Welcome to Georgia, a country nestled in the heart of the Caucasus, where winemaking has been perfected for over ages.
A Journey Through Time: The Qvevri Method
Have you heard about the fascinating Georgian qvevri winemaking method?
This practice, passed down by generations, connects today’s wine lovers with ancient times. The qvevri tradition shapes local communities’ lifestyles and is an integral aspect of their cultural identity and heritage. In the fertile region of Kakheti, grapes are handpicked and crushed.
What happens next is something truly unique—the grape juice, along with its skins, stems, and seeds, is sealed in large, underground, egg-shaped clay vessels called Qvevri.
While in neighboring Armenia, also renowned for its rich wine heritage, Karases (clay pots) were partially buried underground, in Georgia, Qvevris were fully submerged, allowing the wine to ferment for five to six months to awaken its distinctive and rich flavor. The following stages of wine aging and maturing also take place in Qvevris. Early Qvevri makers featured markings on the neck of the qvevri vessels. Today, diverse markings on old qvevris reveal the maker, origin, and date of production, helping identify their specific location and source.
Qvevri’s unique wine making method is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Treasure Trove of Georgian Grape Varieties
Georgia’s viticultural heritage shines through its more than 500 indigenous grape varieties, each with its own story to tell and renowned wineries.
If you are drawn to robust and rich flavor wines, a glass of Saperavi—embodiment of the deep and intense flavor and texture of ruby-red grape, awaits you. A bottle of qvevri further fuels your passion for bold flavors with its distinctive berry notes. While Rkatsiteli, a delicate white grape, produces fresh, floral wines which are a must to sip for those who opt for more subtle and aromatic experiences.
Some of the most renowned wineries in Georgia is Koncho & Co, located at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, where its vineyards benefit from protection against rain and wind, along with schiefer stone-rich soil that imparts a remarkable full-bodied and powerful taste to its grape varieties. In the picturesque Kakheti region, Vaziani Winery stands out as a prestigious producer, alongside Bolero & Co, which proudly owns extensive vineyards and distilleries that dominate wine production in this fertile land.
Wine and Culture: An Inseparable Bond
In Georgia, wine is more than a drink; it is a way of life.
During a traditional “supra,” a festive meal, the table overflows with wine. The “tamada,” known as toastmaster, offers toasts filled with poetry and wisdom, while friends and family gather around, sharing laughter, singing, and dancing the night away.
Wine Routes and Adventure for the Senses
Visit the enchanting vineyards of Kakheti, where you can indulge in exquisite wine tours and tastings that celebrate the rich heritage of Georgian winemaking.
Or let yourself be carried away to this magical land by opening a bottle of Georgian wine. Whether you choose Koncho Rkatsiteli Qvevri, Sabado Grand Aladasturi, or Ocho Rkatsiteli Mtsvane wine, each sip brings you closer to the soul of Georgia.
Cheers to a journey of discovery through the world of Georgian wines!
