Wine masters’ visit in Georgia
21-person group of wine masters visited Georgia for 4 days. Their visit was organized by “Georgian Wine” Association and National Wine Agency. Group members operate in 9 countries of the world and represent the institute of wine masters, which is located in London. It was the first visit of such large-scaled and representative delegation in wine field in Georgia.
The wine master tour program was engaged and various enough. They visited: wine companies, wine-tasting and presentation of different styles of wines were held; Georgian National Museum, , they had opportunity to see ancient models related to Georgian wine and vine culture and tasted wines produced with rare Georgian genus in Agricultural Research and Development Institute Jigaura Nursery Garden.
In the framework of wine master tour, Alaverdi Monastery visit was the most emotional and impressive they learnt the ancient technology of Qvevri wine making, saw the cellar located on Alaverdi Monastery Complex territory. Here, monastery wine presentation and degustation was organized.
The National Wine Agency deputy chairman, Andro Aslanishvili considers, that visits of this level are especially important for Georgian wine popularization and publicity increase.
“Firstly, thanks to association “Georgian Wine”, which organized this important event. Wine masters learn Georgian wine culture during their visit and we expect, that this visit will promote spreading increasingly more information about Georgian wine in the world and it will support Georgian wine export growth. Working on this line is priority for both, public sector and private sector” – stated Andro Aslanishvili.
Director of “Georgian Wine” association, Tina Kezeli mentioned, that Qvevri wines have made special impression on the guests.
“Group of such importance has never visited Georgia. During their visit, they already have made their opinions – Qvevri wine is especially remarkable. Jigaura Nursery Garden made special impression on the guests, they tasted microwinifications, which is innovation for Georgians too. It’s great achievement, that Georgia raised interest of such high-leveled group. Wine master school, located in London decided, that one more group will visit Georgia in two years,” - mentioned Tina Kezeli.
Metropolitan of Alaverdi Monastery, Supreme Davit, who guided the guests in the church says, that the masters liked Qvevri wine the most.
“This is the first visit of such group of wine masters in Georgia. Their interest towards Qvevri wine is great. Their interest and questions during visit in Alaverdi was unexhausted. Impression, emotion and information received here will let them speak about Qvevri wine and Qvevri wine making technology in their countries and surrounding” – mentioned Supreme Davit.
Masters visiting Georgia represent France, UK, Finland, Singapore, Sweden, USA, Germany and Australia . The group is lead by wine master in the USA, Lisa Granik.
Wine masters’ visit was followed by the articles of leading wine and culinary journals in the world, Georgian wine culture and history was popularized in social webs, it will support growth of tourist number , especially wine and culinary tourists. Wine masters’ visit in Georgia is very important event Georgia and Georgian wine publicity growth and popularization point of view.
Wine master is the most prestigious title in wine field. Their recommendations and opinions have great importance worldwide. Wine master certification began 60 years ago in England and nowadays, 338 wine masters are in 24 countries worldwide. Wine master certificate is given by UK Wine Master Institute. Passing this exam and receiving the certificate is a long-term and hard process. Wine masters and at the same time institute members are winemakers, buyers, scientists, sommeliers, wine writers, journalists, critics and etc. Wine masters estimate wines of different Countries and regions at the competitions, guide wine trainee courses, lead degustation, estimate private cellars in the world, consult public cellars.
Wine masters visit different countries for experience sharing and new contact establishment each year.