#GEORGIANWINE: Georgia: The Land Where Wine Was Born. Documentary by Isabelle Legeron

Georgia - The Land Where Wine Was Born!

Isabelle first became interested in Georgia when she tasted Prince Makashvili (now renamed 'Our Wine') wines at a Slow Food event in France. She had been interested in wines made in clay pots for a while and knew the technology came from Georgia but had not realised how ubiquitous these ancient pots were in the country or in fact that it was probably in fact in one of these that wine was born some 8000 years ago in the south Caucasus.

A chance meeting in 2008 found her exploring the country and eventually filming a documentary about the dying art of the Qvevri (also spelled Kvevri), which helped raise awareness nationally and internationally about the uniqueness of Georgian wine and the plight of its few remaining artisan potters who were acting as custodians of one of the oldest wine technologies in the world.

The film helped contribute to what eventually became a reversal of fortunes for the dying art. Today Qvevris are not only formally recognized by the UNESCO list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity but many Qvevri-makers around the country now have waiting lists of clients, including Isabelle herself who created 2000 bottles of a natural Georgian orange wine in Kvevri.

THAT CRAZY FRENCH WOMAN in Georgia was broadcast on Travel Channel in 117 countries and 20 languages.

Wine lovers have a lot to thank Georgia for.This is where wine production first began, over 7000 years ago.Archaeological remains suggest that as early as 4000 BC grape juice was being placed in underground clay jars, or Kvevri, to ferment during the winter.

Georgia is a land famed for its natural bounty. These days there are over 500 species of grape in Georgia, a greater diversity than anywhere else in the world, with around 40 of these grape varieties being used in commercial wine production.

The vine is central to Georgian culture and tightly bound to their religious heritage. It is common for families throughout Georgia to grow their own grapes and produce wine. Feasting and hospitality are central pillars of Georgian culture, and traditional banquets are presided over by a toastmaster, or Tamada, who proposes numerous toasts throughout the meal, and ensures the wine flows liberally.

more: www.isabellelegeron.com @isabellelegeron