This boutique producer makes tiny quantities of excellent wines, beautifully labelled and selectively distributed. They are already something of a cult among Tbilisi’s nascent trendy wine scene. Lukasi was founded in 2011 by Ketevan Gersamia and Mamuka Dolidze when they inherited a small vineyard and decided to create their own wine, named for their son,…
An exemplary larger producer, Schuchmann has shown the world the versatility, consistency and appeal of contemporary Georgian wine. Co-founded by German industrialist Burkhard Schuchmann and famed Georgian winemaker George (Gogi) Dakishvili, the winery was distinguished from the start by its commitment to both Qvevri and ‘European’ wine of global quality standards. Their elegant qvevri wines…
Giorgi (Gogi) Dakishvili is one of the most respected and influential winemakers of Georgia. A skilled enologist, he combines technical excellent with intuitive creativity. His is a leading expert on the science and art of winemaking in Qvevri, and shares his knowledge freely with the new generation of vignerons returning to this ancient method. He…
Founded in 1915, Telavi Wine Cellar fell on hard times in the post-Soviet era. It was rescued from bankruptcy and neglect by a small group of entrepreneurs led by former surgeon, and avid Burgundy fan, Zurab Ramazashvili. (“When I first suggested we buy it, they thought I was mad”, he says.) Today, this is one…
GWS GWS (“Georgian Wine and Spirits”) is one of the biggest and most dynamic producers of Georgia. It emerged from the Soviet-era government winery “Telavi2”, which was established in the 1970s. In common with several former Soviet wineries, Telavi2 was purchased by forward-thinking entrepreneurs in the early 1990s, just as Georgia was emerging into independence.…
Iago Bitarishvili makes just 5,000 bottles a year, but his influence and impact is that of a major, and visionary, producer. From his family vineyards in Kartli he makes arrestingly elegant Amber and White wines from the local Chinuri grape. Born to a wine-making family, Iago reintroduced the use of Qvevri in the early 2000s…
Khareba is a large and commercially significant Georgian wine producer with an aristocratic origin. As long ago as the 17th century, wines from its vineyards in Vachnadzeani, in Hereti, were championed by the noble Jandieri and the Vachnadze families. The following period, however, brought conflict and rule by the Persians, and destruction of vineyards and…
Although it was officially launched in 1997, Teliani Valley winery has over a century of history – and a pivotal role in the development of Georgian wine. The modern winery is the successor of one opened in Tsinandali in 1887 by Prince Alexander Chavchavadze. It was remarkably innovative for its time. Chavchavadze was a celebrated…
Mosmieri. Founded by a German-Georgian team near Telavi, Kakheti, this new winery is an example of the flourishing of Georgia’s boutique wine scene. The beautiful winery, courtyard garden and restaurant are built using the delicately proportioned hand-finished bricks and stone of local origin. The tower and wooden balconies nod to Georgia’s distinctively elegant traditional architecture.…
A new documentary film about Georgian wine makers is among screenings at the Georgian Film Festival in London from 1st to 8th May. “Our Blood is Wine” is directed by Emily Railsback, and co-presented by sommelier Jeremy Quinn. Shot entirely on iPhone, the film explores the resurgent wine culture of Georgia, and its powerful links…