Updated 07/17/2021
People come to the resort village of Abrau-Durso for the famous champagne factory, delicious food and natural attractions. From the article you will learn how to get to Abrau-Durso from Novorossiysk, what to see, where to stay and where to eat.
I spent a few hours in Abrau-Durso, but you can also spend a couple of nights here. The setting of one of the few resorts in the Krasnodar region not located on the sea is conducive to this. In the high season it is crowded and noisy, but in April, when I visited, there were few people.
Abrau-Durso: what you need to see on your own
Now these villages form the Abrau-Durso resort, attracting lovers of gastronomic tourism and winemaking. There is plenty to do here besides tasting and learning the secrets of making sparkling drinks. The modern resort settlement attracts with its developed infrastructure, art objects and creative atmosphere. Let’s consider which of its attractions you should definitely visit – even during a 1-day excursion.
Russian wine house "Abrau-Durso": champagne wine factory and museum complex
- Address: Promyshlennaya st., 19.
The history and modern life of the resort village is inextricably linked with one of the oldest wineries in Russia. The Abrau estate, which marked the beginning of the wine-making history of these territories, dates back to the era of Alexander II - it was founded in 1870. Initially, the plot allocated by imperial decree for a dacha was not intended for growing grapes.
But after 4 years of winemaking, a master from the Czech Republic brought and planted Riesling grape vines here, and they took root well. In 1881, the Czech made a splash at a wine exhibition, and Abrau began to be called “a new region of Russian winemaking.” The authorities issue official permission to engage in winemaking. In the 1990s. The estate is managed by Count Golitsyn, and a winery is established here. In the last years of the century before last, the first batch of wine produced at the Abrau-Durso plant saw the light of day.
Today, the Russian Wine House is both an active production facility and a historical landmark. The winery hosts various excursions; visitors will be told the history of winemaking, introduced to the intricacies of production and, of course, given the opportunity to taste six of the most famous varieties of local wine.
The museum complex is housed in a building built in 1907; it dates back to the period when the famous French winemaker Victor Dravigny worked at the plant. In the historical complex “Abrau-Durso”, those interested can go on an excursion to the dungeons where wine is stored. And adventure lovers are invited to go through an underground quest in the tunnels of the winery - this is one of the most popular entertainments for tourists coming to Abrau.
Alexander II Square and the Bottle fountain
- Address: Alexander II Square.
The main square of Abrau is named after the founding emperor of the settlement, Alexander II. It has a round shape and is located near the champagne factory. The square attracts with its creative atmosphere. In the center is the main highlight of this place and one of the symbols of Abrau-Durso - a designer fountain in the shape of a champagne bottle.
The material and manufacturing technology of the object are noteworthy. The “huge bottle” consists of almost two thousand “standard” glass bottles. In the evening, the fountain is illuminated, the gushing stream of water resembles splashes of champagne; at night, it is an enchanting and solemn spectacle.
Art Park Abrau
- Address: Naberezhnaya street.
The park on the shores of Lake Abrau is a creative place; it is not just a walking area, but almost an open-air museum. Here, various art objects are presented to visitors. One of the most famous sculptures, “Wind and Music,” is installed right at the entrance. It can not only be seen, but also heard, since in keeping with its name, this object reproduces a melody. Among the popular “exhibits” of the park is the art object “Nest”.
All the sculptures and objects of this Abrau-Durso attraction can be touched with your hands, and some even need to be climbed into, for example, in the park there is a gazebo for making wishes come true: you need to sit in it and perform certain actions - then, as some reviews say, your wish will definitely come true . The Art Park in Abrau is a great place for a resort photo shoot.
Singing Fountains
- Address: Lake Abrau.
On the territory of the art park there is an interesting attraction worthy of special attention; it connects a small village in the Krasnodar Territory with one of the most alluring coastal cities in Europe, with Barcelona itself. The local “Singing Fountains” is a relatively new facility that has added glory to the Abrau-Durso resort. All tourists who come to the village on vacation or on an excursion strive to see the fountain show.
As the facts say, this is the largest fountain complex in the region - in the entire Krasnodar Territory, it was created by engineers of the Sochi Olympics and began work in 2021. The “performances” involve an interactive screen and the surrounding landscape; multi-colored jets flow directly from the lake. “Dancing” streams of water are accompanied by the broadcast of clips about the city and music. The show takes place in the evening.
Cultural and tourist complex "My Russia"
- Address: st. Korolenko, 16A, Kamchatka village.
One of the most famous and popular entertainment complexes among tourists on the Black Sea coast. It is visited by both tourists who come to Abrau-Durso and vacationers from popular surrounding resort towns - Anapa, Gelendzhik, Sochi.
Little tourists and their parents will love the local Amusement Park. The complex has its own stable, where experienced instructors work. Here you can also ride horses and take riding lessons. But the most important thing that people come to “My Russia” for are the performances taking place in the “Colosseum” amphitheater. The auditorium is designed for one and a half thousand people.
Among the popular shows is the ancient program “Gladiators of Rome”, which justifies the name of the arena. The arena hosts enchanting fire shows and extreme programs with complex stunts. What you can see here is something more than a circus and theater combined.
Historical facts about the Abrau-Durso sparkling wine factory
The Abrau-Durso sparkling wine factory is the largest producer in Russia, producing sparkling wine using both the classical champagne technology and the tank method.
The story began in 1870, when, by decree of Emperor Alexander II, after studying the lake by a commission of agronomists and engineers, an appanage estate called “Abrau-Durso” was created, which began to belong to the royal family.
In 1872, following the advice of French winemakers, vineyard cultivation began in the vicinity of the lake. The first grapevine varieties in Abrau-Durso were Riesling and Portugieser. Later, Sauvignon, Pinot Franc, Pinot Gris, Traminer, etc. varieties also began to be cultivated here.
The first grape harvest in Abrau-Durso was harvested in 1877. By 1882, winemaker E. A. Wedel created vintage table wines “Riesling” and “Cabernet Abrau”. By the mid-1890s, the types of Abrau-Durso vintage wines had finally emerged: “Sauternes”, “Lafite”, “Bordeaux”, “Burgundy”.
In 1891, Prince L.S. Golitsyn was appointed chief winemaker of Abrau-Durso, who ordered preparations to begin for the production of sparkling wine using the champagne method and the construction of improved cellars. In 1893, champagne grape varieties began to be cultivated, and soon they occupied about half of the total area of vineyards.
In 1894-1900, a factory building, 5 cellar tunnels were built in Abrau-Dyurso, and a highway was built to Novorossiysk. In 1896, under the leadership of French specialists, the first batch of champagne was released in the amount of 13 thousand bottles.
In 1898, the first batch of champagne with the Abrau brand was released in the amount of 25 thousand bottles. The volume of production was small, champagne was supplied only to the royal court and aristocracy.
Museums and creative spaces in Abrau
Abrau-Durso is a center not only of winemaking, but also of creativity and modern art. It is no coincidence that many local objects have earned the prefix “art”.
Center for Media Arts "Mars"
- Address: Promyshlennaya, 19.
A unique exhibition space and creative space, often referred to as a “gallery of light” or media art center. It has been operating since 2021 on the territory of the winery. It is a place where artists express their creative energy through light and visual effects. It features installations, interactive images, and light shows.
This attraction often scares off lovers of traditional art, but in vain. A visit leaves a lasting impression and allows you to experience and understand new forms of art of the postmodern era. Interactivity allows you to become not just a spectator, but to be involved in the “creative flight” of the creators of interesting objects of contemporary art.
Center for Creativity and Crafts
- Address: Promyshlennaya st., 12.
An analogue of the local cultural center is the municipal institution of the city of Novorossiysk, located in Abrau-Durso. The center organizes various events. Under its auspices the music festivals “Heat”, “I Sing You, My Russia”, etc. are held. The second direction of the institution’s work is the development of decorative and applied arts and creativity and crafts. The center hosts sections, exhibitions and master classes.
Bringing Down the House
- Address: tourist complex “My Russia”.
On the territory of the “My Russia” complex there is an interesting object that can be called both an attraction and a museum. It is a small one-story house, where everything is turned upside down, the floor serves as the ceiling, and the ceiling serves as the floor. All objects inside are located “upside down”; you can get inside the house via a small staircase; this is the only object that occupies a “usual” place in space and allows you to stand firmly on your feet. If you want to learn a different vision of the world around you, then this is the place for you.
Art Bazaar
- Address: Promyshlennaya st., 14.
On the main square of Abrau there is a so-called art bazaar, which combines the functions of a market and a museum. Visitors can get a souvenir or a useful household item, or they can just go and have a look. A bazaar of several thematic pavilions where handicraft masters present their products.
In the assortment you can see works of painting and graphics, dishes and clothes, various toys and amulets, and even pieces of furniture. Separate pavilions are dedicated to numismatics and second-hand books. Book lovers and rare coin hunters often find unique items here.
Architecture and historical and cultural sites
Despite the relative youth of Abrau-Durso - the village was founded in 1871, there are several important sights of historical, cultural and architectural significance.
Church of St. Xenia of Petersburg
- Address: Promyshlennaya street, 50.
Abrau-Durso is not replete with religious architectural monuments of Orthodox culture. Among the attractions is the existing temple, founded in 1996 and illuminated in honor of the recently canonized Saint Xenia of St. Petersburg.
The compact white-stone church is built in the shape of a cross; in its appearance, white and green colors are combined with the gold of the onion domes, all together it looks laconic and strict, but at the same time elegant.
The main temple of the village decorates and complements the surrounding landscape. The village owes the appearance of the shrine on the northeastern shore of Lake Abrau to TAM BATA LLC; the construction project was created by the architects of this organization.
Dolmen complex
- Address: pos. Vasilievka.
Fans of historical and cultural attractions, coming on vacation to the Krasnodar region, will not miss the opportunity to come into contact with the secrets of the prehistoric past, which are kept by the legendary buildings of ancient people - dolmens.
A fairly large dolmen complex is located near the Abrau-Durso resort in the village of Vasilyevka. It consists of two groups, which are sometimes called "cities". One of the groups was significantly destroyed, the second was preserved a little better.
At the beginning of the new millennium, restoration work was carried out, but the appearance of the ancient monuments was not fully recreated. According to scientists, the age of the objects located here reaches 5000 years.
Amphitheater
- Address: Naberezhnaya street.
A white dome, supported by eight columns, soars above the embankment of Lake Abrau. This structure, created by architect Andrei Ivanov, is called an “amphitheater” and was erected in 2010. Since then, it has become an integral part of the resort’s image and a regular in tourist photographs. The amphitheater is used for holding public events, so it is not only an architectural but also a cultural object that plays an important role in the life of the village.
Grotto Store
- Address: Promyshlennaya st., 21.
The brand store of a champagne winery is not just a “sales outlet”, which almost every more or less significant production has. The “Grotto” is a real cultural landmark of the village. Firstly, it is of interest from an architectural point of view; the store is “carved into the rock,” which is why it got its name. Secondly, this place has become a mandatory point on the route of all tourists coming on an excursion to Abrau; tastings are held here, and visitors are “immersed” in the wine culture. The store is two floors. The first is dedicated to everything related to wine, and the second sells souvenirs with the symbols of the Abrau-Durso resort.
Where in Gelendzhik to drink or buy Abrau-Durso champagne from the factory
In the center of Gelendzhik on the embankment there is a company store and restaurant from the Abrau-Durso champagne wine factory. Here you can sit beautifully overlooking the sea and drink Abrau-Durso champagne - dry, sweet, semi-sweet, white, pink or red. The cost of a glass of champagne starts from 150 rubles, a bottle - from 320 rubles. The Abrau-Durso restaurant is open all year round; it is marked on the map in red with No. 3.
You can also buy still wines from the Abrau-Durso factory and their cheeses.
Champagne at the Abrau-Durso restaurant on the Gelendzhik embankment
View the entire catalog of independent travel in Gelendzhik
Natural attractions of Abrau-Durso
Naturally, the center and surroundings of the young village could not remain without interesting natural attractions, of which there are several.
Lake Abrau
- Coordinates on the map: 44.698577, 37.591881.
The main “natural pearl” of the village of the same name. Along with the plant and the historical complex, it is the most important tourist site around which the resort life and infrastructure of Abrau is built. Attracts with beautiful views and clear mirror water. Proudly bears the title of the second largest mountain lake in the Caucasus.
On the lake coast you can relax, swim, and also go boating. Recently, the tourist pleasure boat “Champagne” began to ply along this natural attraction; its appearance repeats the style of the first imperial steamship “Elizabeth”, for which it is called “historic”.
Lotus Lake
- Address: x. Forestry.
The reservoir in the Lesnichestvo farmstead was once a reservoir. Among the people, the name “Lake Bam” has stuck to it, and tourists call it “Lake of Lotuses”. Rare flowers listed in the Red Book were planted here by one of the local residents. The event smacked of a gamble, as in the case of the vineyards that gave rise to the history of local production, there was no guarantee that the flowers would take root.
However, everything worked out - now 10 kilometers from the Abrau-Durso resort there is an interesting natural attraction. From the resort village, excursions and hikes are organized to this beautiful and unusual site, where harmony between man and nature has been achieved.
Lake Sweet Lyman
- GPS coordinates: 44.685441, 37.525019.
Right off the coast of the Black Sea in Durso a small body of water has formed, surrounded by picturesque rocks and forests - this is Sweet Liman. It is separated from the sea elements by a thin strip of land. Such an interesting juxtaposition of “big” and “small” water makes the local landscape unusual and exciting.
A wonderful view of the estuary opens from an observation deck installed on the slope of a 35-meter-high nearby mountain. The estuary, with an area of 180 by 220 m, is considered the product of an earthquake that formed a “bar” between two reservoirs. The surprising thing is that the water in the lake remains fresh. The miracle of nature has deservedly become a local landmark.
Winemakers' Walk of Fame (Grapevine Alley)
- Address: Promyshlennaya st., 19.
In 2015, during the opening of the All-Russian Winemakers Summit in Abrau-Durso, a new interesting object appeared - the Alley of Grapevines or the Walk of Fame of winemakers. The second name is the official one. It follows from it that the alley is dedicated to outstanding winemakers who contributed to the development of production in the region. The names of seven winemakers are immortalized on it.
Famous personalities planted vineyards here, and each “tree” is marked with a sign with the name of the person who planted it. Among them were prominent cultural figures, for example Pavel Lungin and Leonid Yarmolnik, and famous politicians and leaders of the country. A vine planted by Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin grows on the alley.
Rose Alley
- Address: Abrau embankment.
A recreational facility on the embankment of Lake Abrau is a small alley with arches and gazebos entwined with pink flowers. Roses attract with their aroma and create an amazing atmosphere of this place. It is wonderful to walk here and inhale the incense.
Monuments and sculptures in Abrau-Durso
In this village of the Krasnodar Territory there are no majestic monuments, like in Sevastopol, Volgograd or Volokolamsk. But in Abrau-Durso there are a number of interesting sculptural compositions and monuments where you can take a selfie or photograph.
Monument to Leonid Utesov
- Address: Art Park.
Next to the airy dome of the amphitheater there is a sculpture embodying the image of the famous singer and actor. Utesov is depicted in one of his most famous roles - a shepherd from the film "Volga-Volga". This sculpture is often called the “shepherdess”. The character, about eighty meters tall, stands on a round pedestal with the actor’s name on it. The monument, which has been decorating the embankment since 2011, was sculpted by sculptor Andrei Aseryants.
Fountain "Monkey"
- Address: Promyshlennaya st., 13.
The work of sculptor Aseryanets also decorates the courtyard of the wine house. This small fountain has become one of the most famous objects in the resort village. It is made in the form of a monkey sitting on a bottle of champagne. The image of the fountain is associated with real history.
They say that the monkey was Lev Golitsyn's pet, and the winemaker taught it to open bottles. The current fountain has existed since 2008 and is a copy of an earlier object that stood on this site in pre-war times. There is very little information about the original fountain and its fate. Aseryants reproduced it from one single surviving photograph.
Monument to All Lovers
- Address: Art Park.
The metal structure, shaped like a heart, looks elegant and unusual - this is the “Monument to All Lovers.” The inscription next to the object refers to the famous play by W. Shakespeare “Romeo and Juliet”.
There is a belief that this monument fulfills wishes and unites hearts. Just walk under the structure, holding hands with your loved one, and happiness will be eternal. The opening of the monument took place in 2006 and was timed to coincide with St. Valentine's Day.
Monument to the soldiers of the Red Army who died during the liberation of Abrau-Durso
- Address: Gladkova street.
At the resort, not everyone wants to remember the tragic pages of military history. Meanwhile, during the Great Patriotic War, fierce battles were fought in Novorossiysk and its environs; many residents died during the occupation. At the burial site of four soldiers who liberated the village of Abrau-Dyurso in 1943, a monument by sculptor N.K. was erected. Bozhenenko. The stella, which appeared in 1954, is dedicated to the memory of all fellow countrymen who died for their native places.
How to get to Lake Abrau from Gelendzhik and back through Novorossiysk
The distance from Gelendzhik to Lake Abrau is 56 km. By public transport you can get here from Gelendzhik with a transfer in Novorossiysk.
The distance from Gelendzhik to the center of Novorossiysk is 38 km. Buses from Gelendzhik to Novorossiysk run from the Lower (old) bus station and from the central (upper) bus station.
The lower bus station in Gelendzhik is marked on the map with a blue mark with No. 1. From here there are 7 daily flights to Novorossiysk; in the summer it is better to buy bus tickets in advance. Bus schedule to Novorossiysk Lower (old) bus station:
Bus schedule to Novorossiysk from the lower bus station of Gelendzhik
Bus tickets to Novorossiysk are sold at the bus station ticket office; the fare is 98 rubles.
From the central (upper) bus station of Gelendzhik, which is marked on the map with a blue mark with No. 2, there are 3 daily direct flights to Novorossiysk, they depart at 11-10, 15-00 and 18-05.
All buses from Gelendzhik arrive in Novorossiysk at the central bus station, it is marked on the map in blue with No. 3.
Regular buses and minibuses run from Novorossiysk to Abrau-Dyurso from the bus station marked on the map in blue with No. 4. Minibuses run according to occupancy, approximately every 20-40 minutes. Buses run approximately once every 1-1.5 hours.
In Abrau-Durso, minibuses and buses stop directly opposite the winery and the lake embankment; this stop is marked on the map in blue with No. 5.
You can go back from Abrau-Durso to Novorossiysk from the stop marked on the map in blue with No. 6.
Direct buses return from Novorossiysk to Gelendzhik from the bus station according to the schedule indicated in the following photo. There are also many flights passing through the Novorossiysk bus station to Gelendzhik, but in the summer you should not count on them.
Departure times for direct buses from the Novorossiysk bus station to Gelendzhik
Attractions and entertainment in Abrau-Durso
If the question arises, where to go in Abrau-Durso with a child, then you can get a decent answer to it. There are several entertainment spots for children, which, however, will also be interesting for adults.
Venice carousel
- Address: Promyshlennaya st., 18.
One of the city's most famous attractions is modeled after a 19th-century carousel. Young holidaymakers are invited to ride on horseback, in a carriage or in a sleigh - in the best traditions of children's entertainment of the century before last. The elegant object, which looks like a circus tent, immediately attracts the attention of tourists.
Yoga House
- Coordinates on the map: 44.670096, 37.608978.
Lovers of a peaceful atmosphere of relaxation and meditation will pay attention to an interesting object located in the mountains. A small two-story gazebo appeared relatively recently and was nicknamed the “House of Yoga.” It is believed that it is convenient to practice this popular sport and practice other famous eastern practices here. The “house” seems to soar above the rocks. A great place to relax your soul and contemplate the beautiful scenery.
Farm Frenzy Zoo
- Address: tourist complex “My Russia”.
Tourists who come to the My Russia tourist complex with children should not pass by the Funny Farm petting zoo located here, where young visitors can interact with a variety of representatives of the animal world.
The local pets will not please you with anything particularly exotic. The name speaks for itself; most of the animals here are familiar inhabitants of farms. There are goats and lambs, rabbits and calves, and funny chinchilla animals. You can not only see the animals, but also feed them.
Spa complex "Champagne"
- Address: Promyshlennaya st., 38.
In Abrau-Durso, a lot is connected with champagne. The Imperial Hotel has an amazing spa complex where visitors can feel the spirit of “aristocracy” and “beautiful life”. Who hasn't dreamed of swimming in champagne?
The spa offers similar treatments. Here you can take a bath with the addition of an aristocratic sparkling drink, relax your soul and body, experience luxury and improve your health, as champagne has a healing effect.
Sailing Club Abrau Salling
- Address: Promyshlennaya st., 51.
The Abrau-Durso resort also has a place for active recreation. Visitors to the yacht club, which opened in 2021 on Lake Abrau, can get involved in water sports and try themselves as a yachtsman. Experienced instructors work here, ready to teach even beginners the basics of sailing. Classes are held for both adults and children. Taking a yacht and taking a ride on the water surface is an excellent option for a family holiday in Abrau-Durso.
See also attractions
- Psebaya, Tikhoretsk, Mezmaya, Labinsk,
- Slavyansk-on-Kuban, Nebuga,
- Dzhubga, Sukko, Vityazevo, Taman
“Wine City”, one of the most unusual resorts in Russia, a place with an interesting history and an attractive, bright and alluring modernity - all this is Abrau-Durso. At the first opportunity, be sure to visit this city, as it will open you up to a lot of useful and educational things!
