A Georgian and international team of scientists started a research project. The results were fascinating. Biomolecular research of 8,000-year-old clay vessels confirmed the presence of organic acids typical of wine. According to this discovery, wine was made in these qvevris 8,000 years ago. This remarkable discovery has put Georgia on a list of must-visit places for connoisseurs of wine.

What’s the oldest wine like, and how is it made?

If we could have a chance to try the oldest wine made in clay vessels, it would probably taste similar to Georgian amber wines. Georgians have the longest continuous tradition of winemaking, and they are still using the so-called qvevri method to make famous Georgian amber and deep red wines.

How exactly does the qvevri method work? Qvevri is an egg or, as Georgians say, a womb-shaped clay vessel, often with a capacity of 500-1.500 liters. It is buried in the ground where Mother Earth helps by maintaining a constant temperature for fermentation and aging. From the beginning, crushed grapes without any waste with skins, pips, and stalks are placed in qvevri for fermentation.

Once the fermentation is completed and the cap starts to sink, the qvevri is capped with stone or glass lids for further maturation. From this moment, as the womb of the mother guarantees the fetus a safe home until a new life is born. The same is Qvevri for wine. Newborn qvevri wine is organic and natural, with distinct colours and complex flavors.

The qvevri winemaking method, a tradition deeply rooted in Georgia’s cultural heritage, is proudly listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition underscores the method’s unique cultural significance and its role in shaping Georgia’s vibrant wine culture.

Mountains of grapes

For wine enthusiasts who also appreciate stunning landscapes, a visit to Georgia is a must. Nestled at the Black Sea coast between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, Georgia is rightly called the Pearl of the Caucasus. Imagine sipping Georgian wine while gazing at vineyards set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. It’s a view that will inspire and enchant you.

Georgia is not a big country; only about 69700 sq. km dominate the mountains, but much of the country hosts vineyards. It has more than 55,000 hectares of vineyards and 525 indigenous grape varieties.

Not surprisingly, most people don’t buy wine in a country with eight thousand years of winemaking history and more than 500 grape varieties. They simply make it themselves. Everyone literally makes their own wine.

In every town, you will find farmer’s markets dedicated only to selling grapes, so people who do not own their vineyards come here and buy as many grapes as they need. Georgians, Men or women, young or old, living in the countryside or a block of flats, all make their own wine. Everyone here is deeply and truly in love with winemaking. This passion and dedication to the vineyards and wine shapes Georgia as the world’s most vibrant wine culture.

Where to try Georgian wine?

As simple as it sounds, the answer is everywhere in Georgia. Whether wandering in the narrow streets of old Tbilisi, visiting wine regions like Kakheti, Imereti, or Kartli, or hiking in the mountains, you will encounter numerous wine bars, cafes, and restaurants providing a good choice of local wine. It will be challenging to find any non-Georgian wine, though. Some, if not most, wine shops even offer free wine tasting.

You can always opt for guided tours at big wine factories; however, what really will be a lifetime experience is visiting local farmers owning centuries-old family wine cellars. These farmers, with their extraordinary enthusiasm and charisma, will introduce you to their way of winemaking. This process ends with a Supra-a table full of Georgian dishes perfectly combined with local amber and red wines.

If you choose Georgia as your next destination, you opt for a wine tour anyway, as everything is about wine here. Remember breathtaking landscapes and delicious food. However, booking at least a one-day wine tour in one of the Georgian winemaking regions will be wise. Ensure you are not missing the lifetime experience of being part of this celebration, which is for Georgians, introducing their food and wine culture to their guests, who are considered a gift from God here. So be ready to be treated like that.

Top 5 Georgian wines to try

Choosing a wine to try in a country with 525 varieties of grapes must be challenging. Every region offers a variety of white or red wines. Even though you might be encouraged to try most of them, it will be easier to know which wines are considered best by both locals and guests.

1. Saperavi (sah-peh-rah-vee) (red) – This is a full-bodied red dry wine characterized by aromas of ripe red berries. It matches a variety of dishes, including delicate fish dishes, stews, grilled meat, or game.

2. Khvanchkara(red) – Naturally semi-sweet wine is produced from Alexanrouli and Mujuretuli grape varieties, harvested in the Khvanchkara micro zone, Racha region. The wine has a dark ruby color. It is characterized by a velvety taste, pleasant sweetness, and acidity. The aromas of strawberries, berries, and blackberries are felt.

3. Kisi (white) – This is a vibrant and aromatic white dry wine with aromas of pear, citrus, and walnuts.

4. Tsolikauri (white) – This is medium to full-body wine with aromas of pear and quince, along with some citrus nuances. It comes from the Western part of Georgia.

5. Rkatsiteli (white) – is made from the most planted grapes, Rkatsiteli. Mostly made as amber wine. Rich with the tones of plum, ripe apricot, peach, and citrus.

Unforgettable Wine Tour in Georgia

The ancient tradition of putting wine in a clay pot determines the uniqueness of Georgian wine. UNESCO has approved the Georgian traditional method of wine-making as an intangible cultural heritage.