What Georgian traditions are connected with wine?
Qvevri, communal harvest, songs and the family cellar.
Short answer
The main wine tradition of Georgia is making wine in clay qvevri buried in the ground, and wine accompanies family celebrations, songs and the harvest. The qvevri method has been on the UNESCO intangible heritage list since 2013.
Why
- Georgian winemaking is an 8000-year-old tradition, with archaeological finds dated to around 6000 BC.
- Wine plays a central role at celebrations, weddings and birthdays, and the wine cellar is seen as a holy place in the family home.
- Georgia has songs devoted to the vine and wine, including ritual ones for tending vineyards and opening a qvevri.
Details
The qvevri is an egg-shaped earthenware vessel used for making, ageing and storing wine. Grape juice goes into the qvevri together with the skins, stalks and pips, and the vessel is sealed and buried, so the wine ferments for five to six months. Most farmers and city dwellers use this method, and the knowledge is passed down by families, neighbours and friends. More about the vessel in What is a qvevri.
Relatives, neighbours and friends join in the harvest and winemaking. The birth of a child and the birth of new wine are greeted with the same song, and Wine Route signs stand in nearly every region, leading to wineries and family cellars. For drinking at the table and toasts see What Georgians drink and What Georgians say when toasting.
Tip
To see the tradition first-hand, follow the Wine Route signs: they lead to large wineries and small family cellars in nearly every region.
What may differ
Varieties and customs depend on the region: Racha is known for Khvanchkara, Kakheti for Rkatsiteli and Saperavi, Samegrelo for Ojaleshi, and Ajara and Guria for Chkhaveri. Harvest timing depends on the year.
Common misconception
A qvevri is just a jar for storing finished wine.
What actually happens
The qvevri is a vessel for making, ageing and storing wine: juice with skins and pips ferments in the buried vessel for five to six months.
People also ask
- Why is wine important in Georgia?
Sources
This answer is for reference only: customs and wine varieties differ by region and family.
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