Georgia is the oldest wine-making country in the world. Wine was produced in Georgia, the acknowledged birthplace of viticulture, in the Neolithic era – more than 8,000 years ago. The history of wine in Georgia thus goes back thousands of years, and the traditions of viticulture are integral and intertwined with the national identity of the country.
The most famous wine-growing regions of Georgia are Kakheti, Kartli, Imereti, Guria, Racha-Lechkhumi, Kvemo (Lower Land) Svaneti and Abkhazia. There are about 500 unique and endemic grape varieties grown in Georgia, 30 of which are widespread throughout the country: Kakheti is known for its Saperavi, Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane; Kartli for its Goruli Mtsvane; Imereti for its Tsitska and Krakhuna; Guria and Abkhazia for Tsolikauri and Chkhaveri; Samegrelo for Ojaleshi and Racha-Lechkhumi for Usakheluri, Aleksandrouli and Tsulukidzes Tetra. The Georgian people’s great love for grape culture is expressed in many ways, including traditional Georgian design, songs, poetry and painting.