Ancient Monastery and the Sacred Tradition of Winemaking in Georgia

In the Alaverdi monastery, located in the fertile river valley of Cucheti in Georgia, monks continue the ancient tradition of winemaking. The monastery, dating back to the sixth century, has been a guardian of the country's ancient vines. With more than 500 native grape varieties growing in Georgia, the monks use traditional methods, such as fermenting and aging the wine in giant clay pots called quevries. The quevries are buried underground and provide a unique environment for the wine to develop its flavors. The wines produced in the monastery, with their complex taste and deep connection to Georgian spirituality, are seen as offerings to God.