A short drive from Baku, Marandi is one of Azerbaijan’s foremost new-breed wineries, welcoming to visitors and producing a growing range of well-balanced wines, many grown in the Fireland vineyards that lie on the Absheron Peninsula between two salt lakes, close to some intriguing mud volcanoes. In all, some 15 grape varieties are now cultivated on 160 hectares of land producing several wine ranges: refined Yalli, premium Terra Caspea and Terra Caucasea plus the softer, easy-drinking Ilkin table wines. Tours include browsing the factory, tastings, and lunch or dinner with dishes including fish from the nearby Caspian Sea.