Azerbaijani Wine: An Ancient Tradition and New Wineries

Winemaking in what is now Azerbaijan goes back to antiquity. Archaeologists have found ancient jars and grape-pressing stones, and classical writers including Herodotus and Strabo mentioned the local wines.

Local grapes

• Madrasa — a red grape from Shamakhi making soft, fruity wines.
• Bayan Shirey — a white grape for dry and sparkling wines.
• Khindogny — a dark, intense variety from Karabakh.
• International grapes grow too: cabernet, merlot, chardonnay, rkatsiteli.

Where to taste

• Shamakhi — the oldest wine region, with several wineries.
• Ismayilli — wineries at the foot of the mountains with tastings and tours.
• Ganja and Tovuz — in the west.
• In Baku — wine bars and restaurants with local wine lists.

Tips

Many wineries welcome visitors by appointment. Combine a tasting with our Ismayilli and Lahij tour, and let a driver handle the road.