Georgian Picks for BBQs, Picnics and Bank Holiday

Whether you're grilling in the garden, picnicking in the park, or simply soaking up sunshine on your balcony, summer in Britain is all about good company and great drinks. Why not give your wine list a fresh twist? Georgian wines – vibrant, versatile, and increasingly easy to find – are perfect for al fresco dining. 

With the Summer Bank Holiday approaching, we could resist to pick a great value bottles for you. Here are our top picks under £25, matched with seasonal eats and sunshine-proof style.

For the BBQ: Smoky meats meet juicy reds

Ojaleshi – silky and spicy

A medium-bodied red from Western Georgia, Ojaleshi is full of ripe red fruit, soft spice, and silky texture. Think of it as the Beaujolais of Georgia – light but punchy. However, it often comes as semi-dry or semi-sweet, so read the label carefully!

Perfect slightly chilled, it tastes delicious with grilled sausages, smoky lamb chops or sticky ribs.

Try this: Giuaani Ojaleshi Dry

Tavkveri – bright and berry-forward

This grape from the Kartli region delivers red currant, black cherry and sometimes a hint of spice. It’s the kind of red that can handle spiced kebabs but won’t overwhelm lighter fare.

Try this: Peradze Tavkveri, Dugladze Tavkveri

For the Picnic: Crisp whites & aromatic charmers

Kisi – fragrant and fresh

Kisi is Georgia’s answer to Albariño, when it’s made in classical, white style (no skin-contact) – expressive and full of peach, citrus and herbal notes. Whether you're nibbling on a goat cheese baguette or raiding a tub of M&S summer salads, this is the bottle you want in your cool bag.

Try this: Danieli Kisi, Chelti Kisi

Mtsvane – crisp and zippy

Meaning “green” in Georgian, Kakhuri Mtsvane is bright, zippy and full of citrus and stone fruit. A brilliant new discovery for the European Sauvignon Blanc fans. Will go really well with prawn cocktail, asparagus quiche, feta + watermelon salad.

Try this: Koncho Mtsvane, Mildiani Mtsvane, Vachnadziani Mtsvane

Something Different: Imeretian wines for Bank Holiday 

Got a long weekend to experiment? Peek into the world of wines from Western Georgia! The white wines from the Imeretian varieties are lovely and are worth tasting as well.

Tsitska, Tsolikouri, Krakhuna - or some of them blended - pair well with sunshine and curious palates. Also, with grilled trout, roast aubergine dip, roast chicken, and many other dishes. 

Serve them cool, and don’t worry if the ice bucket gets involved – we won’t tell.

Try this: Villa Mosavali Tsitska, Naberauli Tsolikouri, Kankatela Tsolikouri, Chateau Askana Krakhuna

If you are curious about amber wines, Imereti should be a perfect region to start from. The wines from this part of Georgia are traditionally lighter than those from Kakheti, if made in amber style – we mean, skin-contact whites made in Qvevri.

Try this: Baia’s Wine Tsitska-Tsolikouri, Baia’s Wine Tsitska-Tsolikouri-Krakhuna, Archil Guniava Tsitska-Tsolikouri-Krakhuna 

Georgian wines bring variety, value, and character to your summer table. With long weekend plans made, grills heating up and picnics popping off, there’s no better time to explore these under-the-radar gems!