Amber Wine Through the Ages: How Georgian Wine Survived and Thrived Through Qvevri Tradition

Georgian wine holds a rare distinction in the global wine world—it's not just ancient; it's enduring, authentic, and more relevant today than ever. At Corus Imports, we’re honored to bring this timeless tradition to the U.S. market, especially through one of Georgia’s most iconic contributions: amber wine, also known as Georgian orange wine.

Crafted using the qvevri fermentation method, Georgian amber wine is a true reflection of sustainable, low-intervention winemaking. But beyond the taste, it’s the story—spanning millennia—that captivates wine lovers, sommeliers, and natural wine enthusiasts alike.

What Is Amber Wine and the Qvevri Winemaking Method?

Amber wine, also called orange wine, is produced by fermenting white grapes with their skins, resulting in its deep golden hue, structured tannins, and intense flavor profile. What sets Georgian amber wine apart is the use of qvevris—large clay vessels buried underground for fermentation and aging.

This method, unique to Georgian wine, naturally regulates temperature and preserves the wine without additives, filtration, or commercial yeast. The qvevri process, recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, is not only a winemaking technique—it’s a living symbol of Georgia’s connection to land and legacy.

🧠 Fun Fact: The word qvevri is found in documents over 1,000 years old, and yet qvevri winemaking continues to thrive in Georgia today—unchanged, essential, and sustainable.

The Cultural Significance of Georgian Amber Wine

In Georgia, amber wine is far more than a trend—it’s tradition. At festive banquets known as supras, Georgian wine is poured generously as heartfelt toasts, songs, and stories are shared across generations. This isn’t just winemaking—it’s community building, cultural preservation, and celebration all in one.

The qvevri itself is often considered sacred—handcrafted and passed down through families for decades. While the global wine world evolves rapidly, Georgia’s winemaking roots remain deeply planted in the soil of its culture.

Indigenous Grapes That Define Georgian Amber Wine

Another reason Georgian wine stands out is its use of indigenous grape varieties—over 500 of them, many of which are ideal for amber wine. These include:

• Rkatsiteli – Earthy and expressive, with notes of citrus peel, dried apricot, and spice

• Mtsvane – Bright and aromatic, contributing freshness to structured amber blends

• Khikhvi – Known for its floral profile and rich texture in qvevri-aged amber wines

🧠 Fun Fact: The name Rkatsiteli means “red stem” in Georgian—though it produces stunning amber wines from white grapes.

When these ancient grapes are fermented in clay vessels, the resulting wines are powerful, soulful, and completely unique to Georgia’s terroir.

The Modern Revival of Qvevri Winemaking in Georgian Wine

While the technique is ancient, today’s best Georgian wine producers are breathing new life into the qvevri tradition. At Corus Imports, we proudly represent top wineries who combine this heritage with innovation:

• Marani Wines – Masters of balance, producing refined amber wines with elegance and tradition

• Vine Ponto – Focused on bold, terroir-driven wines with authentic Georgian character

• Mtevino – Merging innovation and heritage to create vibrant, standout natural wines

• Ancient Valley – A boutique producer offering small-batch, organic Georgian amber wine true to its roots

These wineries are keeping Georgian amber wine alive and relevant—bringing centuries of craftsmanship to today’s wine lovers.

Why Georgian Amber Wine Is Gaining Global Attention

As consumers seek natural, organic wines with authenticity and character, Georgian amber wine has become an industry standout. Free from chemical manipulation and industrial processing, amber wines offer:

• Natural fermentation

• Minimal sulfites

• No filtration or additives

• Full-bodied structure and versatility for food pairing

Whether paired with rich dishes like khachapuri and grilled lamb, or simply enjoyed on its own, Georgian amber wine is as food-friendly as it is fascinating.

The Future of Amber Wine Is Rooted in Georgia

With sustainability, natural production, and cultural storytelling at its core, Georgian wine is more than a product—it’s a movement. Amber wine’s growth reflects a larger global shift toward wines that speak honestly, both in flavor and in philosophy.

At Corus Imports, we are proud to lead the way in introducing authentic Georgian amber wines to the American market. From centuries-old vineyards to your glass, our mission is to share the timeless beauty of Georgia’s qvevri wines with the world.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Georgian wine is one of the world’s oldest and most sustainable wine traditions

• Amber wine, made via the qvevri method, is fermented with grape skins for depth, structure, and flavor

• Corus Imports brings authentic Georgian amber wines to the U.S. from top producers like Marani Wines, Mtevino, Vine Ponto, and Ancient Valley

• Indigenous grapes like Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, and Khikhvi give amber wine its unique identity

• Natural, organic, and low-intervention—Georgian amber wine meets the growing global demand for sustainable wines

🍷 Ready to explore the brilliance of Georgian amber wine?

Browse our portfolio at Corus Imports and discover why Georgian wine has stood the test of time—and is just getting started.