What grape varieties grow in Georgia, and how many are there?
More than 500 varieties and a few famous ones.
Short answer
Georgia has more than 500 grape varieties, which is one reason the country is called the homeland of wine. The regional breakdown counts 525 varieties, and scientists believe there were once close to 1,500. Well-known varieties include Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Kakhuri Mtsvane, Khikhvi and Chkhaveri.
Why
- The homeland of wine has more than 500 grape varieties.
- Kakheti varieties include Kakhuri Mtsvane, Saperavi, Rkatsiteli and Khikhvi, and Rkatsiteli and Chkhaveri are harvested at rtveli.
- The Law on Vine and Wine (Article 32) allows a variety name on the label if at least 85% of the product is made from that variety.
Details
Scientists have identified more than 400 forms of wild vines. For regions such as Kakheti see where Kakheti is and what to see, and for the harvest see when the grape harvest season is.
Tip
Look for the variety name on the label: it may be shown if at least 85% of the wine is made from it.
What may differ
Figures differ between references, for example a different number of varieties is given for commercial viticulture. The figure here is the official one.
Common misconception
Only Saperavi and Rkatsiteli grow in Georgia.
What actually happens
There are more than 500 varieties, among them Kakhuri Mtsvane, Khikhvi and Chkhaveri.
People also ask
- How many grape varieties are there in Georgia?
- What grapes grow in Georgia?
Sources
- Georgian National Tourism Administration: Georgian wineChecked at:
- Georgian National Tourism Administration: KakhetiChecked at:
- Georgian National Tourism Administration: RtveliChecked at:
- Law of Georgia on Vine and WineChecked at:
The number of varieties depends on the year of counting; the figure is as of the check date.
Georgian wine traditions and innovationsRelated questions
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What is amber wine in Georgia?
The Georgian Law on Vine and Wine divides wines by colour into white, amber, rosé and red.
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What is the horn Georgians drink wine from called?
The drinking horn in Georgia is called a kantsi; it is made of animal horn, and the richer ones are decorated with gold and silver.
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How many Georgian wines have a protected designation of origin?
On 11 November 2026 Georgia has 33 protected designations of origin (PDO) for wine.
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What is Bolnisi wine?
Bolnisi is a protected designation of origin for dry white, amber, red and rosé wines from the Bolnisi micro-zone in the south of Kvemo Kartli.