"Georgia as the country of origin of wine"

The history of Georgian wine spans more than 8000 years and is considered one of the oldest wine traditions in the world. Archaeological finds prove that the region of Georgia is the cradle of winemaking. Traces of tartaric acid have been discovered in clay jars called "qvevris", indicating the cultivation and fermentation of grapes around 6000 BC. These discoveries show that wine was already being made in Georgia in the early Neolithic period, and the technique associated with it is still used today. This millennia-old method gives Georgian winemaking a very special and unique tradition.

Qvevris: A millennia-old tradition in clay jars

Qvevris are large, barrel-shaped clay vessels buried in the ground for fermentation and storage of wine. In them, grapes ferment together with skins, seeds and stems, giving the wine its intense aromas and tannins. This traditional technique, which takes place without modern intervention, allows for longer and slower fermentation and results in unfiltered, natural wines with rich colors and strong character. In many Georgian families, this method has been passed down for generations, underscoring the country's deep connection to its winemaking.

Unique Grape Varieties – The Treasure of Georgia

A particularly fascinating aspect of Georgian winemaking is the wide variety of autochthonous grape varieties that are native only to Georgia. Of the over 500 grape varieties grown in Georgia, 'Saperavi' and 'Rkatsiteli' are the most famous. Saperavi, a red grape variety, is known for its deep red color and strong structure and is often used for wines that can be aged for a long time. Rkatsiteli, a white variety, offers wines with fresh citrus aromas and lively acidity. These autochthonous varieties are an important part of Georgia's heritage and make winemaking in the country unique.

Wine as part of Georgian culture and religion

However, the importance of wine in Georgia goes beyond agriculture. Wine is deeply rooted in the country's culture and religion. Since the introduction of Christianity in the 4th century, wine has played a central role in the Georgian Orthodox Church, particularly in the sacrament of the Eucharist, where it is used as a symbol of the blood of Christ. Over the centuries, many monasteries preserved Georgia's wine culture by both tending the vineyards and producing wine using traditional methods. Thus, winemaking in Georgia has continuously developed and survived despite numerous political and social upheavals.

Surviving in Difficult Times: Winemaking under Soviet Rule

During Soviet rule in the 20th century, Georgian winemaking went through a difficult time. Wine production was largely industrialized, with a focus on quantity rather than quality. Many of the ancient indigenous grape varieties were neglected in favor of higher-yielding varieties, and the traditional qvevri technique was increasingly forgotten. Yet even during this difficult period, some Georgian winemakers and families secretly preserved their traditional methods and grape varieties, which helped the legacy of Georgian wine survive until the country's independence.

The Renaissance of Georgian Wine after Independence

After the collapse of the Soviet Union and Georgia regained independence in the 1990s, winemaking in Georgia experienced a renaissance. Many winemakers returned to the old techniques, especially the Qvevri method, and began to put the indigenous grape varieties back in the foreground. This return to traditional practices went hand in hand with the introduction of modern winemaking techniques to increase the quality and variety of Georgian wines. The combination of ancient and modern methods has led to Georgian wines being recognized worldwide today.

The Supra – A Feast of Community and Wine

One of the most fascinating cultural traditions associated with winemaking in Georgia is the "Supra" - a celebratory banquet in which wine plays a central role. A Tamada, the table leader, leads the evening with poetic toasts and blessings that emphasize community and unity among guests. Wine is not just drunk during the Supra, but is used as a means of strengthening social bonds and celebrating culture. The Supra reflects the deep roots of wine in Georgia's social and cultural life, demonstrating that wine is not just a drink, but a symbol of hospitality, community and tradition.

Preservation of indigenous grape varieties: A living heritage

The preservation of indigenous grape varieties is another central point in Georgian wine history. While the globalization of winemaking caused many traditional varieties to disappear in other countries, Georgia remained a haven of diversity. The more than 500 indigenous grape varieties are a valuable treasure and a living testimony to ancient winemaking practices. Today, winemakers and researchers work together to protect and promote these rare varieties. The rediscovery and cultivation of these varieties not only offers Georgian winemakers a new opportunity to distinguish themselves on the international wine market, but also enriches the offering for wine lovers worldwide who are looking for unique and characterful wines.

Georgian wine: a symbol of tradition and innovation

In conclusion, the story of Georgian wine is not only a story of viticulture, but also a story of resistance, culture, religion and identity. It shows how deeply wine is woven into the country's cultural DNA and how strongly it is connected to Georgia's traditions and customs. In every bottle of Georgian wine lies not only the taste of the Caucasus, but also the story of a people with their roots anchored in nature, community and spirituality. By combining ancient techniques, indigenous grape varieties and modern innovation, Georgia has established itself as a unique wine country that plays a prominent role in global wine culture.