Sharg Ulduzu
Close to Shamkir, backed by starkly arid hills, is the Sharg Ulduzu (Şərq Ulduzu) winery. Meaning ‘Star of the East’, Sharg Ulduzu produces a range of dry red single grape wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz (Syrah), Merlot, Saperavi) along with blends in which a traditional cooling technique stops fermentation to produce low-alcohol semi-sweet wines maintaining much of the natural sugar. Examples include Shemkirskaya Krepost (Şəmkir Qalası or Merlot-Cabernet-Sauvignon), Shishtapa (Şiştəpə or Saperavi-Merlot) and Skazka Vostoka (Şərq Nağılı or Saperavi-Tavkveri). The whites follow a similar pattern and include a decent, dry Bayan Shira.
The winery organises tours of the site and tastings of the various wines produced there, accompanied by tasty snacks. Also included is a guided tour of the Sharg Ulduzu Museum, which offers a glimpse into the winemaking traditions of the area around Shamkir.
