In brief
The Cricova Winery in Moldova has hidden President Putin's wine gifts from public display following the invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the shift in the nation's stance towards Russia.
Visitors to the famed Cricova Winery in Moldova will notice a significant change. Once a proud holder of President Vladimir Putin's wine collection, the winery has moved his bottles to a dim, secluded corner of the vast underground cellar, signaling Moldova's distancing from Russia amidst geopolitical tensions.The Cricova Winery is known for its elaborate network of tunnels that extend over 75 miles beneath lush vineyards near Chisinau, the Moldovan capital. Historical artifacts and gifts have found a place in its extensive collection, including rare bottles once belonging to Hermann Goering and a significant gift from former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.However, the sentiment towards the Russian president has shifted drastically since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Sorin Maslo, the director of the winery, explained that after receiving numerous inquiries about why Putin’s wine was still on display, action was taken to relocate the bottles. "Nobody has to deal with him," Maslo emphasized.While the bottles themselves remain intact and undestroyed, their removal from public view serves as a powerful statement from Moldova, indicating their rejection of Putin's political actions and a clear pivot away from Russia. This transformation within the storied halls of Cricova Winery reflects the broader changes in diplomatic relations in Eastern Europe and the reshaping of historical narratives linked to the former Soviet Union.
