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Georgia is widely recognized as one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world.

For thousands of years, wine has been deeply connected to Georgian culture, family traditions, hospitality, religion, and everyday life. Archaeological discoveries have confirmed that winemaking in Georgia dates back more than 8,000 years, making the country one of the birthplaces of wine civilization.

From ancient clay qvevri buried underground to modern wineries exporting bottles across the world, Georgian wine remains one of the strongest symbols of the nation’s identity.

Archaeologists discovered ancient grape seeds and wine residue in clay vessels found in Georgia dating back approximately 6,000 BC.

These discoveries proved that early Georgians were already:

• Cultivating grapes

• Fermenting wine

• Storing wine in clay vessels

• Developing organized winemaking traditions

Wine quickly became more than simply a drink — it became part of Georgian spirituality, celebration, and family life.

One of the most important parts of Georgian wine culture is the qvevri.

Qvevri are:

• Large clay vessels

• Buried underground

• Used for fermentation and aging

Unlike modern steel tanks, qvevri allow wine to ferment naturally together with:

• Grape skins

• Seeds

• Sometimes stems

This ancient process creates:

• Rich flavor

• Deep amber color

• Natural texture

• Complex aromas

In 2013, UNESCO recognized the Georgian qvevri winemaking method as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Although many people call it “orange wine,” Georgians traditionally refer to it as amber wine.

Amber wine is produced by fermenting white grapes with their skins inside qvevri for extended periods.

The result is wine with:

• Golden amber color

• Strong body

• Dry character

• Complex earthy notes

This style has become internationally respected among wine enthusiasts and sommeliers.

Georgia has several major wine-producing regions, each with its own climate and grape varieties.

Kakheti

The largest and most famous wine region in Georgia.

Known for:

• Qvevri wines

• Saperavi

• Rkatsiteli

• Traditional marani culture

Imereti

Produces lighter and softer wines using western Georgian methods.

Racha

Famous for naturally semi-sweet wines like Khvanchkara.

Kartli

Known for sparkling wines and balanced white varieties.

Guria and Samegrelo

Traditional western Georgian regions with rare local grape varieties.

Georgia has more than 500 native grape varieties, making it one of the most diverse grape cultures in the world.

Some of the most famous include:

Saperavi

• Deep red wine grape

• Rich and powerful flavor

• Excellent aging potential

Rkatsiteli

• Traditional white grape

• Crisp acidity

• Common in qvevri wines

Kisi

• Aromatic white grape

• Fruity and floral notes

Mtsvane

• Light and refreshing white variety

Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli

Used in Khvanchkara production.

Wine is central to the Georgian supra.

At traditional gatherings:

• Wine is poured generously

• Toasts are led by the tamada

• Each toast carries meaning and emotion

Wine represents:

• Respect

• Friendship

• Family

• Memory

• Hospitality

Traditional clay cups, horns, and handmade glasses are often used during celebrations.

The marani is the traditional Georgian wine cellar.

A marani often contains:

• Buried qvevri

• Wooden beams

• Clay vessels

• Wine tools

• Stone floors

In villages, many families still maintain private maranis where homemade wine is produced every year during Rtveli.

Rtveli is one of the most important traditions in Georgian culture.

Families and friends gather together to:

• Harvest grapes

• Press grapes

• Prepare qvevri

• Celebrate the new wine season

Rtveli combines:

• Hard work

• Food

• Music

• Wine

• Family gatherings

It remains one of the most emotional and joyful periods of the year.

Today, Georgian wine is gaining worldwide popularity.

Modern Georgian wineries combine:

• Ancient qvevri traditions

• International production standards

• Boutique craftsmanship

• Indigenous grape varieties

Georgian wines are now exported globally and increasingly appreciated by wine lovers seeking authentic and natural wines.

Georgian wine is unique because it combines:

• Ancient history

• Natural winemaking

• Rare grape varieties

• Family traditions

• Cultural identity

Every bottle carries centuries of knowledge and tradition.

Georgian wine is far more than an alcoholic beverage — it is a living part of Georgian history and identity.

From ancient qvevri buried underground to modern vineyards stretching across the valleys of Kakheti, Georgian winemaking continues to preserve one of the oldest wine cultures in the world.

Every toast, every vineyard, and every marani tells the story of Georgia itself.