Shamakhi / Shirvan
Phonetic Guide
Azerbaijan's oldest and most ambitious wine region, revived with EU-certified organic viticulture on the foothills of the Greater Caucasus.
Shamakhi/Shirvan is Azerbaijan's premier organic wine region, located 135km west of Baku on the southeast foothills of the Greater Caucasus. Shirvan Wines, established in 2014, became the first Azerbaijani winery to earn EU organic certification, growing from 40 to 160 hectares. The region blends ancient winemaking heritage with modern French-equipped production.
- Located 135km west of Baku on the southeast foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains
- Shirvan Wines (Meysari brand) planted its first vineyard in 2014 with a harvest in 2015
- First Azerbaijani winery to receive EU organic certification
- Vineyards expanded from 40 hectares in 2014 to 160 hectares
- Wine factory built in 2018 equipped with French machinery from Pera
- Annual wine production capacity target of 1.4 million liters
- Archaeological evidence of winemaking in the region dates to the Stone Age
History and Heritage
Shamakhi served as the capital of the Shirvan state in the 9th century and sits atop one of the world's oldest winemaking traditions, with archaeological evidence reaching back to the Stone Age. During the Soviet era, Shamakhi District ranked among the largest vine-growing regions in all of Azerbaijan. After decades of decline, serious commercial wine production was revived in 2014 when Shirvan Wines LLC established its first vineyard, initiating a modern chapter built on organic principles.
- Shamakhi was the capital of the Shirvan state in the 9th century
- One of Azerbaijan's largest vine-growing regions during the Soviet period
- Winemaking heritage supported by Stone Age archaeological evidence
- Commercial revival began in 2014 with the founding of Shirvan Wines
Geography and Climate
The Shamakhi/Shirvan region occupies the southeast foothills of the Greater Caucasus, with vineyards ranging from 300 to 1,000 meters in elevation. The climate is mild, with average annual temperatures between 10.5 and 15.5 degrees Celsius and annual rainfall of 250 to 600mm. Heat summation places the region in Zones III, IV, and V, spanning a wide range of growing conditions. Soils contain volcanic elements, calcium, and limestone, providing well-structured, fertile ground for viticulture.
- Elevation ranges from 300 to 1,000 meters above sea level
- Average annual temperature between 10.5 and 15.5 degrees Celsius
- Soils feature volcanic elements, calcium, and limestone
- Annual rainfall ranges from 250 to 600mm
Grape Varieties and Wine Styles
The region grows an eclectic mix of international and indigenous varieties. Rhone staples including Marselan, Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Carignan, and Mourvèdre anchor the red portfolio, while Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette, and Grenache Blanc represent the whites. Indigenous Azerbaijani varieties including Madrasa, Bayan Shira, Shirvanshahi, and Rkatsiteli add local character. Saperavi, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot round out the range. Shirvan Wines produces dry reds and dry whites under the Meysari brand, with bottlings named Sadaf, Marjan, and Makhmari.
- Indigenous varieties include Madrasa, Bayan Shira, Shirvanshahi, and Rkatsiteli
- Rhone varieties such as Marselan, Mourvèdre, and Grenache Noir are widely planted
- Meysari brand releases include Sadaf, Marjan, and Makhmari
- Production combines modern techniques with traditional winemaking approaches
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Open Wine Lookup →Producers and Production
Shirvan Wines LLC operates under the Meysari brand and stands as the flagship producer of the region. The winery constructed its production facility in 2018, fitted with French equipment from Pera, and targets an annual production capacity of 1.4 million liters. Its EU organic certification is the first of its kind in Azerbaijan. Other notable producers in the broader region include Azgranata Winery and Savalan Winery. The region hosts an annual Wine and Grape Festival that draws thousands of visitors each year.
- Shirvan Wines LLC is the first EU-certified organic producer in Azerbaijan
- Wine factory completed in 2018 with French equipment from Pera
- Production capacity target set at 1.4 million liters annually
- Annual Wine and Grape Festival held in the region
Dry reds from the region tend toward ripe, structured profiles shaped by Rhone varieties like Marselan and Grenache Noir alongside indigenous grapes such as Madrasa. Dry whites reflect the freshness of Marsanne and Roussanne grown at elevation, with local varieties like Bayan Shira and Rkatsiteli adding aromatic complexity. Organic farming across volcanic and limestone soils contributes texture and minerality.
- Meysari Sadaf White$20-35Dry white from Shirvan Wines, Azerbaijan's first EU organic-certified producer, using estate-grown grapes.Find →
- Meysari Marjan Red$20-35Organic dry red from Shirvan Wines blending Rhone varieties grown on volcanic limestone soils at elevation.Find →
- Meysari Makhmari$50-70Premium Meysari bottling produced with French equipment; represents the flagship of the region's modern revival.Find →
- Shirvan Wines (Meysari) established 2014; first harvest 2015; factory built 2018 with French equipment from Pera
- First winery in Azerbaijan to receive EU organic certification
- Vineyards sit at 300 to 1,000 meters on the southeast foothills of the Greater Caucasus, 135km west of Baku
- Key indigenous varieties: Madrasa, Bayan Shira, Shirvanshahi, Rkatsiteli; international varieties include Marselan, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Marsanne, and Roussanne
- Shamakhi was capital of the Shirvan state in the 9th century; region ranked among largest Soviet-era vine-growing areas in Azerbaijan