Georgia in June: Discovery Trip for the UK Wine Trade

In June 2025, a dynamic group of UK-based sommeliers, buyers, educators, writers, and communicators touched down in Tbilisi for a journey into the heart of Georgian wine. Led by Sarah Abbott MW and the team at Swirl Wine Group, with support from the National Wine Agency of Georgia, the six-day info-tour was packed with tastings, conversations, and memorable encounters at loaded supras.

TBILISI

The tour kicked off with a comprehensive masterclass at Wine Factory N1, a historical wine facility in central Tbilisi, now a buzzing wine and gastronomy venue. It set the tone of the whole day! Co-led by Sarah Abbott MW and Irakli Cholobargia, the session outlined the history, geography, grape varieties, and stylistic diversity of Georgian wine, preparing the group for what was ahead.

After a lively walkaround tasting featuring 15 wineries, participants were whisked away to Tsavkisi village for dinner in a winemaker’s home that included even more wines from small, artisanal wineries. The night ended with toasts, laughter, and an appreciation of genuine Georgian hospitality.

KAKHETI

The next few days took the group across key regions and producers. In Kakheti, they visited Vazisubani Estate, where a historic residence of the local nobleman Sulkhan Chavchavadze has been revived into an elegant wine destination.

At Papari Valley, guests witnessed the gravity-fed qvevri fermentation technique and met Sandro Kurdadze, who offered more insight into scientific precision meeting ancestral techniques.

Lopota Lake Resort, with its wines and serene views, offered a comfortable retreat, but the schedule remained busy. Georgian flagship producers Tbilvino and Teliani Valley, as well as Teleda Orgo led by legendary Giorgi Dakishvili, showcased the scale and skill of Georgia’s modern producers—from giants modernising the post-Soviet industry to family-run cellars mastering qvevri wines.

KARTLI

Back in the Kartli Region on day five, it was time for stellar small producers. Iago Bitarishvili’s minimalist Chinuri and Ori Marani’s range of sparkling wines made a lasting impression. Also, at Iago’s, the tour participants had a chance to sample the wines from other low-intervention producers.

Château Mukhrani brought the trip full circle, tying Georgia’s royal past to its present.

The guest list was just as compelling as the itinerary. Master Sommelier Stefan Neumann, Drinks Retailing deputy editor Lizzy O’Riordan, IWSC Emerging Talent 2025 Jessica Summer, and a range of top-tier buyers, sommeliers, and educators were eager to share their questions and insights. 

As the tour wrapped up with dinner at Wine Merchants bar, the energy remained high. New friendships had been formed. Palates had been challenged. The group departed with a deeper understanding of Georgia’s 8,000-year wine culture—and more importantly, with stories worth telling.