The Cradle of Wine and Homeland of Orange Wine

Georgia is considered the cradle of wine, with a documented winemaking history that stretches back more than 8,000 years. Archaeological findings show that as early as the Stone Age, people in the region were cultivating vines and storing wine in clay vessels – the famous qvevri – which remain at the heart of Georgian winemaking today. It is precisely this method that has made Georgia known as the homeland of orange wine and natural wine, where grapes ferment with skins and stems in buried clay amphorae, without additives and with minimal intervention.

Today, Georgia has around 55,000 hectares of vineyards spread across more than 20 official wine regions. The most renowned is Kakheti, which accounts for over 70% of the country’s production and is famous for its qvevri wines made from varieties such as Rkatsiteli and Saperavi. Other important regions include Kartli near the capital Tbilisi, Imereti in western Georgia, and the cooler areas of Racha-Lechkhumi and Adjara. A common feature across them all is the wealth of local grape varieties – more than 500 have been recorded, many of which are unique to Georgia.

Georgian wine production is increasingly focused on organic and biodynamic practices, and the natural wine movement is particularly strong here. The qvevri-aged wines – especially the amber-hued orange wines – have become an icon of the country’s winemaking identity and are sought after by wine lovers worldwide. Their flavor profile is often deep, spicy, and tannic, yet with a vibrant freshness that reflects the high-altitude vineyards and varied climate.

In other words, Georgia is more than just a wine country – it is a cultural and historical center where wine is still made according to ancient methods, and where natural wine, orange wine, and native grape varieties take the leading role. For anyone seeking wine with soul, authenticity, and a direct connection to history, Georgia stands out as one of the most exciting wine countries in the world today.