Before Orange Wine Was Trendy, Georgia Was Making It 8,000 Years Ago
Discover the ancient winemaking traditions, distinctive grape varieties and food-friendly wines that make Georgia one of the world's most fascinating wine destinations.
TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2026 /CNW/ -- Long before orange wine became a favourite among adventurous wine drinkers, the country of Georgia was producing wine using techniques that date back thousands of years. Today, this small country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia is inviting Canadian wine lovers to discover its remarkable winemaking heritage, unique grape varieties and distinctive wine styles.
With archaeological evidence of winemaking dating back approximately 8,000 years, Georgia is widely recognized as one of the world's oldest wine-producing regions. But while its winemaking history is ancient, its wines offer something exciting for modern consumers looking to explore beyond familiar favourites.
The Original Orange Wine
One of Georgia's most distinctive contributions to the wine world is its traditional amber wine, often referred to internationally as orange wine.
Unlike conventional white wines, which are typically fermented without prolonged skin contact, Georgian amber wines are made by fermenting white grapes with their skins, and sometimes stems, creating wines with golden or amber hues, complex flavours and a distinctive texture.
Central to this tradition is the qvevri, a large, egg-shaped clay vessel traditionally buried underground and used for fermenting, ageing and storing wine. In 2013, UNESCO recognized Georgia's traditional qvevri winemaking method as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Beyond the Familiar: Grapes Worth Discovering
Georgia is home to hundreds of indigenous grape varieties, many rarely encountered outside the country. For Canadian wine lovers looking to expand their horizons, a few offer an excellent introduction:
- Saperavi: A deeply coloured red grape producing wines with rich dark fruit flavours, refreshing acidity and impressive structure. An excellent match for grilled meats, hearty stews and aged cheeses.
- Rkatsiteli: One of Georgia's most widely planted white grapes, capable of producing fresh, crisp white wines as well as textured, complex amber wines.
- Kisi: An aromatic white grape that can produce expressive wines with notes of stone fruit, citrus, herbs and spice, particularly when made using traditional skin-contact techniques.
A Natural Fit for the Canadian Table
Georgian wines are particularly well suited to food, making them an exciting addition to everything from casual dinners to holiday celebrations.
A bold Saperavi pairs beautifully with roasted meats and rich autumn dishes, while traditional amber wines offer intriguing combinations with roasted vegetables, mushrooms, cheeses and flavourful cuisine.
And in Georgia, wine is about more than what's in the glass. It is deeply connected to food, family and hospitality, often celebrated through the traditional supra, a Georgian feast that brings people together around the table.
Discover Wines of Georgia
As Canadian consumers become increasingly curious about lesser-known wine regions, indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking methods, Georgia offers an opportunity to discover a wine culture unlike any other.
From vibrant contemporary wines to amber wines made using centuries-old traditions, Georgia invites Canadians to explore 8,000 years of winemaking history -- one glass at a time.
To learn more about Georgian wines, visit Wines of Georgia.
About Wines of Georgia
Wines of Georgia is an initiative dedicated to promoting the wines, grape varieties and winemaking heritage of Georgia internationally. With an 8,000-year history of winemaking, more than 500 indigenous grape varieties and a unique tradition of qvevri winemaking, Georgia offers one of the world's most distinctive wine cultures.
SOURCE a.m.c.c.
Canadian Press Office - Wines of Georgia, Melissa Stunden, Managing Director, a.m.c.c., [email protected]
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