Where to Go on an Excursion in Ukraine: Trubetskoi Chateau, Kherson Region

Would you like to learn how to taste wines properly? Do you want to immerse yourself in a historic, captivating atmosphere? Then it is worth going on a tour of Prince Trubetskoi’s chateau! It is not only a unique historical site, but also a place where you can learn a lot of interesting and valuable information, relax and have a good time.

Brief historical background

Prince Trubetskoi, together with Prince Lev Golitsyn, the chief winemaker and champagne maker of the 19th century, founded a winery in Kherson. In 1896, the first vineyards were planted, and in 1900 Trubetskoi built the chateau, where, 4 years later, wine was produced that received its first award. In Prince Trubetskoi's view, all the conditions were here for growing the best grape varieties: the necessary acidity and mineralization of the soil, and a sufficiently warm microclimate. The chateau vineyards are now located on the slopes near Kakhovka. They grow different grape varieties here, mainly merlot, cabernet, riesling, aligote and chardonnay.

Photo from vina-trubetskogo.com.ua

Trubetskoi Castle is an important tourist destination not only for Ukrainians, but also for foreigners who know about the high quality of the wines produced here, which have repeatedly won honorable awards:

• In 1900 — the Grand Prix at the World Exhibition in Paris;
• In 1902, they received the first prize of Alexander III;
• In 1903 — a prize for the best table wine from the vineyards from Emperor Alexander III for the exemplary cultivation of the vineyards.

The wines of Chateau Trubetskoi have consistently received awards. The most successful and high-quality among them were: Pear of the Steppe, Naddniprianske and Velvet of Ukraine — they won 33 silver and gold awards at international exhibitions and tastings.

Interesting facts about Chateau Trubetskoi

At the beginning of the 21st century, Chateau Trubetskoi was reconstructed. During repair work in the basement rooms, the wine Kozatske, bottled back in 1914, was found. And although there is an opinion that wines do not keep longer than 35-50 years, the unique bottles of wine found were decided to be preserved and passed on to the next generation.

Photo from vina-trubetskogo.com.ua

 Despite the various historical events that took place in Ukraine, the chateau did not stop working and producing new varieties of wine. Unlike most producers, they give preference to quality rather than quantity here. That is why the main goal of the Trubetskoi winery is to create the best wines, even if not in large volumes.

The Trubetskoi chateau has 8 cellars, where more than 7 thousand rare wines are stored. Guests can taste some of them and take a master class in tasting, which will teach them to distinguish good and bad wines, to sense their taste, and to tell varieties and quality apart. As a souvenir, you can buy a bottle of wine for yourself and your friends.

For those who are tired from the road, or want to spend a wonderful evening in a relaxed atmosphere with a good view of the Dnipro, it is worth staying at the chateau hotel. There are 10 rooms with open terraces, from which there is a fine view — the ideal option for tasting the most delicious wines while basking in the rays of the evening sunset.

What is interesting nearby the chateau?

700 meters from Trubetskoi chateau is Vitovt's Tower, a historical monument of the 14th century. In the 19th century, it was used as a water tower, but with the appearance of the Kakhovka Reservoir, it turned into an ancient historical monument.

2 km from the winery is the Trubetskoi estate. And although it has not survived to our time in good condition, the layout of the first floor gives an idea of the size of the palace, the division of the rooms, and the architectural style of the building.

About 50 years ago, steppe waterfalls were found near the Trubetskoi estate. One version of their origin is the appearance of the Kakhovka Reservoir, whose waters seeped through a layer of limestone soil.

After crossing to the other bank of the Dnipro, you can see the sights of Nova Kakhovka, look at the majestic monument Tachanka in Kakhovka, and finish the trip at the steppe reserve Askania-Nova.