Georgia invented wine. The qvevri — a clay amphora buried underground — is how Georgians have been fermenting grapes for over 8,000 years. This UNESCO-recognised tradition produces amber wines unlike anything made in European oak barrels. This tour takes you to the source.
What Is Qvevri Winemaking?
Grapes are crushed and fermented together with the skins, stems and pips inside the clay qvevri for 6 months. The resulting wine — called amber or orange wine — has a deep amber colour, rich tannins and a nutty, honeyed complexity. It is completely natural: no sulphites added, no filtration.
Georgia's qvevri wine was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.
Tour Route
Departure from Tbilisi at 08:00. Drive to Kakheti wine region (1.5 hrs). Visit a family winery where the qvevri method has been practised for generations — see the buried amphorae in the marani (wine cellar), learn the production process and taste 4–5 amber and red qvevri wines. Lunch at the winery or local restaurant. Optional visit to a second family producer. Return to Tbilisi by 18:00.
Timur's Tip
This tour is ideal for wine lovers who want to go beyond the usual tasting room. The family wineries we visit are not commercial operations — they make 500–2,000 bottles a year, all sold at the gate. You will not find these wines in any shop.