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…
A large and important producer, Kakhuri Gvinis Marani has 400 hectares of vineyards in the zones of Tsinandali, Teliani, Akhasheni, Mukuzani, Manavi, and Gurjaani. Retired Major General and former Deputy Defence Minister Nugzar Kevkhishvili developed the vineyards built up by his father and established a new winery in 1995, so that the company could start…
This small and beautiful family estate was established in 2005. Located in the north east of Kakheti, Babaneuris winery takes its name from the nearby town. This part of Georgia is the gateway to Tusheti, a national park in the Caucasus mountains and location of one of “the world’s most treacherous roads”. It’s much safer…
This 19th century Château looks like a little bit of Versailles has been teleported to breezy Kartli. Created in the 1870s by Prince Ivane Mukhranbationi, Mukhrani was a pioneering producer of fine Georgian wine with an international market and reputation. The estate fell on hard times in the early 20th century, with vineyards neglected and…
John Okurashvili established Okro’s Wines in 2004, after a career as a scientific software engineer and telecoms. He has 5.5 hectares near the ravishingly pretty town of Sighnaghi, in Kakheti. John cultivates his vineyards organically, without pesticides, weedkillers or other treatments and the wines are made without Sulphur or other additions. He is a champion…
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…