Caucasus Valley

Winery Karasani is based on ancient traditions, it works towards preservation of unique wine culture and produces wine by using ancient methods along with newest technologies.

“Cradle of Wine”- this is the way many people refer to Georgia, as to the motherland of the oldest wines. More than 8000 years old Rkatsiteli grape seeds were discovered in clay vessels, indicating on highly developed viniculture in Georgia. It is scientifically approved that Georgia is the country where wild vine has been “domesticated”.

There are 8 wine regions in Georgia: Kakheti, Kartli, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi, Abkhazia, Adjara, Guria and Samegrelo. From over 500 unique and endemic grape varieties, 30 are being used for winemaking in Georgia. Kakheti is well known for Saperavi, Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane varieties; Kartli for Goruli Mtsvane, Chinuri and Tavkveri; Imereti for Tsitska, Tsolikouri, Krakhuna, Aladasturi and Otskhanuri Sapere; Guria and Abkhazia for Tsolikouri and Chkhaveri; Samegrelo for Ojaleshi; Racha-Lechkhumi for Usakhelouri, Aleksandrouli, Mujuretuli and Tsulukidze's Tetra.

There are many proves showing that the word "wine" has spread around the world from Georgian word “Gvino”. Almost in all languages the words indicating one wine have the same root (вино, vinum, gini, wein, wainu and etc.). As majority of linguist highlight, semantic meaning of the word “Gvino” can be proved only in Georgia and it has originated from the word “Gvivli”; “Gvivli” or in other words something that boils, rises and ferments.

Georgian people express their love to wine and grapes in different ways such as traditional georgian ornaments, songs, poetry and arts. Wine fermentation in clay vessel (Qvevri) is one of the oldest winemaking methods, which has been always present in Georgia from ancient times. According to archeological findings, some Qveries are over 8000 years old. This ancient traditional georgian method of winemaking has been granted the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Georgia is an ancient christian country. Christianity has been preached by apostles Andrew the first-Called, Simon Kananaios, and Matthias. Also, the role of Saint Nino, educator of Georgians, shall be highlighted as well as she has entered Georgia with a cross made of vine wood. In London there is a wine city called “Vinopolis”, any visitor who enters Vinopolis will see the first pavilion called “Georgia- The Cradle of Wine”. Recently, the brand new "Cité du Vin" of Bordeaux has featured Georgia as the "cradle of wine" and placed a traditional georgian Qvevri in front of the main entrance.