Estonian wine community supports Ukrainian sommeliers

TALLINN - Veiniekspress, in cooperation with the Foundation for the Promotion of National Defence and the Estonian Sommelier Association, has supported a sommelier unit operating within Ukraine's 77th Air Defense Brigade with an off-road vehicle and EcoFlow power stations.

The Veiniekspress team delivered the vehicle to Kyiv last week and handed it over to a representative of the unit.

"We have been collaborating with Ukrainian wine producers for years and are very familiar with their situation. While conditions at the wineries are tough, it is especially challenging on the front line," said Juhan-Markus Laats, one of the founders of Veiniekspress.

The drone unit, formed by Ukrainian sommeliers, is tasked with the daily detection and destruction of enemy forces using drones. Operating amidst intense combat near Kupiansk, they are in constant need of drones, off-road vehicles, power stations, and other essential equipment.

"The lifespan of off-road vehicles on the front line is very short as they are constantly targeted by enemy drones, but they are essential for maintaining contact with the rear," Laats said.

During a spring campaign, Veiniekspress, the Foundation for the Promotion of National Defence, and the Estonian Sommelier Association raised a total of 10,000 euros, which was used to purchase the off-road vehicle and power stations. Additionally, medical supplies and other essential aid are set to be sent to Ukraine in the near future.

The Estonian Sommelier Association decided to support the campaign with proceeds from the 11th Wine Fair, which took place in early April.

"This collaboration between the Estonian wine community and Ukrainian winemakers is remarkable and highly significant. We are supporting Ukrainian sommeliers and promoters of wine culture who are defending their country today so that life and culture can continue," said Kristjan Markii, president of the Estonian Sommelier Association.

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the visitors and participants of the 11th Wine Fair, whose contributions helped make this project a reality. It is a great honor for us to support our Ukrainian colleagues and winemakers, and we sincerely hope they can soon return to their main profession."

According to Mait Palts, head of the Foundation for the Promotion of National Defence, Estonia's ongoing support for Ukraine remains crucial. "Our Ukrainian partners have repeatedly emphasized that Estonia's aid is one of the most reliable and consistent in Europe, if not the entire world."

Since 2022, Veiniekspress has been helping to market Ukrainian wines in Estonia and other European Union countries through the portal winesfromukraine.com.