Georgian wine

A Journey Through the Cradle of Wine

Nestled at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia is a land of rugged mountains, ancient monasteries, and poetic landscapes. But above all, it's a land that tells a wine tale as old as time. Often called the ‘cradle of wine,’ Georgia's viticultural history goes back thousands of years. Archaeological findings provide evidence that Georgia was undoubtedly a pioneering region to cultivate grapes and produce wine, a tradition spanning over 8,000 years. This legacy is not just a relic from the past; it's a living tradition, felt in every sip of wine produced in this remarkable region. From the unique qvevri winemaking method to the vine's sacred symbolism in Georgian culture, this is a story of passion, tradition, and the deep connection between a nation and its cherished drink. Join us as we journey through time, retracing the steps of ancient winemakers and exploring the lasting impact Georgia has had on the world of wine.

Cradle of wine - why

Georgia's reverence for wine is not a fleeting cultural trait but a deep-rooted legacy that goes back to the Neolithic era. The lands between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea have whispered stories of man's earliest endeavours into winemaking.

At the archaeological site of Gadachrili Gora, just outside of Tbilisi, scientists unearthed ancient remnants of wild grape skins and grapevine pips. The shards of clay pottery discovered at the site held residues that tested positive for tartaric acid, a key compound found in wine. These findings provided compelling evidence that as early as 6000 B.C., inhabitants of this region were not only consuming wild grapes but had also begun the transformative journey of turning these grapes into wine.

But wine in Georgia wasn’t merely an agricultural achievement. It was, and still is, deeply interwoven with the country's social and spiritual fabric. Several archaeological sites across Georgia have revealed compelling evidence, pointing towards the nation's ancient tradition of wine production, solidifying its claim as the “Cradles of Wine”.

Here is a list of only a few archaeological findings that confirm Georgia's continuous 8,000-year history of winemaking:

• A notable archaeological discovery from the Great Hill of Khram (khramis Didi Gora) is an ancient clay wine vessel, believed to be a precursor to the Qvevri. Currently housed in the National Museum of Georgia, this vessel is deemed the world's oldest wine container. Dating back to the VI-V millennia B.C. (8000 years before);
• Recent archaeological and archaeobotanical research positions Georgia as one of the world's ancient epicenters for grapevine domestication and the emergence of early wine culture. In the ruins of Dangreuli Gora, located in the Marneuli Valley to the south of Tbilisi in Kvemo Kartli, grape pips from the 6th millennium B.C. were unearthed. Their morphological and ampelographic traits link them to the cultivated grapevine variety, Vitis Vinifera Sativa.
• The ancient traces of cultivated vines and wine were found, in the Neolithic age settlements located in the neighbourhood of the Dangreuli Gora (Shulaveris gora, Gadachrili Gora, Khramis Didi Gora, Arukhulos Gora, Khizanaant Gora).
• Various sizes of wine vessels, spanning from the Neolithic period, have been found throughout Georgia. These discoveries further attest to the nation's consistent grape harvesting and wine production over millennia. You can find the chronological presentation of discoveries here.
• Xenophon of Athens (5th century BC) writes that the wine of Kholkhia was "fragrant and aromatic".
• According to Strabo (1st century BC), grapes were widespread in Iberia, and the grape harvest was such that the population could not consume it completely.
• Procopius of Caesarea (VI) tells us: "The Meskhetians are hardworking, they have many vineyards and they bring their wine to different countries for sale."

A Journey of Resilience: Georgian Winemaking Through the Ages

From the beginning of fourth century as Christianity grew, wine became more important, especially in religious events. This made wine even more popular. Over the centuries, as Georgia thrived, so did winemaking. Between the 10th and 13th centuries, a lot of wineries were built. We have writings, pictures, and items from that time showing how good Georgia was at making wine.

Much of Georgia's history is a tale of its struggle for survival. Even though Georgia is a land filled with culture and traditions, it faced many invasions and occupations. From Turkish invaders to Mongol raids and the later Russian occupation, each period came with its own challenges. All these times saw efforts to change or suppress what Georgia held dear, including our winemaking traditions.

Yet, in the face of all these adversities, the Georgian spirit remained unbroken. No matter how harsh the reality, winemaking continued existence and transformation. Families passed down age-old traditions, ensuring that younger generations knew the art of the qvevri and the songs sung during harvests.

Rebirth and Evolution

With the fall of the Soviet Union, a fresh chapter began for Georgian wine. As the country reclaimed its independence, there was a palpable momentum to rejuvenate the wine industry. Within just a few years, entrepreneurial spirit paved the way for the establishment of new wine enterprises.

This renaissance was not just about reviving old traditions, but also about evolution. While the ancient practices of winemaking remained a cherished part of Georgia's identity, there was a keen interest in integrating European methodologies and modern technologies.

While Georgia boasts an illustrious history and millennia of winemaking expertise, it remained relatively under the radar in the global wine scene for a long time. However, a turning point arrived when archaeological discoveries confirmed that Georgians had been producing wine for over 8,000 years. This revelation sparked international intrigue and excitement.

UNESCO's subsequent recognition was more than just an endorsement; it was an affirmation of Georgia's enduring legacy in the wine world. This validation propelled Georgian wine to the forefront, capturing the attention of connoisseurs and enthusiasts globally, and ensuring that its deep-rooted heritage was celebrated on the world stage.

UNESCO Recognition: The Qvevri Method's Global Stamp of Approval