In brief
Amid geopolitical turmoil, the Cricova Winery in Moldova has discreetly moved President Putin's wine bottles to a sealed-off area, distancing itself from the Russian leader's legacy following the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In the subterranean depths of Moldova's Cricova Winery, a significant shift has occurred. Once celebrated for hosting dignitaries including Russia’s President Vladimir V. Putin, the winery has now chosen to conceal the Russian leader's wine bottles due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Previously a symbol of camaraderie, these bottles were gifted by Moldova's former communist president and now stand as a silent testament to souring relations.Established within a vast network of 75 miles of tunnels under the Moldovan vineyard landscape, the winery’s collection also houses historical pieces, including wines once owned by Hermann Goering, the infamous Nazi official. A special display of 460 bottles initially gifted to former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry further underscores the winery’s illustrious history of hosting global figures. However, as tensions escalated following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, questions regarding Putin’s presence in the winery arose from concerned visitors. The director of Cricova, Sorin Maslo, confirmed that Putin’s bottles, while not destroyed, are now discreetly tucked away to avoid any association with the ongoing conflict. With the era of joviality between Moldova and Russia waning, the winery aims to prioritize its international image and sidestep political controversy. As Moldova reassesses its historical ties with Russia, the Cricova Winery symbolizes the changing landscape of relationships in the region, highlighting the profound impact of current events on long-standing traditions.
