At Georgian Legacy, our winemaking process embodies a delicate balance of time-honored traditions and modern innovation. Every step, from vine to bottle, is a testament to our commitment to craftsmanship, respect for Georgia’s rich winemaking heritage, and our dedication to producing wines of the highest quality. Through meticulous vineyard management and precise cellar practices, we create wines that celebrate both ancient and contemporary techniques, making every bottle a true expression of our passion and expertise.
At Georgian Legacy, winemaking is more than just a process—it’s an art form that has been perfected over generations. Every bottle we produce is a reflection of our deep connection to the land, our understanding of indigenous grape varieties, and our mastery of the techniques that define Georgian winemaking. Our approach emphasizes both patience and precision, with every stage of production carefully monitored and controlled to ensure the highest possible quality.
Our winemaking journey begins in the vineyards, where we nurture each vine to ensure the grapes reach their full potential. The timing of the harvest is a critical decision, one that determines the wine’s character and quality. Our winemakers play an intimate role in every choice, from identifying the perfect harvest time to selecting the fermentation method that best enhances each varietal’s unique qualities.
By blending centuries-old practices with modern techniques, we craft wines that are at once traditional and contemporary. Whether we are fermenting wine in ancient Qvevris or using state-of-the-art stainless steel tanks, our goal remains the same: to produce exceptional wines that reflect Georgia’s diverse terroirs and winemaking legacy.
At the heart of Georgia’s ancient winemaking heritage is the use of Qvevris—large, egg-shaped clay vessels that have been used for winemaking for over 8,000 years. This unique method is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and remains central to Georgian winemaking. At Georgian Legacy, we continue to honor and uphold this tradition, ensuring that every Qvevri-aged wine embodies the soul of our ancient craft.
The Qvevri fermentation process begins by crushing the grapes and pouring the juice, along with the skins, seeds, and stems, into the Qvevri. The vessel is then sealed and buried underground, where the wine ferments naturally for several months. The earth’s constant temperature provides the ideal conditions for a slow and steady fermentation, allowing the wine to develop its distinct character. Wines fermented in Qvevris are known for their complex structure, rich tannins, and deep, earthy flavors that are unmatched by modern methods.
One of the hallmarks of Qvevri winemaking is the production of amber wines, made from white grapes that undergo extended skin contact during fermentation. This technique imparts the wines with their signature amber hue and gives them bold tannins, honeyed aromas, and unparalleled depth of flavor.
At Georgian Legacy, we honor this ancient practice while incorporating modern techniques to ensure the highest quality. Our Qvevris are handcrafted by skilled artisans, using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. Our winemakers carefully monitor each fermentation to ensure the wines maintain their balance and integrity. This blending of ancient craftsmanship with modern precision allows us to create wines that are both timeless and refined, embodying the essence of Georgia’s winemaking history.
While we proudly embrace Georgia’s ancient winemaking methods, we also leverage modern techniques to enhance the consistency, precision, and innovation in our wines. These state-of-the-art practices allow us to showcase the purity of our grapes while continuously refining our craft.
Our use of temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks is crucial for managing fermentation and preserving the delicate flavors and aromas of our grapes, particularly in our white and rosé wines. This process ensures the retention of freshness, acidity, and the vibrant aromatic intensity that defines these wines.
For our red wines, we employ modern maceration and extraction techniques to control the level of tannins, color, and flavor. This approach allows us to create wines with the perfect balance of structure and complexity, while maintaining their true character. Throughout the winemaking process, we use precise filtration and stabilization methods to ensure the clarity and purity of the final product, removing impurities while preserving the wine’s natural qualities.
This integration of ancient Qvevri methods with modern technology enables us to produce a diverse portfolio of wines, ranging from bold and rustic Qvevri-fermented reds to crisp, clean, and aromatic whites. It is this harmonious combination of tradition and innovation that distinguishes Georgian Legacy as a leading producer of premium Georgian wines.
At Georgian Legacy, we believe that great wine begins with great grapes. This is why we rely exclusively on hand-harvested grapes for all of our wines. Hand-harvesting is a labor-intensive but essential process that ensures we select only the ripest, healthiest grapes, providing the foundation for our exceptional wines.
Our vineyards are carefully managed throughout the growing season, with regular inspections to monitor the health and development of the vines. When harvest time arrives, our team of experienced vineyard workers hand-picks each grape cluster, carefully choosing only the best fruit for our wines. This process minimizes damage to the grapes, which can occur with mechanical harvesting, and prevents premature oxidation or crushing of the fruit.
Once harvested, the grapes are transported to the winery and undergo a second round of hand-sorting. This step ensures that any underripe or damaged grapes are removed, preserving the natural integrity of the wine. This meticulous attention to detail is a crucial aspect of our winemaking process and is key to producing wines that truly reflect the characteristics of our terroir.
By hand-harvesting, we also honor the traditions of Georgian winemaking, which have been practiced for thousands of years. This deep connection to the land and our heritage is central to our philosophy and allows us to produce wines that are authentic expressions of our vineyards and our history.