Varietal Encyclopedia

Explore Georgia's indigenous grape varieties and their unique characteristics.

Georgian Wine Regions

Wine Regions Map

KakhetiImeretiKartliSamegreloTushetiRacha

Interactive map coming soon

The Qvevri Method

Qvevri is an ancient Georgian winemaking method that has been practiced for over 8,000 years. Large, egg-shaped clay vessels called qvevris are buried underground, where the earth's constant cool temperature creates ideal fermentation conditions.

In Qvevri winemaking, red grapes ferment with their skins and stems, while white grapes ferment with their skins (often called "orange wine"). This extended contact creates complex, mineral-driven wines with unique flavor profiles. The method was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, cementing its cultural significance and ancient pedigree.

Key Georgian Grape Varieties

Saperavi

Red Wine

A full-bodied red wine with deep color and tannins. Saperavi is known for its structure, spice, and dark berry flavors. The name means 'to dye' in Georgian, referring to the grape's deep color. Widely cultivated in the Kakheti region, it is Georgia's most famous export red wine.

Regions: Kakheti, Kartli

Grilled meatsAged cheesesGame

Rkatsiteli

White Wine

One of the world's oldest white wine grapes, with a history spanning thousands of years. Rkatsiteli produces dry, mineral wines with floral and citrus notes. The name means 'red stalk' in Georgian. It is particularly suited to traditional Qvevri fermentation.

Regions: Kakheti, Imereti, Kartli

SeafoodWhite cheeseHerbsLight pasta

Kisi

White Wine

A rare and elegant white wine grape with notes of apricot, honeysuckle, and minerals. Kisi produces wines with medium body and balanced acidity. Once nearly extinct, it is now being revived by dedicated Georgian producers using Qvevri methods.

Regions: Imereti, Racha

Roasted chickenSoft cheesesStone fruits

Mtsvane

White Wine

A versatile white grape that produces both dry and semi-dry wines. Mtsvane offers herbaceous and citrus characteristics with good aging potential. The name means 'green' in Georgian. It thrives in cooler microclimates and is excellent for Qvevri aging.

Regions: Kakheti, Tusheti

Light fishGreen vegetablesHerbs

Chinuri

White Wine

A distinctive white wine with fresh acidity, floral aromatics, and citrus flavors. Chinuri is particularly known for producing naturally carbonated wines. It offers excellent freshness and is ideal for food pairing, with a distinctive character unique to Georgian winemaking.

Regions: Kartli, Imereti

Soft cheesesFresh vegetablesLight appetizers

Tavkveri

Red Wine

A light to medium-bodied red wine with fresh red fruit flavors and delicate tannins. Tavkveri is known for its brightness and elegance, offering notes of red berries and subtle spice. It pairs well with traditional Georgian cuisine and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide.

Regions: Kartli, Samegrelo

Grilled fishLight meatsTomato-based dishes