Exploring the Wines of Georgia (the Country): Regions, Grapes & What to Buy

When you hear “Georgia wine”, it’s easy to think of the southern U.S. state — but wine lovers around the world are increasingly discovering that wine from Georgia the country is a completely different story. Nestled between Europe and Asia, Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing regions on Earth, with a continuous winemaking tradition dating back over 8,000 years. If you’re curious about Georgia country wine, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — from key wine regions like Kakheti to popular grapes like Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, along with what types of Georgian wine to try (and where to buy them).

Why Georgia? The Cradle of Wine

Georgia’s winemaking history isn’t just old — it’s foundational. Archaeologists have uncovered clay vessels (called qvevri) containing wine residue dating back to 6,000 BCE. This makes Georgia the birthplace of wine, where the craft has been passed down through generations and deeply woven into the country’s culture and identity. Georgians don’t just drink wine — they celebrate it through songs, feasts (supra), and religious ceremonies. The result is a deeply spiritual and natural approach to winemaking, with a focus on native grapes and traditional techniques.

Georgian Wine Regions: A Tour of Terroir

Kakheti: The Heart of Georgian Wine

If you’re just beginning your journey into Georgia country wine, Kakheti is where to start. This fertile region in eastern Georgia produces over 70% of the nation’s wine. It's the hub for both large-scale production and artisanal winemakers, making it the most recognized Georgia wine region.

Key subregions include:

• Telavi – Known for structured reds like Saperavi and white Rkatsiteli.

• Kvareli – Home to Khvanchkara-style semi-sweet reds and deep qvevri wines.

• Tsinandali – A prestigious micro-zone famous for balanced white blends.

The Kakheti wine region is also where many of the best Georgian qvevri wines are produced.

Imereti: West Meets Wine

Located in western Georgia, Imereti produces lighter, more delicate wines. Qvevri winemaking here uses less skin contact, resulting in fresher, fruitier wines compared to Kakheti’s bold, tannic expressions. The region is gaining international recognition for its natural wine movement and revival of rare varietals like those made by producers such as Mosmieri.

Racha & Lechkhumi: Home of Khvanchkara

The mountainous regions of Racha and Lechkhumi are known for the semi-sweet red Khvanchkara wine, made from the Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. This wine became famous when it was favored by Stalin and remains a popular Georgian export available through producers like Alapiani and GRW.

Top Georgian Grape Varieties

With over 500 native grape varieties, Georgia’s biodiversity is unmatched. These aren’t just grapes — they’re living history.

Saperavi Arguably the most iconic Georgian red wine, Saperavi is a deeply pigmented, full-bodied grape with dark berry flavors, natural acidity, and age-worthy structure. It's one of the few teinturier (red-fleshed) grapes in the world. Saperavi Georgian wine is a must-try if you love bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. Look for Saperavi red dry wine or qvevri-aged Saperavi for a more traditional experience.

Rkatsiteli This versatile white grape can be made into crisp table wines or transformed into Georgian amber wine (orange wine) when fermented with the skins. Georgian wine Rkatsiteli often features notes of quince, apple, tea, and subtle spice — especially in qvevri expressions.

Mtsvane and Khikhvi These lesser-known whites are often blended with Rkatsiteli to add aromatics and complexity. Khikhvi brings floral and spicy notes, while Mtsvane is citrusy and fresh.

Amber Wines: Georgia’s Timeless Trend

While amber wine (or orange wine) might seem like a new trend in the natural wine world, Georgian amber wine is actually the original. Made from white grapes fermented with skins and sometimes stems, these wines range from golden to copper in color and offer a tannic, bold character not found in conventional white wines. You’ll find plenty of Georgian amber wine for sale online today, and it's one of the top reasons buyers seek out Georgian wines online.

Popular styles include:

• Qvevri Rkatsiteli amber wines

• Best Georgian orange wine blends

• Skin-contact Khikhvi or Mtsvane wines aged in clay

Wondering about amber wine taste? Expect herbal notes, dried fruits, tea-like tannins, and an earthy depth. These wines pair beautifully with complex foods like roasted meats, mushrooms, and hard cheeses.

Popular Styles to Try

• Saperavi red dry wine

• Rkatsiteli amber wine

• Khvanchkara semi-sweet red

• Marani wine from the Marani Winery Georgia

• Wines from small producers in the Kakheti region Georgia

Corus Imports – Leading Georgian Wine Importer in the USA

As a premier Georgian wine importer in the USA, Corus Imports connects American wine retailers, restaurants, and distributors with authentic wines from the country of Georgia. We specialize in importing bold Saperavi Georgian wine, traditional amber wine from Georgia, and rare qvevri wines handcrafted by small family-owned vineyards and renowned producers.

If you're looking to buy Georgian wine wholesale in the United States, Corus Imports offers a trusted pathway to bring high-quality wines to your shelves. Every bottle tells the story of Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking legacy—now more accessible than ever through Corus.

FAQs: Georgian Wine Buying Guide

Where can I buy authentic Georgian wine in bulk?

Please contact Corus Imports for guidance.

What’s the difference between Georgian amber wine and orange wine?

What makes Georgian qvevri wine special? 

Are Georgian wines expensive?

Want to explore Georgian wine in the USA or find out where to buy Georgian wine with ease? Stay tuned to our blog for more buying guides, winery spotlights, and regional deep-dives.

Let us know your favorite Georgia country wine in the comments — or better yet, pour a glass and toast to 8,000 years of tradition.