5 Rare Georgian Grapes to Taste in 2026
Can you believe that 2026 is approaching faster than The Polar Express? We can’t. It feels like yesterday we were working on Georgian Rosé and Summer Cocktail articles, and now we’re already looking ahead to the new year. We hope it brings plenty of curiosity and discovery, so here is our list of Georgian wines that are still on the rarer side, yet fully available to UK drinkers.
Georgia has more than 500 indigenous grape varieties, but only a small group regularly reaches the British market. So what sits beyond Rkatsiteli, Kakhuri Mtsvane, Tsolikouri and Saperavi? Below are five grapes already present on the UK market — not ultra rare, but definitely unique and harder to stumble upon.
1. Khikhvi: expressive but never over the top
Khikhvi is one of Kakheti’s most versatile whites. It can be bright and floral in stainless steel, or deeper and gently structured in qvevri. It tastes familiar enough for UK drinkers, yet it keeps a clear Georgian identity with its hard to pronounce name (“khee-kh-vee”!), offering an array of ripe stone fruit, soft herbal notes and a great balance. Great with white fish, roast chicken or anything with herbs.
Try this:
Vine Ponto Khikhvi
2. Krakhuna: western Georgia’s crisp wonder
Krakhuna comes from Imereti and gives clean, fresh whites with citrus, apple and a distinct mineral line. It can be a part of light amber blends, the most notable being Sviri (Tsitska-Tsolikouri-Krakhuna). Amber versions on full skin show more depth and can be on the intense side of the spectrum, but are still very enjoyable.
For the British wine lovers used to Italian and Portuguese whites, white Krakhuna is a comfortable step into Georgia’s west: a bright, versatile white that fits seafood, lighter suppers and everyday drinking.
Try this:
Vaziani - Krakhuna
3. Goruli Mtsvane — Kartli’s sharp, herbal highlight
Not to be confused with Kakhuri Mtsvane, Goruli Mtsvane is naturally high in acidity, with citrus, herbs, meadow flowers and a crisp finish. It’s a very good fit for UK drinkers who like Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño or Austrian whites. The amber versions are fragrant, full of quince, citrus peel and white stone fruits. Extremely food-friendly!
Try this:
Villa Mosavali Goruli Mtsvane (white)
Barbale Goruli Mtsvane (amber)
4. Ojaleshi: fragrant and silky, from Georgia’s west
Ojaleshi can be dry or naturally semi-sweet, and always incredibly pleasant and alluring: dark cherries, soft spice and a smooth, lighter structure. It’s one of the easiest Georgian reds for newcomers, and can be an interesting find for Gamay or Dolcetto lovers, fruity, approachable, slightly exotic.
Try this:
Giuaani Ojaleshi (dry)
5. Budeshuri — Saperavi’s easy-going cousin
Budeshuri is genetically very close to Saperavi but behaves differently: fresher red fruit, a savoury kick and that recognisable leathery undertone even when young. Perfect for people who want a Kakhetian red, but not a sledgehammer.
Try this:
Budeshuri Winery Budeshuri
We are quite excited that these bottles are available in the UK market, and are looking forward to hearing from you if you have tasted some of them. If 2026 is the year to look further than Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, this is a solid place to start.
