Iago’s Wine

Iago’s Winery was established in 2003 in the village of Chardakhi, near Mtskheta  town, Dusheti Municipality. Its owner and winemaker, Iago Bitarishvili, often regarded as the true gem of the Kartli region, tends to two hectares of certified, 60-year-old organic vineyards in the Mukhrani Valley. This valley is renowned as one of Georgia's finest and historically significant micro-zones for cultivating native Chinuri grape varietals.

Iago produces a very limited edition of up to 5000-6000 bottles of traditional qvevri wine annually, crafted from both red and white grape varieties, using traditional and ecological methods throughout the winemaking process. Some of his qvevris date back 300 years and are housed in a separate brick-lined building known as the Marani.

During winemaking, Iago adheres to natural yeast fermentation methods. The two hectares of vines are cultivated organically and exclusively planted with Chinuri grapes, a traditional Georgian species. Grapes are harvested when the stems are ripe, and both grapes and stems are placed in the qvevris without pressing. This approach allows for wine production without filtration or the addition of sulphur, as the stems naturally filter the wine. Fermentation typically lasts from two to three weeks, during which the wine cap is punched down three or four times daily using a worn tree branch. After fermentation, the wine is racked to another qvevri using a pump, and the top of the qvevri is sealed with clay. The wines are then aged for several months.

To taste the wine from a qvevri, a dried gourd attached to a long wooden handle is used. Iago cleans the qvevris using a brush and a tool featuring white cherry bark, which is used to scrub the sides of the qvevri.

Currently, Iago winery produces:

Chinuri - a golden-yellow wine is aged in qvevri for six months, in contact with the grape marc and stalks. Herbal notes such as sage, juniper, and pine needles. This is a new and lively wine with peculiar character and a long finish. Goes well with a fried chicken or fish grilled over embers.

Kisi - also made in qvevri, has floral notes and tannins on the finish.

Chacha - made from Chinuri grapes is clear with notes of alcohol. It is smooth with heat on the finish and has long aftertaste of dried fruit.

Iago exports his wines to Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Address: Village Chardakhi, Mtskheta, 3318, Georgia

To book a private tour, please, contact us here.