When we think of the historic Old World wine region, we imagine the rolling hills of Tuscany, riding bicycles along the Loire River, Bordeaux wineries or Rioja's fascinating high-end design wineries. Although the Mediterranean Basin and some European regions have thousands of years of wine history, we must look beyond the East to the Transcaucasian, where the wine is the birthplace. Georgia is the only region in the world where the relationship with wine has never been interrupted.

The oldest traces of viticulture (growing) can be traced back to Georgia. A few decades ago, archaeologists discovered grape seeds from 6000 to 5000 BC in the Neolithic settlements of Danglagola in southern Tbilisi. Subsequently, excavations were carried out in the settlement of Gadachrili Agora in 2006 and 2007, where more grape cores and fragments of clay containers containing signs of wine production were found: tartaric acid, a by-product of wine.

Qvevri is a key tool in Georgian winemaking technology and is widely regarded as a symbol of the country. Qvevri is an egg-shaped ceramic container made of clay and permanently grown indoors or outdoors in a Malani or wine cellar. The temperature of the earth remains the same and is considered ideal for wine fermentation and maturation. The oldest prototype of qvevri dates back to 6000 BC and is decorated with a bunch of grapes. This is especially interesting for wine historians because these vessels are buried underground and the decorations are not seen. Wine historian George Barry Savli believes that these decorations are essentially religious or spiritual; perhaps they are sacrifices of the gods of the day to ensure a good harvest and good wine.

For centuries, animism has given way to paganism. When the patron saint Nino brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century, the worship of Dionysus was replaced by orthodox Christianity. Wine has remained stable during several incursions in the country. In the Orthodox and Christian traditions, wine symbolizes the blood of Christ. In the Georgian church, the Georgian cross is made of vines and bound by the hair of St. Nino, which again links the vines to the culture of the country. Now, with Georgia claiming its legal status in the wine world, there are about 200 wine companies producing a wide variety of wines, from traditional qvevri to European style that most consumers are accustomed to.

Georgia now has 18 wine producing protection marks, a European hierarchy designed to regulate quality. In this system, regional brands are monitored and wine must be produced in some way to maintain its position. This includes everything from style, yield and grape variety. Although there are more than 500 known grape varieties in Georgia, about 25 varieties are commonly used and are more readily available than others. There are ten regions in Georgia, but the following four regions are the easiest for those who want to tasting wine from Tbilisi or Kutaisi.

Kakheti

Kakheti is Georgia's main wine production center and has many wineries to choose from. A day trip suggested from Tbilisi will include a visit to the picturesque town of Signagi, known as the “City of Love” for providing wedding services 24 hours a day. Before you start your wine tasting tour, enjoy the view of the Greater Caucasus. Visiting the Aravadi Monastery is a must for anyone visiting Kakheti. Since 1011, the monks there have been making wine.

Kartley Kartli

Central Caltary is one of the easiest wine regions to visit in Tbilisi. Travelers can immerse themselves in the wine culture in 45 minutes and have time to visit cultural attractions along the way. From Tbilisi, stop at Jvari Monastery, which overlooks the ancient capital Mtskheta. The monastery of the sixth century is beautifully old and worth spending time along the winding road. From Jvari, drive to Mtskheta, the old capital and one of the oldest permanent settlements in Europe.

There are many wineries in the area to visit, with a focus on traditional winemaking. Visiting Iago's winery feels like being invited to a friend's house. Iago and his wife have transformed their winery into a tourist-friendly place. Eat homemade dumplings, tasting Iago series wines and Mandiri wines, the first female-produced qvevri wines in Georgia.

Imereti

Imereti is a wine region in western Georgia that produces the most elegant wines in the country. A day trip from Tbilisi is not entirely feasible, but as Kutasi welcomes more and more international and low-cost airlines, Imereti will be the next hot spot for wine tourism in the region, with a focus on Archil Guniava. A small family business like a winery.

Tbilisi Tbilisi

If you only stay in Tbilisi for a short time and like city life better than country trips, there are plenty of places to taste wine in Tbilisi. Underground wine is an indispensable wine tasting bar, while G.Vino in the old town offers elegant and delicious Georgian cuisine and wines.