First-ever Azerbaijani Grape and Wine Festival is being held in Meysari village of Azerbaijan’s Shamakhi district on August 30-31, Trend reports on Aug. 30.

The event has been organized on the territory of the viticulture and winemaking complex Shirvan Sharablari LLC.

The festival is being held with the support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture, the executive branch of the Shamakhi district, the Regional Development Public Union, the State Tourism Agency and the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum.

The festival is aimed at promoting local production of grapes and wine, increasing the export potential of wine and bringing the history of winemaking in Azerbaijan to the guests’ attention.

Various enlightening and entertainment events dedicated to the viticulture and winemaking and the country’s tourism potential will be conducted during the festival.

The festival opens today. The opening ceremony includes a music program, a parade with the participation of dancers and naghara (musical instrument) performers, an orchestra of wind instruments, and action figures and dolls, which are the emblems of the festival. The guests will be greeted by various mummers in colorful costumes related to winemaking.

The winemakers participating in the event will make presentations about their wineries and present their wine for tasting.

An agricultural fair will be also organized there.

Round table discussions on the problems existing in the country's wine industry, development trends and the issues of local wine supply to the foreign markets will be held during the festival.

The local winemakers, representatives of the corresponding state agencies and foreign experts are taking part in the festival.

Sommelier courses with the participation of international and local experts have been also organized.

A light show will be organized on the lake located on the territory of the complex, and songs will be performed on the yacht.

The concert programs will be held with the participation of Azerbaijani people’s artists Aygun Kazimova, Faig Agayev, Natig Shirinov, Honored Artist Miri Yusif and other famous artists and musical bands. The disco parties will be organized during the festival. The films about winemaking will be shown in the open air.

Before the events, the guests will be able to take part in yoga, karate and gymnastics classes.

Night tours to the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, tours to Lahij village of the Ismayilli district, wine tasting tours to the wineries of the Shamakhi, Ismayilli, Agsu districts will be organized during the festival.

A photo zone will also be organized.