Wine imports from European Union countries reached a six-month high in May 2025, with nearly 10,000 tons of product supplied to the Russian market. France significantly boosted its deliveries, tripling its volume. Austria increased its shipments by 1.5 times, Italy by 7%, and Spanish wine sales grew by a fifth. However, in monetary terms, the value of wine imports remained at the same level, even declining by approximately 100,000 euros to 35 million euros.
Cautions against drawing definitive conclusions based on a single month`s data. He points out that, from a broader perspective (e.g., January-April of the current year), European imports show a more than twofold decline compared to the same period in 2024. This suggests a global trend towards a decreasing share of imported wines in the Russian market. In 2021, imported wines accounted for almost half of all supplies, whereas their share is now around 37-38%.
Puzyrev also highlights a shift in the product range towards more affordable wines. The increase in volume while prices remained constant in May indicates a procurement of cheaper products. This trend is driven by major importers like “Krasnoe & Beloe” and X5 Group (Pyaterochka, Perekrestok), who aim to offer consumers wines that remain accessible despite import duties. Furthermore, Western Europe is experiencing wine overproduction, which encourages exporters, including French and Italian producers, to sell less expensive varieties. According to Puzyrev, Russian domestic production volumes are not yet sufficient to fully meet demand, and there isn`t fierce competition for shelf space.
Import duties on wines from “unfriendly” countries have been raised twice. In August last year, the tariff increased from 20% to 25% of the customs value, a measure that has already contributed to a reduction in wine imports from EU countries.
States that despite challenges, current logistics issues are minimal, and market players are prepared for any disruptions. She emphasizes that over 20 years in the market, they have weathered numerous stresses and consistently found solutions, whether related to payments or other difficulties. All associated costs are passed on to the product`s self-cost, leading to price increases. Nevertheless, consumers who value quality continue to purchase imported wines. While most buyers seek wines priced under a thousand rubles, “decent” wines typically start from 5,000 rubles. In this higher price segment, some good Russian wines are emerging, but Arsenashvili believes that European wines in this category offer superior quality, indicating that true competition is not yet present.
Last year, wine supplies from the European Union were at their lowest level in two decades.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth