Recently is was discovered that Georgia is in fact the first country to ever produce wine 8000 years ago. Wine and drinking has always been an essential part of Georgian culture, drinking in Georgia is not just for fun or feasts it is part of ancient traditions. Georgia’s hospitality is also huge part in its drinking culture, it is common and expected to be offered glass of wine when visiting someone’s home, which is host’s way of showing respect to the guest. Georgia’s wine making technique and traditions are unique as well. The first step of winemaking is Rtveli, that is when the grapes are harvested, Rtveli is form of celebration, accompanied with singing and light-hearted jokes with locals. Then wine is pressed and kept in clay vessels called Kvevri. Kvevis are built underground in storage called Marani, to keep the wine cold while fermenting.
Georgians drink wine on all occasions, when celebrating, grieving or just having a dinner. Among remarkable Georgian wines are Khvanchkara, Saperavi, Kisi-tsolikauri, Kindzmarauli, Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli, Tvishi, etc.
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