Why was wine created - Nika Devidze

The production of wine is a complex and fascinating process. When humanity first created wine, neither chemistry nor thermometers existed. Since then, wine has become so ingrained in our culture that it has become a fundamental part of it. Nika Devdize discussed the origins and evolution of wine with us.

Q: What were the initial reasons for making wine, and how have they evolved over time?

I believe the discovery of wine was accidental. Scientists might offer a more precise explanation, but in my view, our ancestors, who were then nomadic, must have enjoyed grapes as a product. They stored some, it began to ferment, and they ended up with a liquid that had a tangy taste but was pleasant. This product has been with humanity ever since, and today it holds great significance in various cultures and religions.

Q: What role does wine play in social rituals and cultural aspects?

Wine brings us closer together. It is not a high-alcohol beverage, but it is still a product that needs to be consumed in moderation, gradually giving us the confidence to speak openly and freely about topics we want to discuss. In the case of our country, wine is an ethnic-cultural component for Georgians. The institution of the toastmaster, gastronomy, and folklore are all interconnected with and tied to wine.

Q: What historical significance does wine production have in Georgia?

In the early 19th century, Alexander Chavchavadze was a pioneer who implemented significant changes in Georgian winemaking. There was even a joke that life was divided into two phases: before and after tasting Alexander's wine. Later, the Soviet Union set us back significantly in both cultural and winemaking aspects. At the beginning of this century, we started rediscovering wine. I am very pleased that contemporary winemakers are actively promoting wine and advancing their products, which is changing the overall picture.

Q: How do consumer preferences affect wine production?

Just as there are diverse people, there are diverse wines. Generally, I believe that everyone can evaluate wine at a basic level, simply by trusting their instincts. The brain can remember countless aromas. While we might not name them, these aromas can create pleasant, positive associations. If the flavors match and are enjoyable, we will drink the wine smoothly and pleasantly. I think it is the consumer who determines how and where winemaking should develop.

Q: What challenges does Georgian winemaking face today?

Unfortunately, on the global map, we are represented only by the fact of our existence, not by the quality of our wine. It’s possible that new artifacts might be discovered in neighboring countries tomorrow, and we might lose the title of the homeland of wine. Our uniqueness lies in the fact that we have been producing wine continuously for 8,000 years, and the current challenge is to showcase this history in a glass to the world. Today, we have ideal opportunities to further accelerate our growth. The world has long been searching for something new, and Georgia is coming into focus now. We need to position ourselves correctly.