History and establishment

The winery was founded in 1982 as “Ismayilli Sharab-2” in the Ismailli region on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, at around 750 m altitude. Originally, it operated as a Soviet state-owned winery focused on mass production. A major modernization occurred in 2010. In 2017, the Chabiant brand was launched, aiming to produce youthful, modern wines that highlight local indigenous grape varieties. Italian oenologists were invited to implement European viticulture and winemaking practices while preserving regional traditions.

Terroir and production

Chabiant oversees over 250 hectares of vineyards, cultivating both local Caucasian and international European grape varieties. Harvest takes place manually, followed by on-site processing and bottling. The climate features significant day-night temperature shifts, which help preserve acidity and flavor concentration in the grapes. The estate includes a guesthouse complex with a restaurant, bar, wine cellar, and accommodations, making it a notable destination for wine tourism.

Wine varieties

The wines are available in two main ranges: Entry Line and Classic Line, differentiated by style categories (white dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, red dry, rosé):

White Dry:

• Bayan Shira — a local grape known for its citrus acidity.

• Rkatsiteli-Mtsvane — a Georgian-origin white variety, often presented as a single-varietal wine.

Rosé Dry:

• Madrasa Rosé — made entirely from the indigenous Madrasa red grape.

Red Dry:

• 40th Anniversary Saperavi — single-varietal Saperavi, deeply colored and intense.

• Saperavi–Cabernet Sauvignon — a blend of Georgian Saperavi and Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Madrasa Red — a mono-varietal expression of Madrasa.

• Vino Nuovo and Vino Raro — limited-edition releases, premium and experimental styles.

The Entry Line also includes basic versions of Bayan Shira, Rkatsiteli-Mtsvane, Madrasa Rosé, and other foundational red and white wines.

Interesting facts

• Chabiant focuses on promoting Azerbaijan’s wine culture, particularly indigenous varieties, and hosts wine festivals like young-wine harvest events.

• The winery blends Soviet-era vintage infrastructure with modernized equipment — an interesting fusion of old tanks with new Italian-made systems.

• It features its own accommodation, “Chateau Monolit,” complete with a pool, restaurants, and country-style ambience.

• The estate offers wine tourism packages, including tours, tastings, food pairings, and live events.

• Italian experts played a central role in developing and positioning the brand, working to respect local tradition while achieving modern quality standards.