VIDEO: Ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri wine-making method

UNESCO: Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - 2013
URL: unesco.org/en/ancient georgian traditional qvevri wine making method

Description: Qvevri wine-making takes its name from the distinctive egg-shaped earthenware vessel -- the Qvevri -- in which wine is fermented and stored in villages and towns throughout Georgia. The tradition plays a vital role in everyday life and celebrations, and forms an inseparable part of the cultural identity of Georgian communities, with wine and vines frequently evoked in Georgian oral traditions and songs. Knowledge of this heritage is passed down by families, neighbours and friends, all of whom join in the communal harvesting and wine-making activities. Country(ies): Georgia

© Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia, 2012

Duration: 00:09:59 - Support: DVD (0087000017)


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Inscribed in 2013 (8.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity


Qvevri wine-making is practised throughout Georgia, particularly in village communities where unique varieties of grapes are grown. The Qvevri is an egg-shaped earthenware vessel used for making, ageing and storing the wine. Knowledge and experience of Qvevri manufacture and wine-making are passed down by families, neighbours, friends and relatives, all of whom join in communal harvesting and wine-making activities. Children learn how to tend the vines, press grapes, ferment wine, collect clay and make and fire Qvevris through observing their elders. The wine-making process involves pressing the grapes and then pouring the juice, grape skins, stalks and pips into the Qvevri, which is sealed and buried in the ground so that the wine can ferment for five to six months before being drunk. Most farmers and city dwellers use this method of making wine. Wine plays a vital role in everyday life and in the celebration of secular and religious events and rituals. Wine cellars are still considered the holiest place in the family home. The tradition of Qvevri wine-making defines the lifestyle of local communities and forms an inseparable part of their cultural identity and inheritance, with wine and vines frequently evoked in Georgian oral traditions and songs.