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This initiative, aimed at developing viticulture and winemaking in the Belgorod Region, is spearheaded by a team of scientists from the Research Institute of Pharmacology of Living Systems, under the leadership of Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Mikhail Pokrovsky. The project is part of the Priority-2030 program.

“We have set ourselves an ambitious goal: to create the conditions for a new branch of agriculture in the Central Black Earth Region. Given the evident climate change towards warming and advancements in genetics and selection, modern grape varieties can be successfully adapted to our climatic conditions,” noted Professor Pokrovsky.

Two years ago, the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory at BelSU’s Botanical Garden began working on the microclonal propagation of grapes in vitro. This effort has resulted in healthy planting material with a high survival rate. The first thousand seedlings have already been planted in the university’s grape field.

Lyudmila Tokhtar, head of the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, explained that the scientists aimed to obtain sterile grape cultures, propagate them using the in vitro method, and produce adapted planting material.

“Following our technology, sprouts from laboratory test tubes are transplanted into a greenhouse. Once they reach a certain size, they are planted in open ground. We have successfully multiplied a significant number of plants. The first five thousand clones, which are resistant to our climate, will soon be transferred to our partner enterprise,” emphasized Tokhtar.

Preparations are currently underway to establish vineyards in the Belgorod region, with the initial 5,000 seedlings set to be planted in the spring of 2026. Having tested their technology, the project team is now ready to transition from laboratory work to industrial-scale production.

“We began our collaboration with BelSU and see great potential for developing viticulture in the region. Previously, the Rostov region was considered the northernmost point for grape growing, but now, thanks to scientific advancements, we can cultivate grapes here as well. There are already varieties that do not require winter shelter or irrigation, making this economically viable,” commented Sergei Lisov, chairman of the Belgorod regional branch of the Business Russia All-Russian public organization.

It is worth noting that the first phase of this viticulture and winemaking project has led to the collection of nearly 140 uncovered grape varieties in the BelSU Botanical Garden. Scientists plan to patent around 20 of the most valuable varieties that demonstrate resilience to the climatic conditions of the Central Black Earth Region.