What is the role of tradition in Georgian winemaking?

Winemaking in Georgia has its origins in the tradition being a family ethnic practice, through which techniques are passed over generations and considered to be of great cultural valuable. Traditional winemaking inherently includes the indispensable element of adherence to tradition, starting with the production of native grape varieties, proceeding with the use of qvevri for fermentation and aging. The winemakers mostly continue to follow the old methods as the latter not only remain the source of product of higher quality but also a tool that connects them to their roots and ancestors. In this way, tradition encompasses a path that offers a persistent guard of Georgian winemaking heritage to the rising generation.