If your wine adventures have mostly circled around France, Italy, or Spain, it’s time to expand your horizons.
Let me introduce you to Georgia—the true birthplace of wine—a hidden gem that’s been quietly crafting incredible wines since 8,000 BC.
Intrigued? Let’s dive into why Georgian wines, especially the standout Saperavi, deserve a spot in your wine rack.
Only 2% of Brits Know the birthplace of wine Isn’t France, Italy, or Spain
Surprising, right? A recent survey by Tbilvino, one of Georgia’s top wineries, found that a whopping 98% of Brits are unaware that Georgia is the original home of wine.
Most of us automatically think of the classic wine powerhouses like France (33%) and Italy (27%), with a tiny 5% guessing Spain. But Georgia has been toasting to life long before these nations even popped corks.
Georgia’s Wine Exports Are Booming
Despite this low awareness, Georgian wine exports have skyrocketed by almost 100% over the past eight years. However, only 11% of wine-drinking Brits have tasted Georgian wine.
This disconnect is changing fast, thanks to pioneers like Tbilvino, which exported over 100,000 bottles to the UK last year alone.
With 98% of Brits open to trying new wines, Georgian vintages are perfectly timed to make a splash.
Meet Saperavi: Georgia’s Crown Jewel
Let’s talk about Saperavi (pronounced sa-per-ah-vee)—Georgia’s superstar grape. Often hailed as the “new Malbec,” Saperavi delivers bold flavours, rich tannins, and enticing aromas of ripe cherries and red berries.
Its deep, inky colour and robust character make it a favourite among those seeking something a bit different from the usual suspects.
But Saperavi isn’t the only star. There’s also Kisi (kee-see), an aromatic white grape that’s perfect for those who enjoy a crisp, refreshing sip. Whether you’re into full-bodied reds or vibrant whites, Georgian wines have something to tantalize your taste buds.
Ancient Techniques, Modern Flair
What truly sets Georgian wines apart is their ancient winemaking method using qvevri (k-vevri)—giant, egg-shaped clay pots buried underground.
This centuries-old technique allows the grape juice to ferment naturally with the skins, enhancing the wine’s complexity and depth without any added flavours from wood.
It’s a method that not only preserves tradition but also creates wines with unique textures and rich fruit aromas.
Surprisingly, only 19% of Brits know about the qvevri method. Most think wine is made in anything from buckets to plastic bottles.
Understanding this traditional process adds an extra layer of appreciation for every sip of Georgian wine.
Tbilvino: Leading the Georgian Wine Charge in the UK
George Margvelashvili, founder of Tbilvino Wines, shares his excitement: “Saperavi is making its mark with wine drinkers all over the world with over 45K tags on Instagram.
Now we want to shine a light on Georgia and our unique wine-making processes within the UK.”
He adds, “Our ambition is to help people discover and appreciate Georgian wines. We combine ancient craft techniques with a very modern and dynamic mentality.
This helps us create distinctive wines which appeal to those wanting to try something new and different.”
With Georgian wines gaining traction, Tbilvino is at the forefront, introducing Brits to the rich, vibrant flavours that have been perfected over millennia.
Must-Try Georgian Wines from Tbilvino
Ready to explore Georgian wines? Here are a couple of top picks from Tbilvino:
Qvevris Saperavi (£19.99, 75cl)
Made using the traditional qvevri method and 100% Saperavi grapes, this wine boasts a dark violet hue with a well-balanced tannin structure.
Expect aromas of ripe cherry and red berries—a true testament to Georgia’s winemaking prowess.
Available at Laithwaites/Direct Wines.
Saperavi Rosé (£12.99, 75cl)
Pale pink in colour with delightful aromas of blackcurrants, raspberries, and ripe peaches.
This refreshing rosé is perfect for summer evenings, offering ample red fruit flavours with a lingering, subtle finish.
Available at All About Win.
Why Georgian Wines Deserve a Spot in Your Collection
Georgia’s rich wine heritage and unique production methods offer a refreshing alternative to more familiar European wines.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Georgian wines provide a taste experience that’s both historical and innovative.
With exports on the rise and more Georgian bottles appearing in UK wine shops, there’s never been a better time to give these ancient yet vibrant wines a try.
So next time you’re choosing a bottle, consider stepping off the beaten path and exploring the remarkable flavours of the birthplace of wine.
Cheers to discovering something new and delicious!