Kvevri (traditional Georgian winemaking)

Kvevri are large, clay fermentation vessels used in traditional Georgian winemaking. Carved from clay and sometimes coated internally with a protective layer, they are buried underground to maintain a consistent temperature and protect the wine from light and temperature fluctuations. Grapes are crushed and transferred into kvevri, where fermentation and aging occur, often with skins, seeds, and stems included for added complexity. This ancient method allows natural yeast to ferment the wine, resulting in unique flavors associated with each region. Kvevri winemaking emphasizes purity, tradition, and connection to the land, producing distinctive, often amber or red wines with a sense of place.