Press Release : This Orange Day, Choose a Wine from Georgia, where the style was born

Celebrate Orange Wine Day on 6 October with a wine from Georgia, the country where this newly fashionable style was first made, 8000 years ago.

Made from white grapes fermented with their skins, orange wine sales have soared in in the UK in the last two years, with Ocado reporting a 99% increase in 2024.

Known in Georgia as “amber wine”, orange wines are made from white grapes, fermented on their skins, a method usually reserved for red grapes. The unique Georgian versions are made in clay amphora, called Qvevri, an 8000-year tradition in Georgia which has been recognised as world Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

According to the National Wine Agency of Georgia, wine exports to the UK surged by an impressive 72% in 2024, reaching 426,000 litres, a clear sign that UK wine drinkers are embracing the authentic, artisanal character of Georgian wine. From trendy natural wine bars to the shelves of Waitrose, Lidl, and Majestic, amber wine is catching on with a new generation of drinkers who crave something distinctive.

“We’re witnessing a real shift in perception - UK buyers are increasingly drawn to Georgian wine’s rich heritage and artisanal appeal,” says Sarah Abbott MW, who leads the UK campaign for Wines of Georgia.

What is Amber Wine?

Amber wine is made by fermenting white grapes with their skins and seeds, a method traditionally carried out in clay vessels called Qvevri, which are installed in the earth. This gives the wine a beautiful golden-orange hue, a textured mouthfeel, and complex flavours ranging from dried apricot to tea leaf with gentle tannins.

Top reasons to explore Georgian amber wine this Orange Wine Day:

Authenticity: Georgia is the birthplace of wine, home to more than 500 indigenous grape varieties.

Versatility: Amber wines pair brilliantly with a range of cuisines, from spicy dishes to aged cheeses.

Affordability: Exceptional quality in the £9–£20 range making them accessible to drinkers wanting to try something new.

Innovation meets Tradition: Georgia’s new wave of winemakers are combining ancient methods with modern winemaking knowledge.

A Rising Star in the UK Wine Scene

To meet surging demand, the National Wine Agency of Georgia increased its investment in the UK by 50% in 2025, launching new retail promotions and expanding distribution. Georgian wine is now one of the fastest-growing categories in the UK, with premium positioning in both retail and on-trade.

For media inquiries and samples, please contact:

Madeleine Waters | Madeleine@swirlwinegroup.com | 07778 702221

Notes to Editors

Amber wines in national retail:

Majestic – Tbilvino Qvevris Rkatsiteli

M&S – Qvevris Kisi

For further information about where to source Georgian wines please visit:

https://www.georgianwine.uk/find-a-stockist