Georgia — the country where wine culture was born

Georgia, the homeland of ancient wine culture and a country where winemaking traditions have been passed down from generation to generation for over 8,000 years, is attracting more and more attention from both local and foreign travelers every year. It is here, in the land of ancient wine cellars, confirmed by archaeological discoveries, that a unique culture was formed that has taken a prominent place in the history of world wine.

In this blog, we will tell you why Georgia is considered the homeland of wine, how wine culture developed here, and what makes Georgian wine special.

The ancient wine country — why is Georgia the birthplace of wine?

Georgia is recognized as the oldest winemaking center in the world. This is evidenced by the discovery of over 8,000-year-old qvevri jars in the Kartli region. It is this archaeological fact that led UNESCO to include the Georgian tradition of making wine in qvevri jars on the World Cultural Heritage List .

The uniqueness of Georgian wine is determined not only by its historical antiquity, but also by the special technology of its production - making wine in a qvevri . This method is still used invariably in both small family wineries and large enterprises. Therefore, tasting Georgian wine means experiencing history and traditions at the same time.

Georgia also strengthens its status as the homeland of wine with its diverse and unique local varieties , numbering approximately 500. Most of these varieties grow only in Georgia, which once again emphasizes the uniqueness of the country's wine culture.

Georgian wine regions — where is the best wine produced?

Georgia is a country distinguished by its wine culture, where each region has its own unique wine and style. Here are the most popular wine regions of Georgia, which are considered a true "wine paradise":

Kakheti occupies a special place on the Georgian and world wine map. It is here that the famous Saperavi, Rkatsiteli and Kisi wines are made. Kakheti wines are distinguished by their rich aroma, balanced taste and distinctive character, which makes Kakheti the main Georgian wine region. Imereti , a region located in western Georgia, is known for its light, refined taste and low acidity. Tsitska, Tsolikouri and Krakhuna are popular here, which are exceptionally delicious with local cuisine. Imereti is especially interesting for lovers of soft and aromatic wines.

Kartli , the historical center of Georgia, where ancient traces of wine were discovered, is distinguished by its unique varieties. These are Chinui, Goruli Mtsvane, and Tavkveri . Kartli wines attract both local and foreign visitors with their lightness and refreshing taste.

And finally, Racha-Lechkhumi is the region that is home to the sweetest and most distinctive wines. It is here that the world-famous semi-sweet Khvanchkara and Tvishi are made, which always delight wine lovers with their unique taste.

Visiting these regions will help you gain a deeper understanding of Georgian wine culture and convince you that Georgia is truly the homeland of wine.

Qvevri — the heart and soul of Georgian wine culture

The qvevri , a large clay vessel buried in the ground, is a traditional Georgian method of fermenting and storing wine. It is this unique method that led to UNESCO's inclusion of the Georgian tradition of fermenting wine in qvevri on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .

Making wine in a qvevri involves fermenting grape juice and chacha (skin and seeds) together . This gives the wine a special taste and aroma. It is the long stay with chacha that determines the characteristic amber color of qvevri wine, which is now known all over the world as "Amber Wine" .

The rise in popularity of Georgian qvevri wine in recent years has had a significant impact on both the local and global wine markets. Today, qvevri wine is produced by both small family wineries and large Georgian wine companies, further emphasizing its importance to the country's cultural identity.

There are a few things to consider when tasting qvevri wine: its aroma is more complex and you may need time to fully experience its character. In addition, Georgian qvevri wine pairs perfectly with traditional Georgian dishes such as khachapuri, khinkali, mtsvadi, chakafuli, and others.

Conclusion

Georgia is truly a country where wine culture was born and is still alive today. Its diverse regions, unique wine varieties, and traditional qvevri technology make Georgian wine special on the world wine map.

If you want to experience the true culture of wine, Georgia is the place you should definitely visit, where the history, traditions, and love of the entire country are woven into every glass of wine.

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