Think Georgian wine and you might picture amber wines, ancient clay vessels and a winemaking tradition stretching back 8,000 years. But there’s so much more to discover. From crisp, refreshing whites and vibrant reds to distinctive indigenous grape varieties and fascinating regional differences, Georgia is one of the wine world’s most exciting and diverse destinations. This week, I’m joined by Sarah Abbott MW, founder of Swirl Wine Group and a leading champion of lesser-known wine regions, to explore what makes Georgian wine so special. We get beyond the familiar headlines to discover the grapes, regions and winemaking traditions shaping Georgia’s wine scene today, from the craft of qvevri to the country’s modern winemaking renaissance. And, of course, Georgian wine is about much more than what’s in the glass. I share how a visit to Aba-Ra! on London’s Brick Lane gave me a taste of the country’s generous hospitality, inspiring a conversation about traditional feasting, the meaning behind those heartfelt toasts and why wine is so deeply woven into Georgian culture. Whether you’re curious about indigenous grapes, keen to understand qvevri winemaking or dreaming of exploring Georgia yourself, this episode is full of discoveries and inspiration. Sarah also shares her recommendations for exploring Tbilisi, Kakheti and western Georgia, where wine, food, architecture and hospitality make for a rather compelling travel combination. This episode is sponsored by K’AVSHIRI, the collaboration between Robert Joseph and Vladimer Kublashvili, bringing together Georgian grape varieties, regions, winemaking techniques and harvests in distinctive assemblages.   03:48 What makes Georgian wine special? Ancient vine heritage, indigenous grapes and a living wine culture. 09:55 “Gaumarjos!” Why Georgia’s toast means “to our victory” and what it reveals about the country’s identity. 13:25 Arriving in Tbilisi: atmospheric streets, layered architecture, food and contemporary culture. 16:58 Exploring Georgia with a local guide: contact Maka Tarashvili at My Wine Trail or mywinetrailmwt@gmail.com. For further wine guidance and tours, discover Dariko Drinks Wine, founded by Tbilisi-based Georgian wine expert, educator and tour planner Daria Kholodilina. 17:51 Beyond orange wine and Saperavi: mountains, biodiversity, altitude and Georgia’s surprising diversity of styles. 20:19 What is a qvevri? Understanding the shape, purpose and ingenuity of Georgia’s traditional clay winemaking vessels. 25:36 Inside a marani: how qvevri are handmade, fired and installed in the ground. 32:55 UNESCO recognition: protecting the knowledge and traditions behind qvevri winemaking. 33:29 Georgian grapes to know: Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, Mtsvane and Kisi, with Tsolikouri explored later in the conversation. 36:17 Sponsor spotlight: K’AVSHIRI, where Robert Joseph and Vladimer Kublashvili bring together Georgian grapes, regions, harvests and techniques, from qvevri fermentation to air-dried Aladasturi. 40:33 Explore K’AVSHIRI wines through UK retailers, including Wine Republic £23.99 White Assemblage and Wine Republic £23.99 Red assemblage. Wine Library £28.99 Red Assemblage and Wine Library £28.99 White Assemblage 40:45 Back to Sarah Abbott MW: Kisi and the rediscovery of Georgia’s indigenous grape varieties. 41:34 How the Russian wine embargo helped spark Georgia’s search for new markets and a winemaking renaissance. 43:29 Georgian wine in the US and UK: established import networks, growing interest and changing export markets. Find Georgian wines through the Wines of Georgia UK stockist directory. 46:34 Teliani Valley Tsolikouri, the naturally semi-sweet wines of Tvishi and the elegance of western Georgian whites. 48:00 Exploring Kakheti, Georgia’s principal wine region, and discovering the contrasting styles of Kartli and the west. Explore further through Wines of Georgia UK. 50:41 Sarah recommends The Wines of Georgia by Lisa Granik MW. Use code EATSLEEP15 for 15% off at Académie du Vin Library. 51:54 Planning a Georgian wine itinerary: allowing time to enjoy Tbilisi before heading into wine country. 52:01 Exploring the Gombori Pass, Telavi, Kutaisi and Kakheti’s wine stays, including Lopota Lake Resort & Spa and Vazisubani Estate. 56:51 Georgia’s unexpected fortified wines: Sarah recalls a remarkable 1987 wine from Kardenakhi 7 and its complex, sun-aged character. Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026) Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list