Uzumfermer Winery, Tashkent

Uzumfermer is a cozy family-run winery nestled on the outskirts of Tashkent. Spread over 21 hectares, the Akhunov family has created a paradise where visitors can stroll through a beautiful garden, wander among rows of grapevines, observe the winemaking process, and, of course, taste the finest Uzbek wines in shaded outdoor areas or at a restaurant with mountain views.

The story of Uzumfermer Winery began in 2008 when Rashid and Zimfira Akhunov, both physicists by training, purchased a hectare of land and built a country home for their family's leisure. This country plot, initially an escape and hobby, where they planted fruit trees and established a garden, eventually led to the creation of vineyards in 2014 through trial and error and learning about the land and agriculture. Their first grape harvest in 2017 marked the winery's growth, with the family receiving a development loan. Today, the vineyard spans 15 hectares, cultivating 100 grape varieties and producing 100 tons of grapes annually.

In 2018, Uzumfermer Winery introduced Italian equipment, facilitating industrial production and elevating the final product to European standards. By 2020, a wine cellar was established for long-term storage, annually housing 50 bottles of each wine variety. That same year, Kamila, the founders' daughter, alongside her husband, launched their own winery, MSA, producing premium organic wines.

The vineyards at Uzumfermer deserve special mention for employing six international and one proprietary cultivation method named "voish". Renowned varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Saperavi, and Hadji Murat thrive here, overseen by over 50 employees, a number that doubles during the seasonal peak. Harvest begins in late July, with the final grapes picked in October.

Uzumfermer's wine selection includes 11 types of white, red, rosé, and fruit wines, ranging from dry to sweet. Notable labels include Jupiter, Dali, Muscatel, Nuara, and Sotelli. Additionally, a Beaujolais Nouveau festival is celebrated in late November, featuring tastings of young wines.

The winery grounds boast a large garden, a restaurant with a terrace, and a small hotel. The garden, covering a hectare, features 1,500 plant and tree species, a pond in Eastern style, gazebos, and other design elements, offering a glimpse into the atmospheres of Japan, China, Italy, and Russia. The restaurant serves European cuisine, while terrace dining showcases Uzbek wines against the backdrop of the Chimgan Mountains. The hotel, with 10 rooms, caters to true wine aficionados wishing to immerse themselves in Uzbek winemaking.

Today, Uzumfermer regularly hosts tours for those interested. Guests can explore the garden and vineyards, participate in a tasting of five wine types, and sometimes join in the grape harvest. The tours provide insights into the production process, the characteristics of each grape variety, and may include various workshops. The garden is also a popular spot for fairytale-like photoshoots among Tashkent's residents.

Visiting the family-owned Uzumfermer Winery is one of the best ways to spend a splendid day in Tashkent, especially from July to October, when the grapes are basking in the sun's energy. Moreover, located just 17 km from downtown Tashkent, it's a convenient half-hour journey from anywhere in the city.