Georgian Wines

Georgian wines have always played an important role in the national culture, closely linked to its people and its ancient traditions. Precisely in this region, a group of archaeologists recently found the oldest winery in the world, dating back to 6,000 years ago. Wine is always present on the Georgian table and it is very common for Georgian families to make their own wine. Discover Georgian wines at 8wines, and explore the best wine regions in this ancient winemaking country, by the glass.

Key Georgian Wine Regions

Georgian wine regions are substantially nine, and cover the whole country. To the north-east, at the foot of the Caucasus, Kakheti is the most popular and productive area. In the center of Georgia is Kartli, where the grapes have adapted to the hot and dry climate. At the western border is the Imereti, where the vines benefit from wind protection. The subtropical west mainly produces sweet wines for the local market.

Georgian Grape Varieties

Georgia is the nation with the most variety of grapevines in the world. It has about 500; although those vinified today are actually less than 50. Georgian indigenous grape varieties include white Rkatsiteli, grown mainly in the eastern part of the country, and Mtsvane, which can count six sub-varieties. They can be vinified both according to the European method, with short macerations, and the traditional one, with long macerations in the qvevri, obtaining completely different results. Saperavi, is an ancient red grape with various subspecies, grown in small plots scattered around the country and capable of giving deep and structured wines for top food pairings.