How We Craft Our Wines
Our Philosophy
At Vazis Xidi, we believe that great wine is born from deep respect for both tradition and evolution. Western Georgia’s winemaking heritage is remarkably diverse—each village, each family refining its own techniques over centuries. This complexity is what makes our region so unique.
Rather than following a single formula, we immerse ourselves in this diversity, exploring the nuances of vine cultivation, harvest timing, qvevri maintenance, and aging conditions. From these rich traditions, we select the most compelling practices and reinterpret them with precision and creativity.
Our philosophy is to honor the past while embracing innovation, crafting wines that reflect not only the land and its history but also the continuous pursuit of excellence.
Selecting the Perfect Grapes
Finding the right grapes is a journey of dedication and expertise. We take great care in selecting the right winegrowers—those who share our commitment to quality and work in vineyards where the terroir truly shines. Soil, climate, and landscape shape every grape, and we focus on regions where these elements come together in perfect harmony.
The mineral-rich soils, from the limestone of Imereti to the varied compositions across Georgia, give our wines depth and structure. The steep hillsides challenge the vines, forcing them to grow deep roots, which enhances concentration and complexity. The balance of warm days and cool nights preserves freshness and natural acidity, while the availability of pure, natural water sources ensures steady, healthy growth.
By carefully selecting our partner vineyards and winemakers, we preserve the authentic expression of each grape variety, staying true to Georgia’s time-honored winemaking traditions.
The Timeless Tradition of Qvevri Winemaking
Our wines are fermented and aged in traditional handmade qvevri—clay amphoras used for over 8,000 years in Georgia. Crafted by one of the few remaining artisan families in a small village near Chiatura, these qvevri are made using time-honored techniques. Their porous clay allows the wine to breathe and mature naturally, enhancing its purity and complexity.
To ensure optimal conditions for each vintage, we meticulously sanitize our qvevri after every use with extreme heat. Using a custom-built metal spiral heating system, we heat the interior to up to 400°C for 12 to 36 hours, eliminating all bacteria and preparing the qvevri for the next fermentation.
While still hot, we apply a thin layer of high-quality beeswax from the nearby mountain region. This protective coating preserves hygiene while maintaining the qvevri’s breathability.
Through this precise process, we honor ancient traditions while ensuring the highest quality for every bottle.
Vinification: Our Winemaking Process
Our vinification process blends time-honored traditions with careful modern techniques. After hand-harvesting at peak ripeness, the grapes are carefully sorted and undergo skin contact for a short but crucial period—ranging from a few days to several weeks. This imparts the distinct amber hue to our whites and adds depth and structure to our reds.
Fermentation takes place in traditional qvevri, where indigenous yeasts initiate a slow, natural process. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is separated from the skins and continues to mature in a qvevri for several months—sometimes up to two years. During this time, the porous clay of the qvevri allows gentle micro-oxygenation, refining texture and enhancing complexity.
Throughout maturation, we take a minimal-intervention approach, allowing the wine to evolve naturally. Sediments settle over time, clarifying the wine without filtration, while careful racking ensures purity without disturbing its balance. This patient process preserves the wine’s authentic character, allowing it to fully express its terroir while staying true to Georgia’s winemaking heritage.
Discovering and Reviving Georgia’s Rare and Autochthonous Varieties
At Vazis Xidi, we celebrate Georgia’s deep viticultural heritage by crafting wines from both renowned and rare indigenous grape varieties. Our core selection reflects the best of Georgia’s diverse terroirs, while our ongoing explorations revive historic Western Georgian varieties.
Red Varieties
Saperavi (Eastern Georgia, Kakheti) – Georgia’s most famous red grape, known for its deep color, bold tannins, and rich dark fruit flavors. Our Saperavi wines showcase both intensity and elegance, with aging potential that rewards patience.
Otskhanuri Sapere (Western Georgia, Imereti) – One of the region’s oldest and rarest indigenous reds, offering firm tannins, high acidity, and complex layers of dark fruit and spice. This structured wine ages beautifully.
Ojaleshi (Western Georgia, Samegrelo) – A rare red variety from humid, mountainous regions, producing elegant, aromatic wines with notes of wild berries, violets, and a refined freshness.
White & Amber Varieties
Rkatsiteli (Eastern Georgia, Kakheti) – Georgia’s most widely planted white variety, offering vibrant acidity, orchard fruit notes, and remarkable versatility. Our amber Rkatsiteli spends 12 months aging in qvevri for added depth and complexity.
Krakhuna (Western Georgia, Imereti) – A rare Imeretian white grape, known for its rich texture, floral and tropical fruit aromas, and well-balanced acidity. We craft a crisp, expressive dry wine from this variety.
Khikhvi (Eastern Georgia, Kakheti) – A historically significant but lesser-known variety, producing wines with floral, honeyed, and stone fruit aromas, excellent for both dry and amber styles.
Tsolikouri (Western Georgia, Imereti) – Imereti’s flagship white grape, prized for its crisp acidity and mineral-driven profile. It yields both fresh, citrusy wines and structured, age-worthy expressions. We also craft a limited-edition Pét-Nat from Tsolikouri, using the ancestral method for a naturally sparkling wine with elegant effervescence.
By working with these varieties—both celebrated and rediscovered—we honor Georgia’s diverse viticultural heritage, crafting wines that tell a story of place, tradition, and innovation.
Some of our small-batch and experimental wines are not yet available in our shop but can be tasted exclusively when visiting our winery.
Rustaveli Street 49
5404 Geguti
Phone/Whatsapp: +995 596 54 1000
Email: vazisxidi@gmail.com