Azerbaijan's wine country: Ganja, Gabala and the Madrasa grape
Azerbaijan has a long, interrupted winemaking history and a modern revival in the west. Where to taste it, and the local grapes worth knowing.
A revival in the west
Winemaking in Azerbaijan goes back centuries, centred on the Ganja–Gabala region in the west, but it was interrupted for much of the 20th century. A modern revival has brought boutique estates working with both international varieties and local grapes.
Grapes and estates
Look for the local Madrasa (a red) and Bayanshira (a white) alongside familiar international varieties. Wineries such as Savalan (Aspi) near Gabala have led the revival, and tastings are easy to add to a Gabala or Baku itinerary.
How to taste it
A winery visit pairs naturally with mountain Gabala or the Silk Road town of Sheki, and we can build a tasting into a wider Azerbaijan trip. It's a lesser-known side of the country that surprises most first-timers.