Theculturetrip.com, a website which helps more than 7 million visitors monthly to discover the world, has dedicated a long and inspiring story to Georgia’s centuries-old tradition of wine-making.

The website, which is backed by three global offices and 140 contributor hubs, names Georgia as a "cradle of wine.” 

The country of Georgia is the only region in the world where the relationship between humans and wine was never interrupted,” the article reads. 

The article highlights that a few decades ago archaeologists discovered grape pips from 6000–5000 B.C.E. in the Neolithic settlement of Dangreuli Gora, south of Tbilisi, which was followed by excavations in 2006 and 2007 at the Gadachrili Agora settlement, where more grape pips were found.

The article emphasises the Qvevri as "a key instrument when it comes to wine-making techniques in Georgia.” 

And is widely regarded as the symbol of the country.” 

Alaverdi Monastery in Kakheti, Georgia. Monks have been making wine here since 1011 | © Sarah May Grunwald

They say the oldest prototype of the qvevri dates back to the 6000 B.C.E., and was decorated with bunches of grapes on the outside.

This proved particularly interesting to wine historians, due to the fact that the vessels were buried in the ground and the decoration would have not been seen, "the article says and adds this could have religious links. 

The author notes that in the Orthodox Church and in Christian tradition, wine has come to symbolise the blood of Christ.

In the Georgian church, the Georgian cross is made of grape vines that are bound by St. Nino’s hair, which once again links the vine to the country’s culture,” the story reports and adds that in the modern world of wine  "Georgia claims its rightful place with about 200 wine companies . 

The article informs that  Georgia has over 500 known grape varieties, but there are about 25 that are in common use and that are more readily available than others. 

There are ten regions in Georgia, but the following three: Kakheti, Kartli and Imereti are the easiest to visit for those wishing to imbibe on a wine tour from Tbilisi or Kutaisi.

The story also provides tips for those who visit the capital city, Tbilisi. 

Read more here.

The qvevri is the oldest known wine vessel in the world | © Sarah May Grunwald.

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