The vine in Georgia has an iconic significance. It is a symbol of regeneration, endurance, prosperity and hospitality. It is a taproot of Georgian culture and psyche and that’s why most Georgians sincerely assume that history of Georgian wine and the history of the nation are inseparable. Wine is also a part of the Georgian heritage. Vine and grape motifs are founded everywhere in Georgia – in mosaic floors of the pagan temples, in carvings of the Christian chapels and catherdrals, in myths and legends, in dance and songs, in the wine cellars of monasteries and Georgian farmers.
Georgia is the place where man first conquered the grape. Archeological evidences suggest that winemaking could have begun there as long as 8 millenniums ago, thus actually confirming that Georgia is cradle of wine. Biochemical tests on the ancient pottery wine jars from Georgia are showing that at this early period, humans were deliberately adding anti-bacterial preservatives to grape juice so that the resulting wine could be kept for longer periods after fermentation. Winemaking as an academic discipline was taught here as early as VIII century.
Ever since local wines were first fermented in this region’s distinctive clay pots called Qvevri. When filled with the juice of harvest, the Qvevris are topped with a wooden lid and then covered and sealed within earth. Some may remain entombed for up to fifty years. Kvevri is ideal natural philter that gives the juice lots of good properties and delicious flavor. Thanks to those vessels local traditional winemaking technique is generally regarded as unequaled. In 2013 Qvevri wine-making method was added to UNESCO's list of "Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding."
Besides the historical heritage, Georgia boasts with high diversity of fertile soil. Without doubt, this richness within such a small country made its winemaking diverse, since every area has its own peculiarities depending on the varieties and quality of grapes: Aleksandrouli, Mujuretuli, Khvanchkara, Odjaleshi, Tsolikauri and many more. Let us emphasize the fact, that Georgian has more than 350 its own vine varieties - the largest number worldwide.
For Georgians making wine means communicating their identity and individuality. That’s how it was centuries ago and that’s how it remains today, consequently we treat that affection with intense respect and devotion.
