Wine is more than a drink—it tells a story, connects people, and celebrates culture. This summer, Tierra Luna Cellars is exploring wine cultures around the world. Today, we journey to one of the oldest winemaking regions on Earth: Georgia.
The Cradle of Wine
Archaeologists trace Georgian wine back over 8,000 years, making Georgia the birthplace of winemaking. Nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, Georgia’s fertile soil, high-altitude vineyards, and diverse microclimates create ideal conditions for viticulture. Interestingly, the Georgian word for wine, gvino, is believed to be the root of the word “wine” in many languages.
Qvevri: Tradition in Clay
A defining feature of Georgian winemaking is the qvevri—large clay vessels buried underground for fermentation and aging. This method is so culturally significant that UNESCO recognizes it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Unlike steel tanks or oak barrels, qvevri allow natural temperature control and micro-oxygenation, producing earthy, complex wines with depth and character.
Amber Wine: The Original Orange
Georgia is also famous for amber wine (or orange wine). These are white wines fermented with grape skins and seeds using red wine techniques. The result is bold, structured, and tannic, with a rich amber hue and flavors of dried fruit, nuts, and spices. If you haven’t tried amber wine, Georgia is the perfect place to start.
Wine as a Way of Life
Wine threads through everyday life in Georgia. At every celebration—births, weddings, and holidays—families host a supra, a traditional feast led by a tamada (toastmaster). There, wine flows freely, and toasts unfold like stories or fables, often lasting for hours.
Even outside formal events, Georgians share wine to show hospitality and strengthen bonds. Hosts welcome guests with homemade wine and recount tales that span generations. In this way, Georgian wine connects people, emphasizing community just as much as flavor.
What We Can Learn from Georgia
At Tierra Luna Cellars, we’re inspired by Georgians’ respect for their winemaking past while continuing to innovate. Drinking wine that carries centuries of tradition reminds us that wine brings people together—connecting us to the land, our history, and each other.
Try It at Home 🍷
Pick up a glass of Tierra Luna wine, like our bold Cuatro Stellas or crisp Nova Stella, and try the Georgian tradition of toast-storytelling. In Georgia, every toast is a mini-story reflecting life, love, or legacy.
“Let me tell you a story,” the tamada might begin. “Once, a vine grew alone on a rocky hill, battered by wind and sun. Others said it wouldn’t survive. But it dug deep, held strong, and one day bore the sweetest fruit. That vine is like the people at this table: rooted, resilient, and full of potential. So I toast to strength in adversity, and to the sweet rewards of patience. Gaumarjos!”
At Tierra Luna, every bottle carries a story of earth, effort, and family. Tonight, raise your glass, share a story, and make it count.
