Qvevri Culture: The Clay Vessels That Shaped the World of Georgian Wine
- Julia Koroleva
- May 13
- 3 min read
In the global wine industry, stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels often dominate the spotlight—but in Georgia, winemaking has always started underground. The secret? The qvevri—a massive, egg-shaped clay vessel used to ferment and age wine beneath the earth’s surface. These vessels are not only practical—they’re sacred, symbolic, and essential to the soul of Georgian wine.
At Corus Imports, we are proud to bring qvevri-crafted wines to the U.S. market, helping more wine lovers experience the true depth and purity of traditional Georgian winemaking.
What Is a Qvevri?
A qvevri (also spelled kvevri) is a handmade, beeswax-lined clay vessel that can range in size from 300 liters to over 3,000 liters. Buried underground, qvevris create a stable, cool environment ideal for natural fermentation. White grapes ferment on their skins, and red grapes remain in contact with seeds and stems—resulting in rich texture and long-aging potential.
This method predates most modern winemaking tools by thousands of years and has shaped the identity of Georgian wine in ways few other techniques can match.
🧠 Fun Fact: The word qvevri doesn’t just refer to the vessel—it also denotes the sacred, earthen space where the wine matures quietly underground.
A UNESCO-Recognized Tradition
The cultural significance of qvevri winemaking led UNESCO to recognize it as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This isn’t just about preserving an artifact—it’s about protecting a living, thriving practice that still defines Georgian wine production today.
While many winemaking trends come and go, qvevri winemaking is the original low-intervention method: no additives, no temperature manipulation, and no shortcuts.
Qvevri Wines in the Modern World
What makes qvevri wines so captivating is their raw, textural complexity. The extended skin contact enhances tannin and body, while the vessel’s shape promotes natural circulation. The clay adds a subtle earthiness and lets the wine evolve gracefully—without overpowering the grape’s character.
At Corus Imports, we work with some of Georgia’s most respected producers who continue this ancient craft:
Marani Wines – A leading name in qvevri-aged Georgian wine, blending centuries-old practices with modern consistency
Mtevino – Focusing on precision in clay-fermented wines, with elegant, natural expressions
Vaziani – Known for rich reds and amber wines matured in traditional qvevris, with remarkable depth and purity
These wines aren’t rustic relics—they’re polished, powerful, and relevant for today’s natural wine lovers.
Why Qvevri Wines Matter for Georgian Wine’s Identity
As the demand for natural and sustainable wines continues to grow, wine enthusiasts and sommeliers are discovering what Georgia has always known: qvevri wines are honest, rooted, and expressive. They reflect:
🌱 The land (no chemical additives)
📜 The heritage (millennia of continuous use)
🍇 The grape (unmasked by industrial processing)
Whether you're drinking a skin-contact white or a deep red, the qvevri method gives each bottle a distinctive fingerprint of Georgian terroir and tradition.
Why Qvevri Wines Deserve a Place in Your Glass
Qvevri winemaking is the foundation of authentic Georgian wine culture
Wines fermented in qvevri vessels are naturally expressive, full-bodied, and rooted in sustainability
Corus Imports brings qvevri-aged Georgian wines to the U.S. from producers like Marani Wines, Mtevino, and Vaziani
These wines offer depth, transparency, and a taste of winemaking that connects past and present
Curious to explore the ancient elegance of Georgian wine?
Browse our selection at Corus Imports and discover how the qvevri tradition continues to shape some of the world’s most soulful, natural wines—one clay vessel at a time.
Discover These Must-Try Qvevri Wines:
