Tamar Zakalashvili

Emotional connection

I am Tamar Zakalashvili, winemaker by profession, but currently a sommelier of Giuaani winery and a tour leader of creator company “Wine day in Racha”. 

How I got to where I am today?

The love of wine brought me to where I am. My role model since childhood was my grandfather, I saw how much love and warmth he treated grapes and wine, which he put in glass bottles on the eighth floor. Today I have already tasted many wines, but nothing has been so pleasant, harmonious and emotional as my grandfather’s wine. That was the reason why I decided to follow profession.

Why I chose this profession:

Since my childhood, I firmly decided that I wanted to be in a field where I would constantly be in contract with my country, and because I love Georgia very much, that is why I chose wine as a product, not only to have a good time and enjoy it, but also as the bright side of our country – science in a glass, which combines great knowledge, hard work, love and care.

My goal is:

Both of my jobs bring together people who love wine, are interested in the history of Georgia, Georgian varieties and technology, not only European, but also traditional Georgian wine – Qvevri. My goal is to bring my knowledge and emotion to the right customer. To teach how much wine means for a small country, like ours which combines 8000 years of culture and traditions.

What motivates me to do what I do?

First of all, I will say that not many people have the luxury of loving what they do, so I am motivated by the love of my work and also a great interest in this field.

What is missing in Georgian winemaking industry?

It is very difficult to answer this questions, although I would say receiving criticism and advie, which often hurts people working in this field, but at the same time, I think that every day Georgian winemakers grow, learn a lot and share with each other. I am especially happy about the activity of young people like me.

Advice to those who choose this profession now:

You will definitely need physical and emotional strength, patience and fighting ability. It will be good to know foreign languages. Also, I would say that our field has no gender, if you love it and are strong enough, anything will work out for you.