A quevri is a traditional Georgian winemaking vessel that has been used for thousands of years. The production of wine in quevris began in the Caucasus around 8,000 years ago, and Georgia is considered the birthplace of this ancient winemaking method.
A quevri is a large ceramic container shaped like an amphora. These vessels come in various sizes, ranging from small ones holding several dozen liters to enormous ones capable of storing several tons of wine. The clay used to make quevris is sourced from deposits in Western Georgia and has absolute neutrality toward the wines contained within them. Traditionally, quevris are buried in the ground, which helps maintain a constant temperature during the fermentation and aging processes.
Hand-harvested grapes are placed in the quevri along with their skins, seeds, and sometimes stems. This process, known as “skin-contact vinification,” allows the wine to extract more tannins, aromas, richness, and density. Natural fermentation occurs in the quevri buried in the ground, allowing it to maintain a stable temperature, which is crucial for the consistency of the process. Fermentation can last from several weeks to several months, depending on the grape variety and the desired outcome for the winemaker.
Sometimes, after fermentation, the wine is left in the quevri for further aging. This stage can last from several months to several years. Here, the earth surrounding the quevri helps maintain a constant temperature that contributes to the natural stabilization of the wine.
The prolonged contact with the grape skins and the natural fermentation process results in wine with rich flavor, deep aroma, and unique texture—qualities that cannot be achieved by other methods.
As well as that, winemaking in quevri represents a living connection to ancient traditions and millennia of history. In recent years, interest in wines produced in quevris has significantly increased. Many wineries around the world have begun to adopt Georgian technology, striving to convey the unique characteristics of their grape varieties that can only be offered by this ancient method. In Georgia, quevris remain a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage, and the wines produced in them are considered true works of art.
This is more than just a technology; it is a philosophy and a way of preserving ancient traditions. To taste such wine is to touch the history of a great people and the Georgian land. Winemaking in quevri is the oldest and most authentic method of creating wine that has survived to this day. This method has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, highlighting its significance for global culture and the history of winemaking.