Being the oldest region of wine, Georgia claims to have 8000-year old winemaking tradition and over 500 native grape varietals. Every Georgian cultivate grapevine and people indulge in making wines as well. Hence, the tradition of wine in Georgia is weaved into its national identity. However, Kakheti, the well-known region for producing Georgian wine is also called the wine capital of Georgia. There are various large scale French Chateau style vineyards. All of them have an impeccable fine collection in their cellars. The world of Georgian wine is really unique; in terms of the grape production in ex-Soviet states, Georgia is the second country. Also, Georgian wines have always been greatly acclaimed in ex-Soviet countries.

Wine festivals are celebrated in various parts of Georgia. Locals, as well as tourists, indulge in various fun and exciting activities conducted as part of this wine festival. Free wine sampling is also arranged at most of these wine festivals. People get a chance to enjoy delicious wine with barbecues to satiate their hunger. The locals and tourists forget their boundaries and make the most out of this event. The following post offers you some glimpses into the Georgian winemaking traditions and wineries in Georgia. Read and find what makes it so special.

Traditions and Culture of Georgian wine 

  • The connection and significance of wine to Georgia can be understood from the statue of the Mother Georgia. She is holding a sword in one hand to ward off the enemies and a cup of wine in the other hand as a symbol of welcoming friends.

  • Wine production in Georgia implies its past and an expression of national identity.

  • All the tourists enjoy the Kakheti wine tours and taste the delicious blends.

  • There are various vineyards and wine cellars that are important tourist attractions of Georgia.

  • While wine is an emblem of pride in Georgia it’s a symbol of hospitality; it’s also fundamental to religious worship and family life.

  • While serving homemade wine to the guests is a matter of pride, and the act of drinking has been set as an art form.

  • Georgians always give one toast to their forefathers who had the foresight to start the cultivation of grapevines.

        • Vessels and techniques of winemaking

      • Georgia has been identified as the oldest wine regions in the world.

      • People belong to different regions began to recognize vine varieties and develop local ways of wine production which differed from one region to another.

      • The techniques used in family winemaking are trademarks of Georgian wine produced by large scale producers as well.

      • The valleys in Georgia are highly fertile and the protective Caucasus mountain slopes help the grape crops to thrive.

      • It is a very common occurrence that the Georgian men drink 2 to 3 liters of wine in a single sitting.

        • The main regions that are a part of the Georgia world of wine are:

      • Telavi
      • Kartli
      • Kakheti
      • Adjara
      • Imereti
      • Abkhazia
      • Racha-Lechkhumi
      • Kvemo Svaneti

      • The traditional Georgians employed Kvevris for winemaking. These are large, round, egg-shaped vessels that are used for fermentation of grapes and storing wine.

      • The grapes are harvested, stomped and the juice is stored in kvevris. Once the fermentation has started, they are covered with a wooden lid. They are then placed in tombs or other such storage places.

      • Some kvevris have been entombed for more than 50 years as well. So, the traditional winemaking in Georgia doesn't use any chemicals or artificial agents.

      • The kvevris are cleaned using handmade birch tools.

        • Georgian Wine Drinking Traditions

      • Once the wine is ready, it is taken out with a dipper. This dipper is made using the pumpkin shell.

      • The traditional Georgian wine drinking is done using the horns. The empty animal horns are tipped with silver or other such metals.

      • They are filled with wine and everybody takes turns while drinking from the same horn.

      • To wine festivals and tasting events, people are invited to sample the wines.

      • Some of the major wineries in Georgia also invite special wine connoisseurs for the sampling process.

      • These wine tasters will select good wines which will be served in the organization of the next event.

      • This event is also organized by various wine bars and pubs.

      • People enjoy wine with every meal. Georgians take pride in their wine and winemaking traditions.

      • The world of Georgian wine is really amazing with wide varietals of wine in different colors and taste.  

        • Miscellaneous facts on winemaking in Georgia

      • Alaverdi Cathedral, which was once part of a monastery complex had made around 70 tonnes of wine every year during the 11th century.

      • There are many ancient wine cellars in the monastery.

      • The openings of kvevris or qvevris often speckled all around the floor. The whole floor seems like a place full of craters.

      • Winemaking tradition in Georgia dates back even prior to the birth of Christ.

        • Well, these are some interesting facts about the wine and wineries in Georgia. So, when are you going to taste the Georgian Wines? Check out the best travel package to Georgia from Kuwait and explore the winemaking traditions.