Count Vorontsov’s mother-in-law, A. V. Branitskaia, purchased Massandra from Sof’ia Pototskaia and placed it in her son-in-law’s control until her grandson, for whom she intended the estate, reached maturity.
Largely by virtue of its productive vineyards and orchards, Massandra became the economic crown jewel of Vorontsov’s holdings, while Alupka acquired the most fame.