Gvinico’s Notable Milestones: Pursuit of Authenticity, Uniqueness, and Diversity
We are proud to share the exciting progress we've made in expanding our portfolio and enhancing our offerings, showcasing the unique heritage and diversity of Georgian terroirs, grape varieties, and techniques to the world.
50+ Wineries Added
Our commitment to bringing the unique wines from Georgia to the global stage has led to the inclusion of over 50 new wineries from all nine winemaking regions of Georgia in our collection. Each winery is carefully selected for its unique terroir, approach to winemaking, traditional methods, and dedication to quality. Among the standout additions are:
- Angura: The only winery in our portfolio from Asureti, a small town known for its rare and unique red grape variety, Asuretuli Shala. Angura is a perfect representation of this terroir. As a member of the Natural Wine Association of Georgia, its wines are made with low intervention and a philosophy of "nothing taken away, nothing added."
- Shavgulidze Wine Cellar: A family-owned winery that cultivates the rare but popular red variety Shavkapito in the village of Tsilkani, located at the foothills of the mountains. It is rare not only to grow Shavkapito in this distinctive terroir but to find vineyards in general in this area. A must-try.
- Dimitri Wine: The village of Khashmi is only a 30-minute drive from the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, but make no mistake, it is one of the most unique and fascinating terroirs for Saperavi, not to mention the unique and emotional story of this winery.
- Enkeni: Wineries from western Georgia always bring a different angle and perspective to Georgian wines. Unique terroirs, grapes, and techniques produce lighter, refreshing, and balanced wines, and Enkeni is a perfect example of this style—elegant wines with complexity and nuance.
This is just a small snapshot of the diversity of our wineries, each providing a unique style of memorable wines.
200+ Wines Featured
Our expanded portfolio now features over 200 wines, each with its own story and flavor profile. This diverse selection ensures that every wine enthusiast can find something to suit their taste. Notable wines in our collection:
- Tales Wine Saperavi: A beautiful example of volcanic Saperavi from the left bank of the Alazani River. This wine is brimming with tar, pencil shavings, and other mineral elements, alongside beautiful fruit. A must-try if you want to experience how Saperavi tastes on schist soils.
- Rachisubani Iremashvili Vineyards Rkatsiteli: Bolnisi, as always, offers a unique take on Rkatsiteli, elegant and light in style, yet just as complex and layered as its Kakhetian counterparts. A memorable, citrus-driven Rkatsiteli not to be missed.
- Babas Marani Tsolikouri: A white, no-skin-contact wine from Guria that shares more similarities with Austrian Grüner Veltliner than with robust Kakhetian amber wines. Refreshing and lively, just the way we like Tsolikouri.
- Lomtadze Family Wine Khvanchkara: Globally, semi-sweet wines are somewhat rare, and understandably so. To create noteworthy naturally semi-sweet wines, you need an exceptional terroir and Racha delivers it. A must-try for the uninitiated.
- Chito’s Gvino Saperavi: A bold and robust red wine with a beautiful herbaceous edge, characteristic of this terroir. Enhanced by a velvety texture and a long, satisfying finish, it’s a true representation of the power and elegance of Saperavi from the Mukuzani PDO.
These offerings, among many others, provide a glimpse of the diversity available, making it easy for everyone to find their perfect bottle.
40+ Grape Varieties
Not only is Georgia credited with the invention of winemaking, but the Caucasus is also where the domestication of Vitis Vinifera began. The fact that Georgia has documented over 525 native varieties is a testament to this rich heritage, with iconic grape varieties such as Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Tsolikouri, and Aleksandrouli playing a central role in the country's winemaking tradition. There are many varieties yet to be uncovered and discovered, each with its own story of survival and revival, some surviving phylloxera, others enduring Soviet industrialization. The stories of these varieties are just as fascinating as the wines themselves.
- Kakhuri Mtsvivani: This rare variety was saved from a single planting found at a random house, but make no mistake, this Kakhetian variety is gaining popularity with its unique and instantly recognizable notes of sweet tea and exotic fruits. It works well in both amber and white wine styles.
- Otskhanuri Sapere: Often described as an almost wild variety due to its morphological characteristics, the wines are equally untamed. With super high acidity, unique herbaceous notes, and intense color, this variety is especially appealing to those seeking something radically unique.
- Buza: A unique red variety from Kartli, it's so rare that only a couple of examples have been bottled so far. Elegant, medium to light-bodied red wines are as memorable as the name of this variety, which translates to something like “for flies.” This variety, due to its thin skins, has a tendency to explode when overripe, which naturally attracts flies.
- Vardisperi Rkatsiteli: A rosé mutation of the legendary Rkatsiteli variety, this grape has been gaining popularity recently. Structurally, it is very similar to Rkatsiteli, but its aromas and flavors are entirely unique. The bunches of this grape also look marvelous.
These rare grape varieties are a testament to Georgia’s incredible biodiversity and the dedication of our winemakers to preserving these unique vines. They offer wine enthusiasts a chance to explore flavors and experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Interview with Shorena Botchorishvili
As part of our ongoing efforts to connect wine lovers with the stories behind the bottles, we are excited to feature an interview with Shorena Botchorishvili, a passionate winemaker whose mission is to express terroir at its best.
In this insightful interview, Shorena shares her journey into winemaking, the challenges she has faced, and her vision for the future of Georgian wine. Her dedication to preserving traditional winemaking techniques while embracing innovation is truly inspiring. She discusses the unique characteristics of the wines she produces and the importance of maintaining a strong connection to the land and its history.
You can read the full interview with Shorena Botchorishvili here.
This exclusive interview provides a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, dedication, and expertise that goes into every bottle of wine we offer. It's a unique opportunity for our community to engage with the people who make Gvinico's wines truly special.
A Toast to the Future
These achievements mark significant milestones in our journey, and we are just getting started. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on delivering exceptionally unique wines, fostering meaningful connections between our producers and customers, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Georgian wine.
We thank our partners, customers, and wine enthusiasts for their continued support. Together, we raise our glasses to the future—here’s to many more achievements and shared successes!