BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. The Grape and
Wine Festival, bringing together viticulture and winemaking
traditions, national music and a festive atmosphere, began on
September 19 in Meysari village of Shamakhi.
The two-day festival is being held in Meysari village of
Shamakhi District, organized by the Shamakhi District Executive
Authority, Abqora restaurant and the Nasimi Gardens complex.
Festival guests were welcomed with performances by national wind
and percussion instrument ensembles. A ceremonial parade of wine
producers was held accompanied by a drum show.
Held for the fifth time, the festival aims to promote local
grape and wine production, increase the export potential of wine
products, inform the general public about the history of
viticulture and winemaking in Azerbaijan and the work carried out
in this field, and contribute to expanding the region’s tourism
opportunities.
Speaking at the opening of the festival, head of the Shamakhi
District Executive Authority Tahir Mammadov said that these days
are marked by significant events for Shamakhi. According to him,
during the visit of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban
Aliyeva to Shamakhi, a number of important tourism and cultural
facilities, including hotels, recreation centers, creative and
cultural venues, were opened. These projects serve to further
expand the tourism and cultural potential of the district.
The head of the executive authority emphasized that not only
district residents but also all visitors to Shamakhi benefit from
the development projects being implemented in the district.
Tahir Mammadov said that the Grape and Wine Festival, which has
already become a tradition, makes an important contribution to
promoting Shamakhi’s rich viticulture and winemaking traditions,
increasing the district’s tourism appeal and supporting the
socio-economic development of the region.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov
said that the festival contributes to the development of
viticulture and winemaking in Azerbaijan, the formation of wine
culture and the promotion of local wines.
The minister noted that viticulture and winemaking are sectors with
ancient traditions in Azerbaijan. According to him, important
achievements have been made in the development of viticulture and
winemaking as a result of the attention and support provided by the
state to the sector.
Majnun Mammadov particularly highlighted the work of grape
growers, noting that farmers make significant efforts to grow
high-quality grapes, deliver the produce to processing facilities
and ensure the winemaking process. The minister also highly
appreciated the work of winemakers and technologists involved in
producing high-quality wines.
This was followed by performances of examples of national
dances, including the “Grape” dance, which reflects viticulture
traditions.
Festival participants had an opportunity to learn more about
Azerbaijan’s ancient viticulture and winemaking traditions, as well
as the country’s rich tourism potential. Various entertainment
programs and shows were presented to visitors.
The festival, held on the premises of the Shirvan Wines LLC
viticulture and winemaking complex in Meysari village, featured
various brands presenting their grape products.
Entertainment activities organized throughout the day for
different age groups added to the festival program. Guests took
part in various competitions and quizzes.
An interesting program was also prepared for the festival’s
youngest guests. In the children’s entertainment zone, they took
part in interactive games and various activities and danced and had
fun with animators.
On the first day of the festival, which continued until the
evening, popular singers Roza Zergerli, Kazim Can and Joseph U.O,
as well as DJ Kamon, performed.
The Grape and Wine Festival will continue on September 20.
