Rezi Tsetskhladze is one of those individuals who has tirelessly explored the world of wine, continually expanding his knowledge. Even during the global pause of the pandemic, Rezi traveled through 100 wineries in three different countries and tasted over 1,000 different wines. He believes that wine is a carrier of energy, which can affect human emotions positively or negatively, stating that "it’s a dangerous drink, it loves contemplation and should be consumed mindfully."
Q: Rezi, how did you first become interested in wine, and what led you to pursue a career in this industry?
Wine, like for many Georgians, was a part of my life from childhood. Every summer, I helped my family during the grape harvest. At that time, I didn’t view wine as a science but more as a romanticized subject from films and videos. I remember being profoundly influenced by watching the movie “A Good Year,” which played a significant role in my career choice.
At 16, I attended an open house at the Agricultural University and was so impressed that I decided to go for a harvest internship that summer. By the end of my high school years, I attended another open house and realized that I wanted to continue in this field, so I enrolled in the viticulture and enology faculty.
Q: What has your career path in the wine industry been like, and how have you developed your experience over time?
Despite extensive preparation, I had a period of doubt during my second year, which many experience. However, attending tastings on Saturdays and speaking with winemakers reignited my desire to be in this field. I soon started working as a consultant, followed by a year of quality control experience at the National Wine Agency, and completed my university studies.
One of my favorite projects remains the course wine “Chateau Absurd,” which critiques and satirizes the trends in the Georgian market, particularly absurdly named wines.
Q: International Experiences:
After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I didn’t wait for my diploma and went to California, Sonoma, where I worked at Rodney Strong with Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay vines. Initially, I wanted to buy a return ticket within two weeks, but I overcame this challenge and continued living with 12 Mexicans who became the inspiration for my mustache. Despite the language barrier, we managed to communicate, mainly through tequila, mescal, and Corona.
Following the American experience, I completed a master's program at Vinatour in Bordeaux, Porto, and Tarragona, focusing on wine marketing and tourism. I had the opportunity to practice viticulture and winemaking in Burgundy, which is the most cherished region for me. I am very proud of having worked there and having my graduation ceremony at “Chateau d’Yquem” with Sauternes.
Q: Why did you return to Georgia?
I always tell people that if they don’t have a strong desire to live abroad, it’s better to stay in Georgia and apply their knowledge and experience here. There are many more opportunities for viticulture and winemaking in Georgia than in other countries. While there is still much to be done abroad, our country needs new ideas, fresh perspectives, and dynamic movement.
Q: Tell us about your wine:
"Feri Wines" – all my wines are dry, budget-friendly, easy to drink, and youthful. I started production in 2021, and today you can find my wines in 150 different places in Tbilisi, including bars, restaurants, and clubs. The labels reflect the wine’s emotions and aromas. For example, the yellow color represents a specific Rkatsiteli with its fresh fruit, citrus, and yellow fruit aromas. The label’s cut expresses the taste, and the embossing on the bottle’s top symbolizes the individuality of the people and the wine.
Q: What advice would you give to future generations?
Do what you truly want, what your heart and mind dictate. If you’re confused, take your time, try different things, and you will find yourself. It may sound a bit selfish, but everything came to me based on what I wanted, not what others might think.
I wish for great Georgian wines to continue to evolve and succeed.
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