Russia: Climate and geography

Most commercial vineyards of pre-2014 Russia (see crimea for separate details) are in the North Caucasus. The climate of most Russian viticultural zones is moderately continental and winters can be severe, so that all vines in the northern regions of Rostov Oblast and Stavropol Krai have to be buried for winter protection. The most favourable soil and climate conditions are in the Krasnodar region and Dagestan, with active annual temperature summations of 3,600 to 4,000 °C (see climate classification) and, even more importantly, winters warm enough, thanks to the temperate influence of the Black Sea, to permit non-protected viticulture.