An astounding variety of grapes and wines derived from ancient low-tech and modern high-tech methods leaves visitors smitten in the Republic of Georgia.
Where?
Many never heard of Georgia, the country. Nor could they likely find it—even if they had heard of it--on an unmarked map.
According to legend, God knew Georgia very well—he created it as a place for himself. He later gifted it to the Georgians in gratitude for their invitation to their celebrations as the lands of the Earth earned their designations.[1]
As God got busy parceling out land to the peoples of the world, the Georgians were too preoccupied with feasting to receive their share. Finally showing up to meet with God, full of good cheer and wine, God bought their explanation filled with passion and innocence and gave them the land he had reserved for himself—Georgia.
Georgia is small—just a little bit bigger than West Virginia. It ranks at number 119 in size for all countries.[2] Georgia may be small in landmass, but it makes up for it with its feistiness, friendliness, tenacity, big heart, and a huge contribution to the art of winemaking. Georgian wine arises from a forgiving climate and unique geography and biodiversity that create fertile soils in valleys protected by the Caucasus Mountains. When asked what fertilizer he used for grapevines, an insulted farmer replied that Georgian soil did not require fertilizer and was blood-soaked to boot from his ancestors who defended their country.
(Approximately 30 color plates pay tribute to Georgia’s beauty.)
[1] https://www.wetrip.ge/en/blog/1-about-georgia
[2]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_dependencies_by_area
