Georgia

Known as the ‘Homeland of Vine’, winegrowing in Georgia dates back to around 5,000 BC. Indeed, archaeologists in Georgia have discovered grape juice and wine vessels, thought to be the oldest in the world, and it is understood that there are 500 grape species with Georgian origins. It is also believed that the word “wine” is derived from “gvino” – the Georgian word for wine. Situated on the eastern border of the Black Sea adjacent to the Caucasus Mountain range, Georgia's moderate climate and moist air provide the best conditions for vine culturing. Around 45,000 hectares of land is under cultivation, and 150 million litres of wine are produced in Georgia each year. There are 18 Specific Viticulture Areas (the Controlled Appellations of Origin) where the grape variety, planting density and yield per hectare is controlled by Ministry of Agriculture. Grape-picking in Georgia is called Rtveli, which generally starts at the end of September.