29 Jan Travel to the Republic of Georgia, the Cradle of Wine

There are so many wine regions in the world to explore. One of the regions that had been at the top of my bucket list was the Republic of Georgia, the cradle of wine. Amazingly, I can check it off my bucket list as I had the privilege to travel to Georgia in October 2023. It was a wonderful introduction to an incredible country. I wrote a travel guide for WineTraveler.com and share a few highlights here.

While wine has carved its niche in the annals of global history and is an integral component of numerous cultures worldwide, its roots are deeply embedded in one specific locale: the Republic of Georgia. This nation doesn’t just share a bond with wine; it is revered as its birthplace. Archaeological discoveries have consistently identified the South Caucasus region of Georgia as the site of the earliest known wine production, a practice dating back to 6,000 BC.

This means Georgia’s winemaking heritage spans over 8,000 years, distinguished by its traditional Qvevri winemaking method, a technique so unique that it has earned the accolade of a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Yet, beyond the accolades and history, it’s the tangible elements—the hospitable people, the rich culinary landscape, and the distinctively Georgian wines—that truly make a journey to the Republic of Georgia an enriching and memorable experience.

To read about the wines of Georgia, Georgian cuisine, where to eat and drink and stay in Tbilisi and the Kakheti wine region, read the full story in WineTraveler.com.