Discover why Georgia is the birthplace of wine

So you thought you knew all about wine? Tried everything? You’ve ticked off all the classics, and you’ve occasionally been daring and gone for a Portuguese rosé, a Greek red, an English “sparkling white”. You know your way around the wine section of the supermarket, you know more or less what wine goes with what food. You’ve even done a wine tasting before – though you can’t remember much about it. And you might even think that France is the birthplace of wine. But we bet you didn’t know that wine is in fact from Georgia (not the state, but the diminutive ex-Soviet republic). Continue reading if you’d like to find out more about the history of Georgian wine.

Explore Georgia, the birthplace of wine

Research and evidence show that wine production in Georgia started over 8,000 years ago, earning it the title of “cradle of wine”. Although other countries like Italy, Greece, Iran and Turkey have historical claims that wine began in their countries, Georgia is the only country where the oldest evidence of viticulture was discovered.

It was in 2015 when uniquely designed clay vessels called qvevri were discovered, containing fossilized remains of grape seeds. Grapevine crops in Georgia were intentionally planted and cultivated to produce fermented drinks, the start of winemaking. If you want to discover the true history of winemaking, a vacation to Georgia is a must.

A journey through time: evolution of winemaking in Georgia

Georgia’s wine history is fascinating. From the time of the ancient clay vessels to more modern-day methods, Georgia still combines the best of both worlds to deliver a unique wine experience.

Legacy of Georgian wine: preserving traditions in the birthplace of wine

The odd egg-shaped clay pots, known as qvevri, were the vessels traditionally used for making both red and white wine. After the grapes were pressed—most likely through manual stomping and crushing—the resulting “mush” was placed into these 1,000-liter vessels and stored underground. During fermentation, the earth acted as a natural regulator, maintaining a consistent temperature for the mixture.

For white wines, the process was more intricate. It was discovered that fermenting white grapes in this manner produced amber-hued wines, giving rise to Georgia’s famous “orange” wines—a unique style now gaining popularity worldwide.

Today, winemakers in Georgia honor age-old traditions by continuing to use qvevri alongside modern stainless-steel tanks. This blend of ancient and modern techniques allows for creative experimentation, resulting in extraordinary wines with unique tasting notes. Despite innovation, Georgia remains steadfast in cultivating indigenous grape varieties, preserving the country’s rich traditions and wine legacy.

Georgia’s resurgence as a modern-day wine powerhouse

It comes as no surprise that Georgia is a powerhouse of wine production and a sought-after travel destination for wine lovers worldwide. In the early 2000s, as artisanal wines and beers gained popularity, Georgia rose to prominence for its amber-orange wines, which became highly sought after globally.

In 2013, the qvevri Georgian winemaking method was added to UNESCO’s “Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage” list, firmly establishing Georgia as one of the top emerging destinations for wine and history enthusiasts.

The diverse landscapes of this region provide an ideal mix of soil types and climates, allowing a wealth of localized grape varieties to flourish. In fact, Georgia is home to endangered vines found nowhere else in the world! The rich genetic diversity of Georgian grape varieties contributes to the country’s unique and vibrant wine culture.

Read more: Taste your way around Georgia: a guide for foodies

The best grape varieties and wines to try in Georgia

Did you know that there are 500 varieties of grape in Georgia, 430 of which are still cultivated? The wines of Georgia and the grape varieties are truly unique!

Let’s explore some grape varieties: Saperavi, which produces bold, deep red wines that age well; Rkatsiteli, known for its spicy white wines and dessert wines; and Alexandrouli, the key to the distinctive semi-sweet red wines of Khvanchkara—our favorite.

Or consider some wines: Kindzmarauli, a superb semi-sweet red made from the Saperavi grape; Alazani, an award-winning semi-sweet white; and Mukuzani, one of Georgia’s most famous red wines, celebrated for its multiple awards.

Vineyards to explore: highlights and hidden gems

There are over 1,000 vineyards to explore in Georgia, ranging from small family-run estates to larger operations. Kakheti, however, is the top wine region to visit, as it is the largest wine-producing area and offers everything from vineyard tours to wine tastings.

Vineyards to try include Khareba (for the Kindzmarauli), Napareuli (Saperavi reds) and Pheasant’s Tears (Saperavi reds) in the gorgeous hilltop town of Sighnaghi.

Most wineries in the Kakheti region offer tours showcasing qvevri winemaking, such wineries include Pheasant’s Tears and Tbilvino.

Wine experiences for oenophiles to try in Georgia

Georgia offers a variety of wine experiences that oenophiles simply shouldn’t miss, and some differ from typical wine tasting activities. First and foremost, sampling wine made using the traditional qvevri method is a must. Some qvevri-aged wines to try include Saperavi, known for its earthy complexity; Tsolikouri, a light and refreshing white wine; and honeyed Rkatsiteli or Saperavi-based dessert wines.

An absolute must when trying the wines of Georgia is sampling amber (orange) wine, made by fermenting white grapes with their skins, which creates a rich amber hue. Vinoterra and Gotsa Wines offer fantastic pairings of Georgian food and wine.

The Georgians are rightly proud of their country’s status as the birthplace of wine, and of course, being brilliant winemakers seems to go hand in hand with their wonderful cuisine. For example, khachapuri—traditional suluguni cheese served inside flatbread—is the world’s least known yet most delicious comfort food.

Tips for exploring Georgia’s wine region

Supporting local businesses during your trip

You’ll need to plan ahead before exploring the heart of Georgia’s wine country, as most vineyards require reservations for cellar tours and tastings. If your time is limited, focus on Kakheti, the heart of Georgia’s wine production. This region, often referred to as the “wine town”, offers picturesque landscapes dotted with historic wineries. If you have more time, it’s well worth exploring smaller wine farms across the country.

We also recommend hiring a local guide or driver—it not only creates employment but also ensures you discover hidden gems without the stress of navigating transport.

Read more: Georgia travel guide: going off the beaten track

The best time to visit Georgia for wine tastings

Spring and summer are great seasons to visit Georgia for wine tastings. In spring (April to June), the vineyards come alive, transforming into vibrant shades of green. During summer (July to August), the warm weather is perfect for outdoor activities, although the winelands can get quite hot. That said, the best time to visit is during the autumn harvest season (September to November), known as rtveli.

Etiquette tips: dos and don’ts

• Don’t turn down an invitation to supra, a traditional feast associated with Georgian wine culture. If you’re lucky enough to be invited, be sure to respect local customs and always listen to the array of toasts.
• Do respect the qvevri tradition: Georgians are proud of their winemaking heritage and the qvevri winemaking method. If given the opportunity, ask questions and show an interest in this integral part of Georgian history.
• Do try other tipples: chacha, a sweet-tasting grape brandy, is another of Georgia’s famous drinks and an essential part of the Georgian wine experience.
• Do plan for a more meaningful tasting experience: We’d recommend trying any suggested local pairings, sipping your wine rather than gulping it, and never dismissing a tasting of the traditional wines.

What unites all these wonderfully unpronounceable names? You can encounter them all by traveling to the birthplace of wine with TravelLocal. It’s not all wine, wine, wine (er, though we can do that too…): Georgia has stunning views from almost every elevated spot, a long history that has become intertwined with myth, and dynamic cities filled with vibrant cultural attractions. So, bottoms up… or as they say in Georgia – “gaumarjos!”

Read more: Local spotlight: Q&A with local expert in Georgia

Make it happen

Feeling inspired to uncover all the mysteries of the birthplace of wine? Check out our Georgia country page for inspiration on what to see and do, and get in touch with one of our local experts, who can create tailor-made trips catering to your wishes and needs.