Wines of Georgia
...the greatest gift the Republic of Georgia gave mankind.
John Henderson, LA Times
ABOUT THE WINES OF GEORGIA
Known as ‘the cradle of wine,’ archeologists recognize the Republic of Georgia as the birthplace of wine, originating over 8,000 years ago.
The vine has always held sacred status in Georgian culture. Ancient Georgian warriors tied a vine around their belt or hand so that if they fell in battle their bodies would seed the grape plant.
Century after century, invasions pushed ancient winemakers out of their vineyards. The practice of saving saplings for transitional cultivation kept their viticultural and winemaking legacies alive.
Georgian wine has always held special status. Aggressive Assyrian kings amended their laws so that Georgians could pay their debts in wine instead of gold.
Even so, it’s only been in the past few decades that these ancient wines have been recognized on a global scale.
This free course invites you to discover one of the most significant yet lesser-known wine regions in the world.
Expand Your Worldview of Wine
Wine education is framed by the Old World vs. New World. The wines of Georgia are Ancient World.
They exist in a category of their own…not just as the world’s first wine, but for the unique winemaking techniques they’ve kept alive since 6,000 BC.
Fermented underground in earthenware vessels called Qvevri, Georgian wines are known for prolonged contact with skins, stems, and pulp – even the white wines.
They remain some of the world’s most uniquely identifiable fermented beverages, ready to be rediscovered in this unique course.
Qvevri
- The first vessel used in winemaking (later inspiring the Greek amphora)
- Qvevri wines are known for their nutritional and curative qualities
- UNESCO named the Qvevri method as an Intangible Cultural Heritage Site in 2013
Learn About the Wines of Georgia
WINES OF GEORGIA ONLINE COURSE
Ideal for: Intermediate to Advanced
Time to complete: 3 hours (self-paced)
Certification: NVWA/Wines of Georgia certificate and social badge
Discover the ancient and alluring wines of Georgia. While winemaking in the region traces back to 6,000 BC, it has only been in recent decades that these unique wines have been shared with the rest of the world.
We’ve partnered with the region’s National Wine Agency to develop the only officially sanctioned English speaking course. From on-location videos to interactive maps, you’ll discover one of the world’s most significant yet lesser known wine regions.
Global distribution is so recent, the wines of Georgia are hardly mentioned in WSET courses. (Before an embargo in 2006, 95 percent of Georgia’s wine exports went to Russia.)
A foundation in wine is highly recommended (Wine 201 or WSET Level 2 at least).
Your instructor:
Catherine Bugue, Chief Education Officer/Co-Founder – WSET-Certified, dipWSET, IWP
Included with your registration:
Course Workbook
Detailed profiles on all Georgian wine regions and key grape varieties
12 month (24/7) access to online course
Printable PDF certificate and digital badge (with passing grade of 80% on final exam)
The first and only official course in English on the wines of Georgia. You’ll receive 3 hours of immersive and comprehensive educational content, including videos, quizzes, and interactive exercises. This course covers the history and influence of Georgia in the world of wine, major grape varieties and all wine regions.
By the end of the course, you will:
Be able to confidently communicate the characteristics of the Wines of Georgia
Feel empowered to make buying decisions for Georgian wines.
Explore the ‘cradle of wine’ and the unique winemaking found in the region.
The Nitty Gritty
Course Description
The first and only official course in English on the wines of Georgia. You’ll receive 3 hours of immersive and comprehensive educational content, including videos, quizzes, and interactive exercises. This course covers the history and influence of Georgia in the world of wine, major grape varieties and all wine regions.
By the end of the course, you will:
Be able to confidently communicate the characteristics of the Wines of Georgia
Feel empowered to make buying decisions for Georgian wines.
Explore the ‘cradle of wine’ and the unique winemaking found in the region.
Course Curriculum
Module 1: Course Welcome
Module 2: The Cradle of Wine
Module 3: The Georgian Environment
Module 4: Wine Regions & Protected Designations of Origin
Module 5: Grape Varieties
Module 6: The Clay Vessel & Qvevri Winemaking
Module 7: The Supra – Feast for the People
Gallery
HOW WE’RE DIFFERENT
We’re premier, not pretentious
We design our programs for students, not snobs. We know wines are complex, but believe wine education should be approachable and fun. (There’s a reason our unique approach is winning awards.)
Award winning!
Helping enthusiasts and professionals become confident wine authorities.