In 2012, diggers unearthed a surprise stash of hundreds of old qvevri in the grounds of Vaziani wine cellar. They were the remains of the once princely, then derelict, winery of Makashvili, founded in the latter half of the 15th Century. Vaziani (a large, modern winery established in the 1980s) set about restoring the old…
This small estate of 34 hectares is being restored to old glories by Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze. Vazisubani’s mansion and vineyards were established by Tavadi (Prince) Sulkhan Chavchavadze in the late 19th century. Named after the village in which it is located, Vazisubani flourished in this golden but curtailed period of Georgian history. Beautifully…
Established in the 1960s, for decades Tbilvino was the state-owned engine that satisfied the thirst for easy-drinking Georgian wine all over the Soviet Union. In the last two decades, following Georgia’s hard-won independence, Tbilvino has been transformed into one of the most dynamic, open-minded, large producers of Georgia. The sprawling old winery complex was consolidated…
In 2005, eighth-generation Georgian wine-maker Gela Patalishvili came across American artist John Wurdeman painting in a vineyard. In 2007, they co-founded this holistic and dynamic winery in Signaghi. Theirs is a powerfully creative partnership that has raised awareness of Georgian wine across the world. Both are inspired by Georgia’s ancient but vulnerable viticultural legacy, and…
This exquisite winery, cellar and house was first created by the remarkable couple Ilia Chavchavadze and Olga Guramishvili in the late 1800s. Aristocratic, artistic, philanthropic and very much in love, they enlarged Olga’s family property in Kartli to make qvevri and sparkling wine from their nearby vineyards. Poet, politician and thinker, Ilia Chavchavadze was the…
This large and quality-focused producer owns vineyards in many of Georgia’s most famed micro-zones and appellations. The winery is in Tsinandali, the aristocratic town that Prince Chavchavadze made the heart of contemporary Georgian wine production in the 18th century. (His palace, now a national monument, is next door.) Shumi was founded in 2001, as Georgia…
Ramaz Nikoladze’s wines are one of the most sought-after cult wines of Georgia. They are fought over by cutting-edge sommeliers and natural wine buyers in London, New York and Tokyo. This demand is as strong and authentic as the wines. From his small, sustainably cultivated vineyard in Imereti, Ramaz makes just a few thousand bottles…
The Jakeli brothers established their organic vineyard in 2001, and began commercial production 7 years later. Their small, 6 hectare, site is in Kashmi, a renowned microzone at altitudes of 500-700 metres. Initially, they vinified their superb, richly-flavoured grapes using conventional methods such as stainless steel tanks, and oak barrels. After several years of also…
This young superstar of big Georgian wineries own a considerable 400 hectares of vineyards, and benefits from the consulting advices of the renowned Italian enologist, Donato Lanati. Established in 2006, Badagoni’s focus is on Georgian varieties from renowned Georgian terroirs. They have made sure to acquire vineyards in each of the major sub-zones of Kakheti.…
In just two decades, Askaneli Brothers has grown to become one of the most dynamic large producers of Georgia. The name is derived from the village “Askana”, in Guria. This southern region of Georgia is a byword for eccentric creativity, and a dry, black wit. The Chkhaidze family are important Georgian business owners, with interests…