May 2025 Wrapped: A Toast to Georgian Wine in the UK
The UK continues to grow as one of Georgian wine’s most vibrant export markets. In 2024, Georgian wine exports to the UK jumped by 72%, reaching nearly 426,000 liters. That growing interest was on full display this spring, with a lineup of tastings, dinners, and trade events that brought the soul of Georgian wine to both professionals and the public.
Let us share some highlights with you!
The Georgian Palate – May 12, NIJŪ (Mayfair, London)
Hosted at the Michelin-recognised Japanese restaurant NIJŪ and led by Sarah Abbott MW, The Georgian Palate showcased the synergy between Georgian wines and Japanese cuisine. This multi-course dinner and professional tasting was supported by the National Wine Agency and organised by Swirl Wine Group.
Guests experienced a variety of pairings, with a focus on qvevri-fermented wines alongside umami-driven dishes — a very successful one, indeed!
Dakishvili Family Pinot Noir Sparkling Rosé (Clark Foyster Wines) was served as an aperitif.
A trio of starters, including grilled aubergine with white sesame and tuna tataki with Parmesan, were paired with Labara Wines Tsolikouri Qvevri 2020 (Lea & Sandeman).
A sushi and sashimi course came with Tiko Estate Kisi Qvevri 2022 (Astrum Wines) and Orgo Rkatsiteli 2023 (Clark Foyster Wines).
Rich main courses like wagyu with asparagus gohan were matched with structured reds:
Nareklishvili and Sons (a.k.a. Qvevri Wine Cellar) Saperavi Qvevri 2022 (Lea & Sandeman).
Chelti Saperavi Qvevri Oak-Aged 2017 (Novel Wines)
Giorgi Solomnishvili ‘1984’ Budeshuri Saperavi 2018 (House of Townend, stocked by South Down Cellars, Wine Racks Aberdeen, Oak Wines)
Georgian Wines at London Wine Fair 2025
Held since 1981, the London Wine Fair remains a key annual event for the global wine trade. According to Sarah Abbott MW, this year’s edition hosted the largest representation of Georgian wineries so far, which was a great opportunity for the wine professionals to explore the diversity of styles and varieties that Georgia offers.
16 companies represented the country at the main pavilion, while UK-based niche importers such as Navi Wines and Transylvania Wines appeared in the Wines Unearthed section, offering more visibility to emerging labels and niche producers. The flagship winery Tbilvino presented its wine selection at a separate booth as well.
The main booth also hosted three information-packed masterclasses by Sarah Abbott MW introducing wines from across Georgia — from light Imeretian whites to structured Kakhetian ambers and powerful reds.
The Georgian stand, supported by the National Wine Agency and the Georgian Embassy, featured the following producers:
Askaneli
Binekhi / Vazi+
Bolero & Company
Chateau Mukhrani
Chelti Winery
Dugladze Wine Co
Giuaani
GK Winery
Ikano Estate
Mtevino
Naberauli Wines
Periani Wine
Teliani Valley
Tsereteli Winery
Vazisubani Estate
Winery Pirveli
Also, Georgian wineries and wine-related projects received several nominations and were proclaimed as winners at Wine Travel Awards.
Georgian Supra in Samaia Restaurant - May 20
One of the standout moments of the spring season was an intimate supra — a traditional Georgian feast — hosted by Sarah Abbott MW and Ikano Winery at Samaia, a Georgian restaurant in London. This invitation-only event brought together wine professionals, media, and trade to experience the soulful connection between Georgian wine, food, and culture.
The wines, all organic and produced by the biodynamic Ikano Estate in the heart of the Kindzmarauli PDO, were served alongside a lavish Georgian meal. The evening celebrated not just the quality of the wines but the depth of Georgian hospitality.
“We were delighted to bring a little bit of Georgia to London, when we hosted a delicious Georgian supra in West London, powered by the organic wines of the Ikano Estate. It was a really inspiring and emotional occasion — even the Georgian attendees confirmed that the food was just like at home!”
– Sarah Abbott MW
Giuaani Tasting at Cellar Door Wines – May 22, St Albans
Cellar Door Wines and Giuaani Winery co-hosted an intimate tasting in St Albans to spotlight Georgia’s indigenous grapes and ancient winemaking methods. Guests were guided through seven wines by the Giuaani representative, including:
Manavi Dry White 2022
Tvishi Semi-Sweet White 2023
Kisi-Mtsvane Qvevri 2018
Ojaleshi Dry Red 2022
Saperavi Barrel 2020
Saperavi-Cabernet Qvevri 2020
Khvanchkara Red Semi-Sweet 2020
The tasting was paired with a traditional Georgian feast prepared by Maija’s Georgian Kitchen, making the evening a true cultural and culinary celebration.
Georgia at 80-20 Wines – May 17–23
80-20 Wines in London celebrated Georgia with a week of themed tastings. Events included:
Georgian qvevri wines vs. international clay-fermented wines
A collaboration with Kinkally featuring Michelin-level cuisine matched with Georgian wines from Seroba and Pirveli
A showcase of Naberauli Wines from Racha, paired with modern Georgian tapas
A pairing dinner featuring Giuaani Winery alongside Silk Road-inspired dishes
All events were open to the public and drew wine lovers from across London and beyond.
If you are interested to learn more about the Georgian wine events in the UK, follow our social media pages and check our Events section from time to time!
