Georgia: The crucible of wine

Winemaking is deeply rooted in Georgia’s history, culture and economy. I am pitching an In pictures article that will explore their rich and ancient history of winemaking, amidst the backdrop of the stunning Georgian landscape. Landing in Tbilisi, I will navigate the vibrant cities connection to their wine culture, before heading eastward into the heart of wine country; the province of Kakheti in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, said by Georgian’s to be the birthplace of wine itself. I will photograph the people and the personalities behind the wineries, many still being family run in their village communities.

The traditional Qvevri wine making method, A Unesco Intangible cultural heritage of humanity, lends itself to a photogenic series, and as well as the wine making, I will document the making of these vast clay jugs and the characterful faces that keep the ancient craft alive. I will also explore the countries almost sacred relationship to winemaking, as personified within the ancient monastery complex of the Alaverdi Cathedral, which boasts a 1500 year winemaking history as it towers 50m above the valley in the Alazani basin.

I will trek through the north of the Kakheti region, in the shadows of the Caucasus mountains, to capture the natural beauty of Tusheti national park, before finding my way to the 19th century Château Mukhrani, Tsinandali Estate and other bastions of Wine making culture that are located in and around Signagi.

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