Bagizagan Winery: A Wine Oasis Near Samarkand

Bagizagan is more than just a name; it's a prominent symbol in Uzbekistan's wine industry. Much like how the words "Champagne" and "Cognac" have become synonymous with their regions of origin, Bagizagan is on its path to acquiring a similar iconic status. But what does this exotic name represent?

Bagizagan signifies a trio of elements: a brand of wine, vineyards, and a winery located on the outskirts of Samarkand. Midway through the 20th century, this site, just 15 kilometers east of Samarkand, was nothing more than an ordinary wine cellar for grape collection and processing at the renowned Khovrenko Factory. Today, it has evolved into a massive, autonomous winery with a history spanning over six decades, hundreds of hectares of vineyards, and superb wines that have found their way to the CIS countries, Thailand, China, and Japan.

Such a transformation has been made possible due to the area's distinctive natural conditions and moderate climate. Nutrients are brought in by the Zeravshan River, the sun shines almost year-round, and the closeness to the mountains establishes a balanced temperature. The result is timely-ripened grapes with a rich, distinct flavor. The winery's founders were successful in patenting the uniqueness of this land, making "Bagizagan" an exclusive title for wines grown in this region.

Bagizagan's history started in 1964 with the establishment of a grape collection and processing unit at the Samarkand Winery named after Khovrenko. The unit's lead was Kazimov, whose brother later went on to open his own winery. In 1993, following Uzbekistan's independence, the winery was privatized and restructured into a full-cycle wine production facility. By 2003, to avoid dependency on neighboring farmers amidst stiff competition for quality grapes, Bagizagan Winery leased 400 hectares of land to cultivate its own grapes. In 2007, the first harvest produced the new Select wine, which has maintained its popularity to this day.

In 2009, the winery branched out into cognac production, now offering patrons the chance to sample their 12-year-old Tanbour cognac. Beyond wine and cognac, the Bagizagan Winery also crafts vermouth infused with mountain herbs and a special Georgian beverage, "Chacha".

In terms of growth, at the outset, a mere 12 people worked at Bagizagan, processing around 300 tons of grapes. As the 2010s dawned, the team expanded to a staggering 700 employees, processing over 7,000 tons of grapes annually and bottling up to 500,000 alcoholic beverages per month. With a significant technical upgrade in 2015, the winery has since refined their wine making process to an art form.

The vineyards of Bagizagan are home to a variety of grape types, with the main ones being Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Rkatsiteli, Kuldzhinsky, and Bayan Shirey. Merlot and Chardonnay, introduced in 2000, saw their entire lifecycle from planting to wine production guided by expert technologists from France. The resulting wine showcased a distinctive profile, not necessarily better or worse, but uniquely different, with its own flavor notes imparted by the local water and soil. The Bagizagan Chardonnay, in particular, has been celebrated for its unique flavor notes, earning it high praise from wine aficionados.

The wine selection at the Bagizagan winery is vast. Their most popular blended wines, crafted from Saperavi and Cabernet varieties, offer a delightful bouquet of vanilla, berries, and wildflowers. White wine is produced from the Rkatsiteli variety, but there's also a blended dry white "Bagizagan" wine made from Riesling, Bayan Shirey, and Kuldjinskiy varieties. The dry red "Bagizagan" wine features a blend of Cabernet, Isabella, and Tavquerie varieties.

What sets this winery apart is its commitment to organic wine production. The grapes are nurtured under natural conditions, fueled by sunlight and clean water, without resorting to chemical enhancements to boost their flavor. The soil is enriched only with cattle manure and pure sulfur.

Bagizagan Winery is constantly evolving, continually broadening its product offerings. The leadership has ambitious plans: they aim to expand the vineyard acreage, create more jobs, resurrect old grape varieties, and further solidify Uzbekistan's reputation as a country with a robust winemaking industry. The winery's accomplishments can be witnessed first-hand during their informative tours, offering everyone the opportunity to discover why Bagizagan's wines are the most popular in Uzbekistan. A wine tasting forms part of the tour experience, giving visitors a chance to sample the winery's exquisite offerings.

For guests' convenience, Bagizagan has opened a themed boutique hotel near the railway station in Samarkand. The hotel features a tasting cellar, a restaurant, and comfortable rooms for accommodation, allowing guests to enjoy the full Bagizagan experience without having to venture far.

Embark on a tasting journey at the Bagizagan winery and its tasting hall in Samarkand, a sensory expedition available for a modest fee of $48 (as of the beginning of 2024). This tasting adventure will unravel before you six distinctive types of wine, a tantalizing trio of brandies, and an introduction to the robust Georgian spirit, Chacha with different kinds of cheese, seasonal fruits, nuts and crackers. Open your senses to these tasting experiences from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with Sunday off.