An article published last year by Aurélien Foucault for Sommeliers International highlighted the women winemakers increasingly representing Georgian traditional winemaking. With an uncompromising love for wine, Georgian women have risen to challenge the male-dominated traditions of this centuries long tradition both on the vineyards and in the cellars. Though traditionally male-dominated, Georgians have experience holding powerful women in high regard, most notably the 11th century monarch, Queen Tamar, who is embedded in Georgia’s cultural epoch through literature and music. It was only a matter of time until Georgian women would begin claiming their role in the nation’s winemaking.

Sommeliers International highlighted four women from across Georgia currently deeply involved in reshaping the industry. In Imereti- a region in western Georgia- you can meet the Abuladze family and their two daughters who have become the face of Georgian wine export. The public’s interest in Imeretian wines was partly influenced by the eldest daughter of the Abuladze family- Baia. Today, Baia’s Wine has an annual production of 40,000 bottles, 70% of which are exported globally. 

Here at Saperavi Brothers’ we have been an early supporter of women-led Georgian wines. Two of our producers- Artizani and Two Sisters- are women centered. In 2021, Salome of Artizani was specifically sought after and interviewed by Entrepreneur Magazine. Saperavi Brothers was present at Artizani’s recent harvest, and Salome clearly brought her experience and expertise to the entire harvest and pressing process. 

The international wine community is catching on to the bright future of Georgian women in winemaking, and to the diversity they bring to not only the winemaking process, but also the entire industry.      

Read the entire article from Sommeliers International by Aurélien Foucault here: