Georgian Wine Events in the UK: September Highlights
September was a strong month for Georgian wine in the UK, with presence at two prestigious events: the Georgian Palate Masterclass at London’s Trivet and the Specialist Importers Trade Tastings (SITT) in London and Manchester. Both occasions showed how Georgian wines are being appreciated in different contexts, from fine dining to the trade floor.
Georgian Palate Masterclass at Trivet
Hosted by Sarah Abbott MW, the Georgian Palate Masterclass took place at Trivet, one of London’s most beloved fine-dining destinations, holding two Michelin stars and run by Chef Jonny Lake and Isa Bal MS. Known for its extraordinary, “chronological”, wine list and modern, thoughtful cooking, Trivet provided the perfect setting to pair Georgian wines with a global menu.
On arrival, guests were welcomed with Dugladze Brut NV (Imereti), paired with gougères and Mornay sauce.
The tasting began with a flight of aromatic whites showcasing Georgia’s diverse terroirs: Chaleli Chinuri & Goruli Mtsvane 2024 (Kartli), Vineyard Dolidze Krakhuna 2023 (Guria), and Orona Siame Kakhuri Mtsvane 2022 (Kakheti), beautifully matched with Cornish wild sea bass crudo, calamansi, and courgette.
Next came the qvevri amber wines, a hallmark of Georgia’s winemaking heritage. 39 Qvevri Chinuri 2022 (Kartli), Kindzmarauli Marani Krakhuna 2020 (Imereti), and Chokhoniauri Rkatsiteli-Mtsvane 2023 (Kakheti) were served alongside poached lobster in a spiced nage.
The journey concluded with the reds, each expressing depth and structure: Khareba Aleksandrouli 2023 (Racha-Lechkhumi), Mildiani Saperavi Qvevri Bouquet 2021 (Kakheti), and Chelti Saperavi Qvevri, oak-aged 2017 (Kakheti). These wines were paired with grilled venison, red cabbage, puntarelle and lardo di Colonnata, with a pescatarian option of plaice “Picchio Pacchio” with tomatoes, girolles, and shellfish.
To finish, guests enjoyed a selection of cheeses with rye and caraway crackers, winter tomato chutney, and petit fours with tea or coffee.
This thoughtful progression showed Georgian wines at their best: fresh whites, complex ambers, and powerful reds, all working seamlessly with Trivet’s fine dishes.
The masterclass drew an impressive audience from across the UK wine and hospitality world. Buyers and sommeliers from leading companies such as Majestic Wine, Lea & Sandeman, Corney & Barrow, Armit Wines, Vindependents, Cellar Door Wines and Theatre of Wine were joined by representatives of Claridge’s and JKS Restaurants, alongside journalists and communicators from Drinks Retailing, Wine World Wonders, End of the Wine, Uncorked with Chloe, and others. This mix of importers, buyers, retailers, hospitality professionals, and press underlined the interest Georgian wine enjoys in the UK.
Georgian Wine at SITT London & Manchester
This September, Georgian wines were also featured at the Specialist Importers Trade Tastings (SITT) in London and Manchester, a key trade event for independent buyers, sommeliers and journalists. The line-up underlined Georgia’s breadth, from méthode traditionnelle sparklings to qvevri-fermented whites and reds.
In addition to the stand tastings, two booked-out masterclasses, Georgian Wine Essentials, led by Sarah Abbott MW, gave buyers and sommeliers a guided introduction to Georgia’s extraordinary wine culture.
The sessions explored Georgia’s range from elegant modern expressions to qvevri skin-contact wines (an ancient method recognised by UNESCO), and underlined the richness offered by over 500+ indigenous grape varieties.
SITT 2025 showcased:
Sparkling & Whites: Askaneli Methode Traditionnelle Brut; Château Mukhrani Collection Secrète; Giuaani Manavi; Pirveli Kisi; Vazisubani 9 Bunches White and Estate Collection Kisi.
Qvevri & Ambers: 39 Qvevri Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane; Chelti Khikhvi Qvevri; Ethno Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane; Melitoni Khikhvi; Mildiani Khikhvi Qvevri; Tbilvino Qvevris Kisi; Teliani Valley Glekhuri Kisi.
Rosé: Shumi Saperavi Rosé.
Reds: Casreli Saperavi; Tbilvino Saperavi; Shilda Rustaveli Saperavi; Chelti Saperavi; Château Svanidze Cabernet Saperavi; Mildiani Saperavi Reserve; Shumi Zigu.
At both Georgian Palate and SITT, Georgian wine showed why it deserves attention: unique grapes, qvevri heritage, and food-friendly styles that connect past and present.
