Chateau Chizay unveils a new chapter in Ukrainian wine tourism
In a year marked by resilience and quiet determination, Chateau Chizay – this year’s winner of the Wine Travel Awards in the category “Country’s Visiting Card” – has opened a new tourist location in Mukachevo on the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day. It is a gesture that feels both symbolic and deeply grounded: a winery continuing to grow, refine and welcome guests even as the country endures the strain of war.
The new space, Chizay under Palanok Castle, sits at the foot of Mukachevo’s most iconic landmark – the medieval Palanok Castle, a fortress whose dramatic silhouette and centuries‑old history have long captivated travellers exploring the cultural tapestry of Zakarpattia. Its commanding views and storied past make it one of the region’s most magnetic attractions, adding a layer of historical resonance to this new wine tourism experience.
The new location offers visitors a thoughtfully designed environment where comfort, accessibility and a sense of place are woven together with the winery’s unmistakable Zakarpattia identity. The first stage of the project includes a flagship boutique showcasing the wines that have become regional signatures – from crisp whites shaped by the Carpathian foothills to the estate’s expressive sparkling Carpathian Sekt.
Opening day carried a celebratory tone: guests were greeted with glasses of Carpathian Sekt, while visitors arriving ahead of Independence Day had the chance to win exclusive gifts, including Anniversary Sekt and premium tasting experiences at the winery.
For three decades, Chateau Chizay has been mapping the contours of modern Ukrainian wine culture. With more than 272 hectares of estate vineyards, a philosophy rooted in respect for the land, and a portfolio increasingly recognised beyond Ukraine’s borders, the winery has become one of the country’s most compelling ambassadors. Its existing tourism anchors – the Mala Hora restaurant and the winery’s tasting hall – now gain a new companion, expanding the estate’s ability to tell the story of Zakarpattia’s wine heritage.
This latest opening is more than an infrastructural step. It is a statement of continuity: that even in times of profound national challenge, Ukrainian wine tourism can evolve with confidence, creativity and purpose. The team at Chateau Chizay has expressed its openness to collaboration with all who contribute to the region’s tourism development. The new location welcomes guests daily from 10:00 to 20:00, offering a meeting point for taste, culture and the unmistakable hospitality of Zakarpattia.
It is also worth noting that Chateau Chizay’s wines are presented at La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux – the world‑renowned wine culture museum and a proud member of the Wine Travel Awards community – further underscoring the winery’s international recognition.
A small but significant milestone – and one that underscores why Chateau Chizay’s Wine Travel Awards victory this year feels so well deserved.
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