As an importer, we take a lot of pride in choosing winemakers who can truly represent what Georgia has to offer. Georgian wine has an incredible history, but here in the U.S., it’s still flying under the radar, and we’re working hard to change that.

Our founder, Kosta, recently made a trip to Georgia with two things in mind: supporting the local wine scene and finding new ways to share it with wine lovers back in the U.S. Along the way, he met some amazing winemakers, swapped stories, and tasted wines that have been perfected over generations. It was a trip full of connection, inspiration, and, of course, great wine.

From the village of Velistsikhe in Kakheti, Ivane Nareklishvili set out to found his own winery. As a third-generation winemaker, Ivane spent 25 years gaining experience working for a variety of wine producers. After spending time studying in Italy- and becoming engrossed in different techniques- he came to understand the future of Georgian winemaking exists in the blend of traditional Kakhetian and contemporary winemaking knowledge. With a modern winemaker’s eye for quality control, and the steady hand of minimal intervention, Ivane honed his ability to finesse a natural ferment to reveal the best of native yeasts and traditional techniques without risking errant slips or spoilage. From this, Qvevri Wine Cellar was born in 2015.