Sherwood Winery #60
Wine tourism: discover craft wines of Sherwood Winery
Sherwood Winery is a joint, licensed project of the multiple winners of the All-Ukrainian tasting wine contests – “KSV” House of Wine and the winner of the “The 2021 Highest Quality Services and Goods” contest in the nomination “Hotel and Restaurant Complex”, finalist of the Ukraine Tourism Awards 2021 in the nomination “Best Country Complex” – Hotel and Restaurant Complex – “Forest Club Sherwood” located in the central part of Ukraine, in the ancient city of Uman; the city is famous for Sofiyivka Park, a dendrological park, which is a world-class masterpiece, as well as incredibly beautiful light and music fountains glorifying Uman, which is sometimes called “little Israel”, because it is also a center of the Hasidic pilgrimage. This is a city of Cossack glory with its mysterious dungeons. In addition, this is a city, where craft natural wines are produced from grapes grown in the Uman land, the quality of which is not inferior to foreign ones. The project was created with the support of the Association of Cavists of Ukraine, the Sommelier School “Master-Class” and Drinks+ Media Group. Author and coordinator of the project is Serhiy Kovalenko – vine grower and winemaker.
From the military service to wine
Serhiy Volodymyrovych came to winemaking after 28 years of service in the Armed Forces. As befits a real military man, Sergei Kovalenko approached the matter with full responsibility: the goal was set, and tasks to achieve it were outlined. The goal was to produce, in his own winery, such red wines, which would not be inferior to their foreign high-quality peers. Accordingly, the tasks were to plant a vineyard and establish a winery. In 2011, Serhiy Kovalenko planted vines on his own summer cottage garden plot, and in 2015, “KSV” House of Wine was founded. In 2021, a new building for the winery began being constructed followed by its equipping with new technologies.
Wine range of the winery
Cultivation of grapes, production of wines, author’s design of labels, bottle sealing wax, and subsequent branding – take most of the time, but that is perfectly fine, since the main credo of Serhiy Kovalenko: “If you want to do something well, do it yourself!” The principle of “do it yourself” is partly proved by the available equipment: despite the fact that the winery is equipped with the Italian equipment, the master made with his own hands a press with an oak basket and some other devices.
Serhiy Volodymyrovych grows exclusively red varieties: Zweigelt, Eumolpia, Cabernet Carol, Cabernet Cortis, Livadia black, Marquette, Gurzuf Rosé, Jupiter, with special attention paid to levels of crop load. The seedlings were carefully selected, taking into account the local terroir and size of the plot. Additionally, in Odessa Region, specially selected grapes of the best quality and varieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are purchased for production, and thereupon delivered to the winery in a refrigerator and plastic boxes of 12 kg.
Today, the line of wines by “KSV” House of Wine consists of dry and dessert red wines, as well as rosé. Twelve, both single-varietal and blended red wines are produced. For vinification, only PCY (pure-culture yeast) and natural enzyme preparations from the Canadian company “Lallemand” are used. Chaptalization is prohibited at Serhiy Kovalenko’s winery. The winemaker admires Bordeaux wines most of all, and he is striving to adhere to that style, when working with dry wines. Dessert wines are produced at the winery according to the Crimean technology.
Reviews
Very good restaurant, delicious food, friendly and attentive staff. We stayed at the hotel for the weekend, but I plan to come again and again)))). Prices are very reasonable for a restaurant of such level !!! I highly recommend it.
It’s just good here. The atmosphere, the cuisine, the staff, and the location. At any time of the year, and for any reason, you can safely order a table.
I don’t really like distinguishing someone or something from others, but this particular restaurant is my favorite. Starting from the delicious menu: incidentally, I personally like that the kitchen is open and you can see what and how is being cooked, then a rapid servicing should be emphasized, but, frankly, except for weekends, because sometimes, you just can’t get into this place because it is fully booked.