personal front in the battle for national identity and dignity. Though complexities abound in the wine business during wartime, SHABO wines, available online, offer quality that supports Ukrainian perseverance: SHABO Original Collection Rose 2023 ($20) SHABO Original Collection Chardonnay 2023 ($20) SHABO Telti-Kuruk Reserve 2023 ($30) SHABO Saperavi Reserve 2023 ($30) SHABO Grand Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2023 ($65) Iukuridze emphasizes the significance of every bottle not just for its quality but as a symbol of resistance and hope in a challenging reality. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine