Winemaking culture of Georgia is associated with the 8,000-year continuous history evidenced by many archaeological discoveries and historical facts. Many of the exhibits dating back to millennia are stored in museums of the country, which gives Georgia the status of “HOMELAND OF WINE”.
Wine and winemaking are the integral parts of Georgian culture. Archaeologists have proved that winemaking originated in Georgia 8 thousand years ago. Linguists claim that the word “wine” comes from the Georgian word “guino”. The fact that the wine is of Georgian origin, is also evidenced by fragments of 8000 years old dishes found with the remains of clay acid and cultivated grape seeds. Later, the wine and winemaking spread throughout the world. There are about 500 endemic grape varieties in Georgia.
Since ancient times, wine has been a ritual and mystical drink. In pagan Georgia, they worshiped Aguna, a deity, the patron saint of vineyards and viticulture. Aguna prayed for grapes, harvesting and protecting the vineyards from hail. With the advent of Christianity in Georgia, wine became even more important. Saint Nino entered Georgia with the cross of vines and further strengthened the faith in Christianity, which is why wine was traditionally produced in monasteries, where many wine cellars were preserved.
The traditional ancient way of producing wine is also preserved. The tradition of winemaking in Georgia is ancient and important. How is wine made in Georgia? There is a traditional unique technology. A special place in the history of Georgian wine is occupied by the traditional method of aging wine in jugs - qvevri, which has been used for many centuries and is still used. The largest region of viticulture and winemaking in Georgia is Kakheti (Eastern Georgia).
