Success for Azerbaijani Winemaking: Chabiant (Ismayilli Sharab-2) – Bayan Shira Receives a Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2026

In 2026, Azerbaijani winemaking achieved another important milestone on the international stage. At the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026, Chabiant Bayan Shira 2024 was awarded a Bronze Medal, receiving 88 points on the 100-point scale. This marks the first-ever international recognition of this level for the indigenous Bayan Shira grape variety at the Decanter World Wine Awards, representing a significant achievement not only for Chabiant Winery, but also for the entire Azerbaijani wine industry.

Bayan Shira is one of Azerbaijan's most important indigenous white grape varieties and holds a special place in the country's winemaking heritage. For decades, it has been used to produce both dry and dessert white wines. However, only in recent years have Azerbaijani winemakers begun to fully unlock its potential and introduce it to the international wine community.

Receiving a medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2026 confirms that Azerbaijan's native grape varieties are capable of competing successfully alongside wines from some of the world's most renowned wine regions. For Chabiant, this achievement is especially meaningful, as working with indigenous grape varieties has long been one of the winery's key strategic priorities.

This latest award continues Chabiant's successful journey at international wine competitions. In 2025, Chabiant Madrasa 2021 and Chabiant Saperavi–Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 were both awarded Silver Medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards, receiving 90 and 94 points, respectively. The recognition of Bayan Shira now adds another important chapter to the winery's growing collection of Decanter awards.

For Ismayilli Sharab-2 OJSC, this distinction is not only recognition of the quality of a single wine, but also validation of the company's long-term strategy to preserve, develop, and promote Azerbaijan's national winemaking heritage. Focusing on indigenous grape varieties helps preserve the unique identity of the region while strengthening the international position of Azerbaijani wines.

The Decanter World Wine Awards 2026 medal is yet another demonstration that Azerbaijani winemaking continues to evolve with confidence, and that local grape varieties are capable of proudly representing the country on the world's most respected wine platforms. The success of Chabiant Bayan Shira opens a new chapter in the history of Azerbaijani white wines and creates new opportunities for promoting Azerbaijan's national wine brand across international markets.