Baku, March 29, AZERTAC As one of the main wine producers in the Caspian Sea region, Azerbaijan has an ancient history of winemaking, which is proven by archeological findings in different regions of the country.Archeologists have found jars with remains of wine buried in Goygol region, and stone fermentation and storage vessels that included residue and grape seeds in the digs of settlements in Kultapa, Karabakhlar and Galajig. All the findings date back to the second millennium BCE.The culture of wine-making was enriched with arrival of German immigrants to the region in the early 19th century. German immigrants from Württemberg – especially Vohrer Brothers and the Hummel family - enhanced the wine and cognac producing potential of the country by heavy investments into the industry in Goygol. Currently, there are nearly 10 wineries and vineyards producing wine in Azerbaijan. The largest one is Vinagro, created in 2006. It uses the Goygol Wine Plant near Ganja founded in 1860 by German refugees – Shwabs, who founded Yelenendorf Settlement by settling down an area in Elizabethpol province, in Goygol region. Now Goygol Wine Plant has 525 hectares of the vineyards transplanted in 2006-2008 where grow native and European high-quality selection variety of grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sira, Pino-Naur, Prima, Saperavi, Mattress, Shirvanshahi; Chaurdenе, Sauvignon, Rkasiteli, Uni-Blan, Grenash white, the Bayan-Shirey, Sultani. Vinagro produces wines and cognac spirit, vintage wines, madeira, ports and cahors wine. Due to growing demand (Russian and Chinese market), new grape plantations have been set up over 100 hectares in Shamkir region.Exports to other countries are steadily growing due to the good quality of Azerbaijani wine products. Since the restoration of Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, the Azerbaijani wines have won many prizes at international competitions.