Forget the French for a Minute! Take a Bold Journey into Georgian Wine
Georgian wine has a rich and ancient history, widely considered to be one of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world. Archaeological evidence suggests that wine production in Georgia dates back over 8,000 years, making it the birthplace of viticulture.
“Do you sell Georgian wine?” That’s the question we asked Michael, the salesperson at a Wine Shop in Dublin. His response came not in words at first, but in an intrigued look, as if surprised by the audacity of such a request in the middle of Dublin in Ireland. For a moment, it seemed he was processing something deeper. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, a smile not of amusement, but of pride.
“Of course we do,” he said finally, his tone quiet yet confident. The smile widened slightly, and though Michael didn’t say it, we could sense what he was thinking: This one knows their wine.
For many, wine is synonymous with the rolling hills of France or the sun-soaked valleys of Italy. But Georgia? To ask for its wine in a small Irish wine shop hinted at something more than casual interest—it suggested curiosity, or perhaps, a connoisseur’s touch.
Georgia, a small country located in the Caucasus between Europe and Asia, holds a prestigious title that few other nations can claim: the birthplace of wine. With over 8,000 years of continuous winemaking history, Georgia’s viticulture is deeply intertwined with its identity, culture, and traditions.
The term “wine” itself is believed to have linguistic roots in Georgia, derived from the Georgian word “ghvino.”
From the ancient use of qvevris (clay fermentation vessels) to its extraordinary array of native grape varieties, Georgian wine is more than a drink—it’s a living testament to the country's rich heritage and its enduring connection to the land.
