As you might know, wine has been crafted for thousands of years, but few techniques have withstood the test of time like Qvevri winemaking. Originating from Georgia, this method dates back over 8,000 years and is still in use today, producing some of the world’s most unique wines.

What is Qvevri Winemaking?

At its core, Qvevri winemaking relies on large, egg-shaped clay vessels (called qvevris or kvevris) that are buried underground. This underground aging process helps naturally regulate temperature while allowing the wine to develop its distinctive characteristics. Unlike modern stainless-steel tanks or oak barrels, qvevris provide a pure, uninterrupted connection between the wine and its environment, making it one of the most natural winemaking methods still in use.

What’s the steps for Qvevri Winemaking?

1. Harvesting & Crushing

Winemakers start by harvesting grapes and crushing them, often using traditional foot-stomping or gentle pressing. Instead of separating the juice from the skins, everything—including skins, seeds, and sometimes stems—is transferred into the qvevri.

2. Natural Fermentation

Once inside the qvevri, the juice ferments using wild yeasts naturally present on the grape skins. Unlike modern wineries that rely on commercial yeasts and temperature controls, qvevri fermentation happens in a more hands-off, spontaneous way. As fermentation progresses, winemakers may occasionally stir the contents to ensure proper extraction of flavors and tannins. This is where the « Orange » or « Natural » wine movement derived their process.

3. Aging & Maturation

After fermentation, the qvevri is sealed with a stone or wooden lid and covered with clay or wax to prevent oxidation. It is important to note that the clay is porous and allows tiny amounts of oxygen to interact with the wine, softening tannins and enhancing complexity, similar to oak barrels but without imparting wood flavors. The wine then ages on its skins and lees for up to six months or more. This extended maceration is what gives amber (orange in color) wines (made from white grapes) their signature color, texture, and tannin structure.

4. Racking & Bottling

Once the aging process is complete, winemakers carefully siphon off the clear wine, leaving behind the solid grape remnants (pomace). The wine is often bottled without filtration, preserving its raw and natural characteristics.

What Makes Qvevri Wines Special?

Qvevri winemaking produces deeply expressive, textural wines that stand out in both appearance and taste.

Amber Wines (Made from White Grapes)

• Deep golden-orange hue
• Tannin-rich with a full-bodied texture
• Aromas of dried apricots, nuts, honey, and spices

Red Wines

• Earthy, bold tannins
• Rich flavors of blackberries, plums, tobacco, and leather
• Complex, long-aging potential

If you’re a wine enthusiast looking for something different, Qvevri wines are a must-try. With their unique flavors, rich history, and raw authenticity, they offer a glimpse into one of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world.