The museum wine

After the conquest of Central Asia by the Russian Empire, well-known businessmen and entrepreneurs from Russia began to come here to establish and promote their business. Thus, the development of new niches by foreign specialists has begun in all spheres of industry in Uzbekistan. 

So, in 1868, Russian winemaker and businessman Dmitry Filatov opened the first wine production plant in Uzbekistan. Filatov became interested in Samarkand, as it was here that he discovered a unique grape variety, the sugar content of which reaches a record 25%, instead of the usual 16%. Filatov quickly established the production of wine on an industrial scale and already in the XIX century he was able to enter the world market. 

In addition, Dmitry Filatov was a talented breeder who brought out new grape varieties, including the “Biishty” variety, which translates as “paradise".

Gradually, the products of the winemaking plant in Samarkand began to be recognized on the world stage. Thus, at the Paris exhibition of wines and cognac, samples of wine from Samarkand received the highest award, thereby gaining worldwide recognition. After this resounding victory, connoisseurs and collectors of wines from all over the world began to come to Samarkand. 

Dmitry Filatov created his personal, unique collection of wines, of which he was very proud. However, during the Soviet era, when any private property was prohibited, Filatov was forbidden to engage in entrepreneurial activity. Before stopping the work, Filatov securely hid his collection of wines, which was accidentally discovered during the restoration of the plant 50 years later. 

After the reconstruction, the plant was headed by a taster, scientist, breeder, chemist, winemaker and professor – Mikhail Aleksandrovich Khovrenko. He preserved and significantly expanded the collection of Dmitry Filatov's wines. In addition, he also created new grape varieties and systematized all types of wine. 

At the factory, which later became known as Khovrenko, a museum was opened, where today the golden collection of Filatov wines is exhibited. On the territory of the museum there is a tasting room, an auction where you can buy wines from the collection and expand your knowledge about the history of Samarkand winemaking and the history of the plant itself. 

The plant still participates in international exhibitions and competitions, where it wins numerous awards. One such example is the contest "Best Product 2014", which was held in Moscow, where three types of products were awarded silver and gold medals at once: Samarkand balm (gold medal), vintage brandy "Samarkand" and vintage wine "Gulya-Kandoz" (silver medals).

The Museum of Winemaking at the M.A. Khovrenko Winery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Samarkand.