HOUSE-MUSEUM OF VIN FILATOV (KHOVRENKO)
In Zoroastrianism, which once dominated Central Asia, the ritual of drinking wine, the healing properties of which were already revealed at that time, was given quite a lot of importance. Wine was consumed both during celebrations and during certain rituals. The Greco-Bactrian culture, brought by Alexander the Great, also did not prohibit the use of wine, but rather stimulated the development of winemaking in the region, because wine played a big role in the life of the Greeks. Even then it was noticed that grape varieties grown on the territory of modern Samarkand have a particularly sweet taste. This is of great importance in winemaking. Unfortunately, in the 7th-8th centuries, the Arab conquerors began the systematic destruction of vineyard plantings suitable for wine production, and the cultivation of raisin varieties in their place. Winemaking in Uzbekistan received a new birth in 1868 thanks to the Russian entrepreneur D.M.Filatov.
He organized the production of Uzbek wines, which gained great fame in the world wine market of that time. Filatov carried out not only the production of wine, but also the breeding of new varieties of grapes. One of the varieties he bred, "Biishty", received a gold medal in 1883 at the International Exhibition of Wines and Cognacs in Paris. In connection with the liquidation of private entrepreneurship by the Soviet government, Filatov had to abandon his activities. During his work, he managed to collect a unique collection of wines. Not wanting to hand it over to the Soviets, Filatov hid it. Later, Filatov's plant was headed by M.A. Khovrenko. Being very gifted, Khovrenko was able not only to save, but also to increase the achievements of his predecessor. The gold reserves of Filatov's wine were discovered 50 years later. At present, most of them are exhibits of the Filatov House-Museum, opened at the winery. Professor Khovrenko. The plant has its own tasting room, where tastings of wines produced here are held. Local wines have an exceptional tart taste and aroma.
