This relatively new estate has a fascinating back-story.
Lado Uzanishvili brims with energy, enthusiasm and knowledge. Wine is in his blood. In the 19th century, his forefathers were chief winemakers on the princely estates of Alexander Chavchavadze. They went on to be awarded an Imperial Medallion and 100 gold coins for “Notable and Outstanding Winemaking” by Zsar Nicolas II.
The family lost their status and patrons under the years of Soviet occupation, when the old noble estates were collectivised. But they carried on making small quantities of their own wine however they could, determined to keep the family vocation alive for their new generation.
Lado was working as state winemaker when the Soviet Union disintegrated in the 1990s. Creative and determined, he succeeded in winning a place to study enology at Adelaide’s renowned university. There he thrived, encouraging the Aussies to plant Saperavi, with great success, and deepening his technical knowledge. He went on to make wine in Morocco, Italy, France, Ukraine and Japan.
Mukado is a joint project for Lado and Australian friends. The name (Mukuzani + Lado) reflects his deep personal connection with this revered Georgian terroir.
