Medvedev says Russia should develop winemaking

SOCHI (Bocharov Ruchei), August 22 (Itar-Tass) —— Russia should develop winemaking, President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev said at a meeting with governor of the Krasnodar territory Alexander Tkachenko.

“Wine tourism becomes widespread in the Krasnodar territory,” the head of the region noted.

“You mean tourists come to the territory just as to Bordeaux or Burgundy,” Medvedev asked, smiling.

“Well, perhaps, not to the same extent, but the number of tourists increased in the past two or three years, particularly to Taman, which draws some 150,000-200,000 tourists on one-day trips,” Tkachev said. He has said they travel mostly from nearby cities – Krasnodar, Gelendzhik, Anapa, Novorossiisk and Sochi. “They come to look at vineyards, to see the process of winemaking, to take part in wine tasting ceremonies and buy some wine,” Tkachev said.

“This is one of important branches, which should develop, and which, in the long run, helps cope with alcoholism, as there is no such problem in winemaking countries. Problems, as is known, are associated with other beverages,” the president stressed. “This is a theme for a conference,” Medvedev said.

“Winemaking develops vigorously, bringing revenues, and drawing investors, domestic and foreign,” the governor said. “Problems do remain, and a conference under your guidance would, certainly, help resolve many of them,” Tkachev noted. “Winemaking now shows an upward trend, which can enhance prestige of any country, l believe of Russia, too,” the governor said.

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