Azerbaijani winemaking: Traditions and ambitions - REPORT

Every autumn, the picturesque hills of Azerbaijan's Shamakhi turn into a real center of wine art and cultural traditions of the country. It is here, among the vineyards, that one of the most long-awaited and vibrant holidays was born – the Wine and Grape Festival. This unique festival not only attracts tourists and locals, but also preserves centuries-old traditions of winemaking, strengthening the culture and economy of the region.

History and Future of Winemaking

The world associates different countries with their unique drinks. Azerbaijan, with its ancient traditions of winemaking and magnificent natural conditions, has not been able to promote its drinks at the international level until recently. Whereas the history of Azerbaijani winemaking received a new impetus at the end of the 19th century, when German wine and cognac specialists settled in the regions of Shamkir, Tovuz, Goygol and Fuzuli, where they planted vineyards. They appreciated the unique natural conditions of these lands, comparing them with the best wine regions of Europe. Winemaking became an important part of the economy of these regions, and the quality of local wines quickly increased.

Winemaking in Shamakhi also has ancient roots and has been one of the important crafts of the region for centuries. Due to the mild climate and fertile soil, this area is ideal for growing grapes. Winemakers of the region pass on the secrets of wine production from generation to generation, preserving unique grape varieties such as madrasa and other autochthonous species.

One of the indicators of the revival of winemaking in the country is the annual Wine and Grape Festival in Shamakhi, which attracts not only local residents, but also many foreign tourists. The third festival, held on September 7-8 in the village of Meysari in the Shamakhi region, brought together thousands of people, including both tourists and representatives of the wine industry. As part of the event, 23 wine brands offer their products to festival guests, and the festive atmosphere filled with music, dancing and tastings leaves an unforgettable impression.

Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency Fuad Nagiyev and other officials took part in the opening ceremony of the festival.

In his speech, the head of the Executive Authority of the Shamakhi region Tahir Mammadov noted that the tourism potential of the region is enormous. Once known solely as an agricultural region, Shamakhi is now actively developing agrotourism and other tourism areas:

"Today's event is part of the model for the development of the tourism sector," said Mammadov, adding that the new concept for tourism development in the region is already bearing fruit. He emphasized that thanks to cultural traditions such as poetry, music and carpet weaving, as well as historical monuments, Shamakhi can offer tourists a unique experience, and this festival is just part of this new approach.

Kanan Guluzade, Advisor to the Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, also spoke at the opening ceremony, noting the importance of the festival. "This festival has already taken its place in the tourism calendar. This is perhaps the most professional, most delicious and most fun festival in Azerbaijan," Guluzade noted, adding that the festival will expand every year and may acquire an international character.

He noted that winemaking in Azerbaijan is currently experiencing a new stage of development, and the traditions of viticulture and winemaking in the country are very ancient and rich.

Guluzade also emphasized that for two years now, wines from the territories liberated from occupation have been presented at this festival, and reported that wines from the village of Tug in the Khojavend region and other places have been brought.

He invited all the guests to taste authentic Karabakh wines, noting the importance of promoting local winemaking among both local and foreign tourists. Wine tourism routes covering the northern and western corridors of Azerbaijan are becoming one of the most successful in Europe, and the festival in Shamakhi plays an important role in their development.

"Our successes are growing from year to year. I think you have gathered here not so much to enjoy words as to enjoy wine. So let your glasses be full," Guluzade emphasized.

Noting that more than 4,000 participants were pre-booked on the first day of the festival, the representative of the State Agency expressed confidence that today, on the second day of the festival, there will be even more participants. "In general, the number of festival participants is growing from year to year," he concluded.

A Feast of All Senses

The Wine and Grape Festival in Shamakhi is not only a fair with various wine varieties, but also a wide range of cultural events. This is a bright show where everyone will find something for themselves. Folk music concerts, dance performances, master classes on cooking traditional dishes - all this creates the atmosphere of a real Caucasian holiday. Guests can not only taste wine, but also buy local products, souvenirs and, of course, wine.

Winemakers are happy to share the secrets of their craft, talking about ancient traditions and innovative production methods.

The festival also includes concerts, exhibitions of artisans, traditional Azerbaijani dances and musical performances. This makes the holiday truly diverse and interesting for guests of all ages. Particular attention is paid to traditions and culture: at the fair you can try national dishes and buy folk art products.

Economic importance of the festival

The festival plays an important role not only in preserving the cultural heritage, but also in developing tourism and the wine industry of Azerbaijan. Every year it attracts more and more foreign guests, which contributes to the development of the region and increased interest in Azerbaijani wines at the international level.

The festival supports local winemakers, opening up new opportunities for them to promote their products and exchange experiences with international colleagues. This not only contributes to the popularization of Azerbaijani wines, but also helps develop the country's export potential. Foreigners present at the festival literally enjoyed the event. And one could see bottles of wine in everyone's hands, both local and foreign guests of the festival. Pleasant impressions of the festival, which they can tell their relatives and friends about, as well as give them a taste of the drink purchased in Shamakhi, will awaken even more interest in our country.

Today, Azerbaijan is making significant strides in the production of wine and liqueurs, striving to establish itself as a country with world-class products. The natural conditions of some regions of the country, such as Shamakhi, Shamkir, Goygol, Aghdam, Fuzuli and Jalilabad regions, are in no way inferior to the famous wine regions of France, Spain, Chile and Portugal. Local grape varieties, such as Rkatsiteli, have a high technological sweetness, which is the key to quality wine.

As for the wine brands offered at the festival, among them there are such brands of wine, which, according to experienced tasters, are in no way inferior to world brands - both in taste and in environmental friendliness.

It is worth noting that Azerbaijan has also begun producing new wine brands, which, according to experienced tasters, can compete with world brands. One of the promising varieties is Khindoghni wine, produced in Hadrut from unique grapes grown in the village of Tug. This variety has the potential to become one of the calling cards of Azerbaijani winemaking in the international arena.

In the future, the festival in Shamakhi may turn from just an entertainment event into a platform for discussing current issues in winemaking. Winemakers, experts and wine lovers from all over the world will gather here to share experiences, discuss new trends and outline plans for the future.

Impact on culture and tourism

Thanks to the festival, Shamakhi is becoming an even more attractive destination for tourists interested in the culture, history and gastronomy of Azerbaijan. The region offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historical monuments and traditional culture, making it an ideal place to organize such events.

This event helps to strengthen the ties between the cities and regions of Azerbaijan, developing domestic tourism and promoting the exchange of cultural experiences.

By the way, we would like to remind that Azerbaijan is a member of the Iter Vitis cultural route on tangible and intangible wine heritage, created by the Council of Europe and the European Institute of Cultural Routes to promote wine heritage and wine tourism, as well as sustainable tourism, uniting wine routes of 20 countries.

Therefore, the Wine and Grape Festival in Shamakhi can be considered not just a holiday, but an important cultural and economic event. It unites traditions, history and modern opportunities of winemaking, making Azerbaijan one of the brightest wine countries in the region. This festival shows how ancient traditions can live in the modern world, bringing joy and benefit to people, contributing to the development of tourism and strengthening the economy.

So, if you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a real Caucasian holiday and try the best wines of the region, then the festival in Shamakhi is exactly the place you need.

Photo: Vugar Khanlarov