Our Statement on Ukraine and Russian Vodka

By: Michael Bray

Updated: 3/25/2022

This is our current statement on Ukraine and Russian vodka. We will continue to update with valuable information and articles that we discover.

It is our intention to always lead with mindfulness and compassion, and to remain proactive rather than reactive in all interactions and decisions. We have listened and carefully considered the national and global conversation surrounding Russian vodka. As noted by Daniel Marsteller in Shanken News Daily, “Russian vodka brands [have disappeared] from store shelves across an increasing number of states,” and “the protest movement has also spread to Canada.”

In Ukraine, winemakers have halted standard production to support their country. Victoria Agromakova, CEO of VIA-Group LLC/Wine and Spirits Ukraine, comments: “I know no one now who didn’t take part in the fight against Russia. As well, I don’t know anyone who works at [a] winery at the moment, because now in wartime there are completely different needs. Now winemakers are bottling not wine, but gasoline for Molotov Cocktails to protect their land from Russian troops.” (Read more here: "Ukrainian Wineries Trade Wine for Weapons" by L. M. Archer, Wine Business)

This crisis has impacted the wine world at large, as well. In one recent example, French winemakers are planning to buy back estates in Jura and Languedoc that had been sold to the Russian Pumpyanskiy family. (Read more here: "French Seize Russian-Owned Wineries", Wine-Searcher)

At Passion Vines, we want to ensure that any action we take is made intentionally and from a place of integrity. First and foremost, we support Ukraine and all people impacted by the current Russian invasion, both in Europe and in our own neighborhoods. We have many local friends directly impacted by this crisis. Personally, I have a family member and a team member with family overseas who they are currently unable to contact and support. Our hearts are with them always, and especially now.

We thoroughly research all products before stocking them, and our team has spent a great deal of time researching our vodka inventory over the last week. The one Russian-made vodka that we consistently stock is Zyr.

Zyr was created by American David Katz in 2002. He initially planned to import Russian vodkas to the US, but after touring dozens of Russian distilleries, he was determined to craft his own pure vodka made in the Russian tradition, from premium ingredients. Zyr is made from Russian winter wheat and rye and water sourced from Northern Russia, near the Finnish border. While Zyr is distilled in Russia and employs Russian citizens, Katz has commented publicly that his employees “don’t want war.” He goes further to say: “All of the small profit we make stays in the US, paying for my sales team, promotional models, distributors, social media firms, publicists, designers, point of sale manufacturers, printers, and much more. We will be the only people affected by discontinuing Zyr. Russia will never feel this. Putin surely will not feel this.” (Read more here: “Liquor stores and supermarkets ditch Russian vodka. Importers say boycotts won’t punish Putin,” by Jordan Valinsky, CNN Business)

The other vodkas we stock – even those brands originally founded in Russia – are no longer under Russian ownership. For example, Smirnoff is distilled in Illinois (and owned by a UK distributor) and Popov is distilled in Kentucky (and owned by a US distributor). Stoli is distilled in Latvia, and Stoli Group recently announced a "major rebrand" in "direct response to its founder's 'vehement position' against the Putin regime and the Russian invasion of Ukraine" ("Stoli vodka announces rebrand" by Ramishah Maruf, CNN). Should you have a question or concern about any specific products we carry, please let us know, and we will be happy to research further.

Rather than removing products from our shelves, we are focused on taking tangible action to help those directly impacted by this humanitarian crisis. To this end, we have researched a list of charities who are currently working on the ground in Ukraine and surrounding countries, and we wanted to share this list for those who have the means and feel called to donate. As with any cause and donation, we encourage you to do your own research on organizations and focus on where your efforts can make the most impact.

• Doctors Without Borders: Providing emergency medical relief and training. Setting up emergency response activities in Ukraine and dispatching teams to surrounding countries.

• Outright Action International: Providing humanitarian aid and social assistance to the members of the LGBTIQ community in Ukraine.

• World Central Kitchen: Serving thousands of fresh meals to Ukrainian families fleeing home as well as those who remain in the country.

• Global Empowerment Mission: Currently focusing on travel relocation programs for refugees (funds going toward booking and paying for flights and trains)

• Voices of Children: A Ukraine-based organization providing psychological support to children who have witnessed war, utilizing art therapy and storytelling, and providing financial support to families.

• United Help Ukraine: Currently raising money to send first aid kits and other humanitarian aid to Ukraine

In times of crisis, we have a rare opportunity to come together and take collective action in support of those suffering most greatly. Our compassion extends to those impacted in Ukraine and neighboring countries, those suffering here at home, and to all of you. It is our top priority to listen actively and take action where we can have the most positive impact. Should you have any questions or feedback, please send us a message or email me directly at michael@passionvines.com

With sincere gratitude,

Michael Bray

& your team at Passion Vines