Georgia and other ancient winemaking cultures

The Origins of Wine – Where and When It All Began Wine is not just a drink – it’s history, culture, and tradition in a glass. But where was wine first made? Who were the first winemakers? And how does Georgia fit into the story? The First Vineyard in History Archaeological discoveries have confirmed that the world’s oldest cultivated grapevines were found in Georgia, in the South Caucasus region. In the village of Shulaveri, archaeologists uncovered 8,000-year-old grape seeds and large clay vessels (qvevris) that showed chemical traces of wine. This dates back to around 6000 BCE, making Georgia the birthplace of winemaking. Who Made the First Wine? Historians agree that wine was likely discovered by accident — early humans stored grapes in clay jars, where they fermented naturally. But while fermentation might have happened elsewhere, Georgia is where intentional, controlled winemaking first began. Georgians already knew 8,000 years ago how to press grapes, ferment the juice in qvevris, and age it underground to create wine. This wasn’t just a lucky accident — it was deliberate craftsmanship. The Story of the Qvevri – The World’s Oldest Winemaking Vessel The qvevri is a traditional Georgian clay vessel, buried underground, used for fermenting and aging wine. Its design, material, and use are entirely unique. The earliest qvevris, dating back to 6000 BCE, were found in Georgia. Qvevri winemaking was recognized by UNESCO in 2013 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its global significance. Even today, many Georgian winemakers use this ancient method, allowing wine to ferment naturally with skins, seeds, and stems, giving it a rich, complex flavor unlike any other wine in the world. How Does Georgia Compare to Other Ancient Wine Cultures? Let’s see how Georgia’s winemaking history compares to other ancient civilizations: Country Estimated Start Key Finds Compared to Georgia Georgia ~6000 BCE Qvevris, grape seeds, wine residue Oldest & continuous Iran ~5400 BCE Wine traces in clay jars Older, but no long-lasting tradition Armenia ~4100 BCE Ancient wine press, seeds in caves Important, but later Greece ~4500 BCE Wine in mythology, used in rituals Culturally strong, but younger Egypt ~3000 BCE Wine for religious/elite use in amphorae Not widespread in population. Why Georgia Remains the Birthplace of Wine Oldest proven evidence of winemaking in the world Unbroken tradition – wine has been made here for 8,000 years continuously Unique winemaking technique (qvevri method) Over 500 indigenous grape varieties UNESCO recognition Georgia is more than a country that makes wine – it’s the very place where wine was born. Every glass of Georgian wine is a taste of 8,000 years of culture, passion, and history. So next time you enjoy a glass of wine — think of Georgia, the cradle of wine.