Cricova Winery removed Russian President Vladimir Putin's wines from the collections presented to visitors and moved them to the warehouse. Furthermore, Putin was forbidden from entering the winery’s cellars, IPN reports.
A total of 607 bottles were offered to Vladimir Putin during his visit in 2007. According to the winery's administration, the collection was not destroyed, but stored in a warehouse, being away from public view.
"Vladimir Putin's wine collection was stored in the warehouse of Cricova Winery in February 2022. The wine collection currently consists of 607 bottles offered as a gift in 2007 by the country's administration," Sorin Maslo, the company's general manager, told the press.
The President of Russia celebrated his 50th birthday at Cricova Winery, but now, according to the winery’s head, Putin is banned from the cellars.
"This decision is part of a broader effort by Moldovan wineries to reduce dependence on Russian gas and adopt renewable energy sources," according to the international press. In fact, Cricova Winery reduced its energy costs by 25% by building solar parks and improving insulation.
Meanwhile, Purcari Winery, known on Western markets after giving up Russian support, also made the transition to green energy.
Vasile Tofan, chairman of the winery’s board of directors, said that Russia's repeated embargoes in 2010 forced this change. After installing the solar panels, Purcari Winery meets a third of its energy consumption needs.
