Georgian wine culture dates back, uninterrupted, approximately 8k years
4 days ago
- #Qvevri winemaking
- #Georgian wine
- #Indigenous grapes
- Georgian wine culture dates back approximately 8,000 years, making it one of the oldest in the world.
- Georgia produces wines using both modern European techniques and ancient methods like qvevri (clay vessel) fermentation.
- Qvevri winemaking, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, is used for amber and red wines.
- Amber wine, made from white grapes fermented with skins, seeds, and stems, is a unique and growing category in Georgia.
- Georgia boasts over 500 indigenous grape varieties, with around 45 used commercially and 20-25 available in export markets.
- Rkatsiteli and Saperavi are among the most notable indigenous white and black grape varieties, respectively.
- Georgia's wine industry has reborn post-Soviet Union, with nearly 2,000 registered wineries and 400+ exporting.
- Key wine regions include Kakheti, Imereti, Kartli, and Racha, each contributing distinct styles and varieties.
- The industry is evolving with a focus on quality, terroir, and international education to elevate Georgian wine globally.