Russian-owned wines continue to be sold in the UK

Farr Vintners and Majestic continue to sell Russian owned French wines in the UK.

Farr Vintners are selling Bergerac based wine Château Thenac owned by oligarch Eugene Shvidler. Eugene made his money working with Roman Abramovic during the privatization of Russian assets in the 1990’s.

Stephen Browett Chairman of Farr Vintners stated it has been confirmed to us by Chateau Thenac that Mr Eugene Shvidler is not Russian (he holds US and UK citizenship) and he has also stated very clearly that he is opposed to the war in the Ukraine.

The UK government recently impounded Eugene Shvidler's private plane because of his links with Russia.

However, wine merchants Lay and Wheeler who also listed Château Thenac said that once they were aware of the connection have stopped selling the wines.

Majestic is still selling wines from Russian-owned winery Château La Favière owned by Natalia and Stanislav Zingerenko. Jack Merrylees from Majestic commented: It is our understanding that both these properties are no longer in Russian ownership, the group having been sold in 2013. However Stanislav was interviewed for the UK Wine Show in February 2017 and represented himself at the time as the owner of the Château La Favière.