For generations, Georgia has proudly claimed the title of the birthplace of wine.

Georgia’s uninterrupted tradition of winemaking stretches back at least 8000 years. The oldest indications of winemaking have been discovered in what is now the territory of Georgia, from where the practice spread throughout the world.

According to the results of an international multidisciplinary project to research Georgian grape and wine culture, the earliest traces of viticulture and cultivated wine date back to the sixth and fifth millennia BCE in an ancient Neolithic settlement in Georgia. The international scientific journal PNAS published an article titled “Early Neolithic Wine of Georgia in the South Caucasus” describing the research project and its results, confirming that the tribes inhabiting this area made wine as far back as 8000 years ago. The people from Gadachrili Gora were the world’s earliest winemakers.

The Qvevri – an earthenware vessel that has been used for thousands of years to store and age wine – is becoming the unofficial symbol of the country. As a proof of its cultural significance, and in accordance with the principles of the Convention on Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, the ancient Georgian tradition of making wine in Qvevri has been assigned the status of National Monument of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Qvevri was the first vessel ever to be used in winemaking.

Character and comparative advantage: Georgia’s uninterrupted tradition of winemaking stretches back at least 8000 years. “Georgia is the only country in the world where winemaking methods that were developed up to 8000 years ago have not only never been abandoned, but remain in many ways best practice.” Andrew Jeffords. The Qvevri winemaking method on UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. Georgia: More than 525 indigenous grape varieties.

Producing areas: Today, the total area of vineyards in Georgia is around 55 000 ha, with 76.7 percent located in Kakheti, 14.6 percent in Imereti, 4 percent in Kartli, and 1.7 percent in Racha-Lechkhumi. The other viticulture regions – Adjara, Meskheti, Guria, Samegrelo, Bolnisi and Abkhazia – account for 3 percent of the total number of vineyards. Georgia produces up to 200 million l of wine annually. The country of Georgia is divided into 10 viticulture and winemaking zones and subzones: Kakheti, Kartli, Meskheti, Imereti, Racha, Lechkhumi, Guria, Samegrelo, Ajara and Abkhazia.

Demands: Georgian wine export: up to 100 million l annually. Export value: up to USD 260 million annually. Average export price per liter: USD 2.80. The country’s distinct traditions have been shaped by an amazing diversity of more than 525 indigenous grape varieties. Georgia’s ancient traditions and its wine culture are entwined with the country’s national identity.