Fall is such a great time to visit Georgia but wine lovers will be pleased to know anytime of year works. To be honest, Georgia was one of those places that really intrigued me as a traveler and yet, up until earlier this fall, I had no set plans to visit. Now that I’ve been, however, I can’t imagine NOT visiting. Every day was an opportunity to meet new people, gaze upon century old buildings and churches and best of all, literally drink my way through Georgia….the country, not the state.
Despite being a small nation—there are about 4.5 million inhabitants—Georgia has no shortage of lush landscapes, jaw-dropping views and delicious cuisine. What impressed me most, however, was the wine. Not only does it taste like no wine you’ve ever tried before, but there’s such love that goes into every bottle. So, for my fellow foodies, here are 5 fast-facts you never knew about Georgian wine.
Georgia is called the “Cradle of Wine”
Let’s start with the basics. Kakheti, Georgia’s main wine-producing region, is called the “Cradle of Wine,” because the locals have been producing wine for 8,000 years. Yep, right; For more than 8,000 years, the Georgian people have been growing vines on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. Then, at one point, they began exporting their wines, including the technology for making them, to the Ancient Greeks. Most recently, UNESCO recognized traditional Georgian wine making on its list of the intangible heritage of humanity. That’s no easy feat!
Many wineries are still family-run
With a history of more than 8,000 years, it probably comes as no surprise that many of Georgia’s wineries are family-run, with many companies being passed down from generation to generation. One of my favorite visits was to Tsinandali, an estate and winery while once belonged to the 19th century poet Alexander Chavchavadze and his family. Nowadays, it’s still family-run and the owners have turned the gorgeous estate into a museum of sorts, with informal stations on how to make bread and other traditional treats. So, make a point to chat with the owners; it’s one way to brush up on Georgian history.
The tarter the wine, the healthier it is!
It’s true! Georgian wine is a tad healthier than your every-day wine. In short, the tarter the wine, the healthier it is, so go ahead and pour another glass.
Qvevri-making is a serious skill
If you take a peek at the image below, you’ll see a larger-than-life replica of a qvervi. While the qvervis used in wine-making are considerably smaller in size, it’s still a good reference point. These egg-shaped clay vessels have been used in Georgia for winemaking for at least 8,000 years. Why you ask? Well, for one thing, the unique shape ensures that sediment naturally sinks to the bottom during the fermentation process, meaning that there’s no need for sulfites. The wine will mature in the qvevri for up to six months, at which time the clear wine is ready to be bottled.
Image: Sophie Ibbotson
Come tasting time, think outside of the “bottle”
Don’t limit your Georgian wine tastings to wineries and vineyards. There are several monasteries that produce wines, too and if you make an appointment ahead of time, you can pay a visit. After all, Georgian monasteries were responsible for creating and protecting vast libraries of books about indigenous grape varieties, the terroir, and wine making methods, and it is thanks to their collective diligence we know so much about Georgian wine traditions today. The medieval Shavnabada Monastery is a good starting point, as it’s not too far from Tbilisi’s Old Town.
Image: Sophie Ibbotson
Have you been to Georgia? Tell me in the comments below!
This post is in collaboration with Maximum Exposure and the Georgian Tourism Board. All opinions are my own.
Megan Eileen McDonough is writer, blogger and social media specialist based in New York City. She also runs Bohemian Trails, a lifestyle blog designed for the savvy and stylish traveler. Bohemian Trails aims to feature must-see places around the world, covering everything from revamped neighborhoods and vibrant street art to innovative tech hubs and everything in between. Her cultural escapades have taken her to Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Megan is also a freelance writer and social media specialist based in New York City. She contributes to various online and print publications in the travel and fashion industries and is an international correspondent for both Jetsetter and Northstar Travel Media.
