Few places on Earth rival Georgia’s winemaking tradition. With more than 500 indigenous grape varieties and 8,000 years of history, Georgia is often called the birthplace of wine.
At the heart of this culture is the qvevri — large, egg-shaped clay vessels buried underground to ferment and age wine naturally. Today, winemakers across the country use both ancient and modern techniques to craft exceptional wines. The only challenge is figuring out where to start.
Whether you prefer tannic ambers, crisp whites, or semi-sweet reds, here are the Georgian wines to look out for.
Georgian White and Amber Wines
Rkatsiteli
The chardonnay of Georgia — you’ll see it on nearly every wine list. Originating in the Alazani Valley in Kakheti, rkatsiteli is one of the country’s most cherished grapes.
Aged in qvevri, it develops a deep amber hue and notable tannins. Made with European techniques, it’s usually cleaner and slightly sweet. If you’re sipping a glass of white or amber wine in Georgia, odds are it’s rkatsiteli.
Try it at Okro’s Wines, a natural winemaker with excellent expression available at his cellar in the picturesque town of Sighnaghi.
Kisi
Another Kakhetian grape, kisi makes fruity, straw-colored wines. Lighter than other varieties, even qvevri-aged kisi avoids heavy tannins — ideal for lunch.
Look for bottles from Vazisubani Estate, which earned gold medals for its 2018 and 2021 vintages. The estate, located in a 19th-century manor, is also a wonderful place to stay, dine, or simply stop in for a tasting.
Mtsvane
Meaning “green” in Georgian (referring to the grapes’ color), mtsvane is often described as “Georgia’s Riesling” thanks to its aromatic, semi-sweet profile.
Two types stand out: Goruli mtsvane and Manavi mtsvane. Chateau Mukhrani, northwest of Tbilisi, makes a bright, balanced Goruli mtsvane — visit en route to nearby Mtskheta.
Tsolikouri
Western Georgia’s answer to rkatsiteli, tsolikouri thrives in Imereti and produces everything from floral whites to full-bodied amber wines.
It’s often blended but shines solo too. For a great example, visit Baia’s Wines, a family-run operation near Kutaisi that makes both blends and single-variety tsolikouri.
Georgian Red Wines
Saperavi
The king of Georgian reds. A teinturier grape with red flesh and skin, saperavi produces inky, intense wines packed with dark fruit, spice, and licorice.
It forms the base for Kindzmarauli (semi-sweet) and Mukuzani (oak-aged dry) wines. For a standout, seek out Vardiasvhili Family Wines — their 2021 saperavi snagged a gold medal at the IWSC.
Ojaleshi
Native to Samegrelo in western Georgia, ojaleshi traditionally climbs trees and flourishes in humid coastal climates. The wines are semi-sweet with berry aromas and a silky, easy-drinking profile.
Try Martvilis Marani for a small-batch version grown beside the Tekhuri River.
Khvanchkara
A sweet red blend of alexandrouli and mudzhuretuli grapes from the mountainous Racha region. Great with dessert — or dinner, if you’re Georgian. Stalin was a fan.
For a top-notch bottle, head to Tchrebalo Winery near Ambrolauri. Better yet, time your visit with the Racha Wine Festival (July or August) for bottomless pours and unfiltered joy.
Poliphonia
Georgia’s Noah’s Ark of wine. This unique field blend from Pheasant’s Tears can include over 100 rare grape varieties, many of which were nearly lost during Soviet times.
The name? A play on Georgia’s famous polyphonic singing — a complex harmony of flavors in every bottle.
Where to Try or Buy in Tbilisi
8000 Vintages
Shop, bar, and restaurant rolled into one. With over 1,000 labels, approachable pricing, and expert tastings, this is your all-purpose Georgian wine HQ. The branch near Rustaveli Avenue is the most central.
Vino Underground
A cozy cellar bar run by natural winemakers, including John Wurdeman of Pheasant’s Tears. Expect rare, biodynamic bottles and passionate conversations.
Warehouse
Set inside the hip Stamba Hotel, this bar skews young and funky. Specializes in natural wines — both Georgian and global — and hosts weekly tastings.
Wine Boutique
A favorite with expats and wine nerds in the Vera neighborhood. Stock rotates seasonally, and the vibe is friendly and informal. It is a great place to sample small-batch bottles before you commit.