Local winery tour
Samarkand’s climate offers an abundance of sunshine, making it a perfect location for the production of various fruits. Among these fruits are grapes, which normally grow quite sweet because of the ample sun exposure. This, in turn, produces a sweeter wine, which the region has become famous for.
One place where you can learn more about this is the Khovrenko Winery, which was started in 1868 by a Russian merchant, Dmitry Filatov, who planted the vineyards and began the wine-making process. His enterprise began by following Russian troops as they invaded other territories and setting up trading houses in the new settlements. Upon deciding to settle in Samarkand, Filatov started producing wine on a much larger scale by the year 1900.
Over the years, new technologies have been introduced for wine production, along with new grape varieties producing an array of wine styles. Today, these varieties can all be sampled at the Khovrenko Winery, along with brandy and vodka. Onsite vineyard tours are also available. The history of this winery, as well as its numerous international awards, are showcased at the Filatov Winemaking Museum located within the winery.