Dream autotrip: What to see in the south of Russia if you travel by car?

Domestic tourism has not lost its importance since the pandemic. Every year, domestic resorts attract more and more travelers who are eager to see picturesque places without leaving the borders of Russia. One of the most popular destinations is the south of the country. Although getting to some cities is no longer so easy, this does not stop experienced tourists.

Inspired by the stories about the velvet season in the Krasnodar region, the author of this text decided to see it with his own eyes. An ideal itinerary immediately appeared before my eyes. Four hours on the flight Moscow -Sochi and later a completely new experience for me – a journey to the most picturesque places in the region. Arranging such a holiday has long been a dream, because what could be more wonderful than seeing and seeing the sun along your favorite tracks with vineyards? All you have to do is choose the right transportation.

If you are traveling with a large group, it is important to consider comfort for everyone and between a crossover and a minivan, give preference to the latter. Moreover, it has no equal when traveling long distances. One of the new products introduced to the market is the Voyah Dream electric minibus. The battery is charged from the gasoline engine, so you don’t have to worry if you go far from an outlet.

And for my modest company, the Voyah Free Sport Edition electric crossover, which fits perfectly into the landscapes of the southern region, became an ideal traveling companion.

Why him?

An important rule on any trip is safety first. That’s why I wanted to choose a car with a good safety record. For example, on Voyah, approximately 75% of the hull is made of high-strength steel. I also liked the full cut-out display and many convenient features for collision avoidance and automatic parking, from Smart Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist.

Another important point that played a big role when choosing a car was the spacious interior. And I have a royal flush about it. The panoramic roof added a sense of freedom, especially on beautiful sections of the route, and control of the main functions was also available to passengers in the rear seats, which is very convenient. Thanks to the large trunk, there was enough space for everything I wanted to take on the road and I didn’t have to limit myself to anything. And the icing on the cake is full noise cancellation, making my ride much quieter.

Not only nature but also my own budget thanked me for choosing a hybrid car. I was able to significantly reduce my fuel costs and it only took about 40 minutes to fully charge.

Guide to the best places in the Krasnodar region

Abrau-Durso

Famous thanks to the first champagne factory of the same name, the resort is a must-visit for any traveler. And getting there in your own car was the best solution. Abrau-Durso itself is not that big; So we did. We looked at the legendary Lake Abrau, built by World War II at the beginning of the last century. We stopped at the same factory built on Alexander’s instructions and went to see the Fountain Show in the evening. But the fun in Abrau doesn’t end there – there is a riding club, a yoga center and even beach parties.

“Lefkadia Valley”

“Lefkadia Valley” is a winery with the most beautiful vineyards in the Krasnodar region. We do not recommend visiting this place “just passing by”, especially since it is a stylish hotel and spa complex with panoramic views of the valley itself. If you’re traveling in the passenger seat, be sure to take a tasting tour here to not only learn a lot about the winemaking traditions of the region but also enjoy the terroir with its best views. And yes, don’t miss the master class on the most spectacular launch of sparkling wine – Sabrage – to firmly secure your status as party king.

“Chateau Pinot”

“Chateau Pino” is a tourist complex located near Novorossiysk with a swimming pool overlooking the mountains. Its main difference and advantage is its own vineyard and gravity (!) Winery. This property allows you to prevent the interaction of wine with oxygen, which means it reduces oxidation to a minimum. For non-wine drinkers, there’s something to do at Chateau Pinot: It has its own art gallery, a street with works by regional artists and a museum of vintage cars, and workshop houses where you can sculpt clay. Make chocolate and create candles with local dried flowers. Do not be lazy to buy a basket so that you can pick the grapes yourself directly from the bushes. And at sunset the entire harvest can be trampled underfoot, just like in the movie with Adriano Celentano.

“Markotkh Mansion”

We recommend making another stop at Markotkh Estate. It is located right next to Markothsky Ridge, a 15-minute drive from Gelendzhik. All harvest here is harvested by hand only. And the wines themselves are aged in French and Caucasian oaks, which significantly affects the taste. Tastings take place here on weekends, but on other days you can sign up for excursions and learn more about the winemaking process. Pass through the vineyards.

“Chateau de Talus”

Winery “Chateau de Talus” is the calling card of the Krasnodar region. When you google landscapes of Southern Russia, the first ten lines reveal a photo of the facade of a building in the style of a French chateau. So it is worth at least taking a walk around the famous estate located near the sea. This place will also be appreciated by Gastronomy fans. Chateau de Talu is home to the Black Sea restaurant Château de Talu, where private dinners from the south coast’s best chefs are regularly held.