The History of the Georgian Qvevri: A Timeless Tradition of Winemaking

The qvevri is one of the oldest and most distinctive winemaking vessels in the world, with a history that stretches back over 8,000 years in Georgia. Known for its unique shape and functionality, the qvevri is an essential element of Georgian winemaking, playing a crucial role in the country’s deep and rich winemaking heritage. Its history, craftsmanship, and enduring significance offer a window into both the cultural and agricultural evolution of the region.

By the 1st millennium BCE, the use of qvevris was well-established, and Georgia had become recognized as one of the world’s premier winemaking regions. Historical records suggest that ancient Georgians were skilled in viticulture and wine production, with wine being an important export to surrounding civilizations such as Persia, Greece, and Rome. The importance of wine in Georgian culture continued to flourish throughout the centuries, and the qvevri method remained largely unchanged, even as other civilizations evolved their own winemaking techniques.

the qvevri method remains alive and well.

In 2013, the traditional Georgian method of qvevri winemaking was inscribed by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”, underscoring its global cultural significance. This recognition has played a critical role in raising awareness about the importance of qvevri winemaking.

With its origins dating back thousands of years, the qvevri has remained an essential part of winemaking, its legacy carried forward by the skilled craftsmen who continue to produce these vessels with the same care and dedication as their ancestors.