Daria Kholodilina, known as “Dariko the Traveler,” has lived in Georgia for over a decade and was honored with the title of Georgian Wine Expert in 2024. She was among the pioneers in creating a travel blog about Georgia, introducing a wide audience to the country’s hidden gems. With accumulated experience, Dariko has now taken her blogging to the next level with “Dariko drinks wine,” a refreshed project that not only delves into Georgian wine but also explores international wine content.
T: Dariko, what do you offer wine enthusiasts with this new direction?
“Dariko drinks wines” is a new Instagram venture aimed at both Georgian and international audiences, focusing on the in-depth stories behind wines. The primary focus is on Georgian wine, but we will also review international wines. This is crucial as it helps us understand what’s happening globally, which producers are making what wines, and the trends in the industry.
Georgian wine has shaped my life. Today, there are many wineries offering new experiences. The industry has diversified, and we need to continue this trend to establish our niche globally.
T: Why did you decide to change direction?
The main reason is that I’ve delved deeper into the nuances of wine tasting, exploring how technological aspects and terroir impact the character of the wine. My years of experience allow me to do this. Additionally, there’s a significant interest from foreigners who want to learn more about Georgian wine, the technologies we use, and how terroir influences our grape varieties.
Given my lifestyle, I am no longer actively traveling. The novelty of what I write about has diminished, so I decided to rebrand “Dariko” as a project rather than just a blogger.
T: What advice would you give to wine enthusiasts?
It’s essential to maintain curiosity about wine. Even if I have a preference for a specific grape variety or technology, it’s crucial not to limit oneself and always seek out new and interesting wines. For me, collecting new sensory or emotional experiences is a fascinating process.
Recently, I’ve been particularly convinced of the importance of serving wine in the right glass. A good glass, with the right shape for the wine, provides a different experience. This is especially important for restaurants and bars; investing in quality glassware is worthwhile.
T: What are the current challenges in the wine industry?
In Georgia, a significant challenge remains the production of similar products, which complicates positioning for winemakers and sales for sommeliers. You might have been unique once, but now there are many similar products, making it necessary to express more individuality. Sometimes, this uniqueness leads to very high prices, making it hard for consumers to recognize the value.
Globally, especially in Europe, there is a growing segment of “Low Alcohol” and “Non-Alcoholic” wines. People are less interested in the intoxicating effects and more in the taste attributes, which is increasing interest in cooler climate regions.
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