Uzbekistan — wine

Samarkand Wine Region

One of the world's most historically significant wine regions, centered on the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand in eastern Uzbekistan. Archaeological evidence places grape cultivation and wine production here over 4,000 years ago. Despite the predominance of Islam since the 8th century AD, viticulture persisted for table grapes and grape products, with commercial winemaking reviving in the Soviet era and continuing today. Uzbek wines — primarily from Rkatsiteli, Bayan Shirey, and Saperavi — offer a unique link to wine's ancient Central Asian roots.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Best recent vintage; international curiosity in ancient wine regions driving exports.
2022 Consistent quality; Turkish investment in Uzbek wine industry improving production standards.
2021 Strong season; Silk Road wine tourism beginning to attract adventurous wine travelers.
2020 Reliable vintage; Uzbekistan's wine heritage gaining appreciation from natural wine community.
2019 Improved quality from new German technical consulting at major Samarkand wineries.
2018 Solid harvest; domestic Uzbek market for wine small but growing in urban centres.
2017 Strong season; Uzbekistan's wine export potential attracting foreign investment attention.
2016 Reliable continental vintage; Samarkand's arid conditions provided consistent quality.