Historically, winemaking was not only the basis of the economic riches of Georgia, but also a part of its spiritual culture. Wine for a Georgian is not just a drink. Wine is more a religion.
The mere fact that the word, wine, derives from the Georgian, ghvino, is enough proof to establish Georgia as the cradle of winemaking.
Wine is also one of the main symbols of resurrection and new life. Some 85% of the population of Georgia are Orthodox Christian and believe in communing the true Body and Blood of Christ. Thus, it comes as no surprise that wine is inseparable from the country’s national identity for many centuries.
Scientists have discovered the world’s oldest wine – a vintage produced 8,000 years ago. New discoveries show how Neolithic man was busy making red wine in Shulaveri, Georgia. Although no liquid wine from the period has survived, scientists have now found and tested wine residues discovered on the inner surfaces of 8,000-year-old ceramic storage jars.
Biochemical tests on ancient pottery wine jars from Georgia suggest that at this early period, humans were deliberately adding anti-bacterial preservatives to grape juice so that the resulting wine could be kept for longer periods after
