Giuaani Winery, nestled in the picturesque Kakheti Region of Georgia, is a family-owned establishment where the art of winemaking flourishes through the use of local grape varieties and a harmonious blend of traditional and modern techniques. Visitors to Giuaani are welcomed into a relaxed atmosphere, where they can enjoy guided tours of the winery and indulge in wine tastings. For those looking to deepen their experience, culinary classes and a delightful on-site Georgian restaurant are also available. Giuaani Winery offers the perfect setting to savor exquisite Georgian wines while immersing yourself in the rich winemaking culture of the region.
Situated in the charming village of Manavi, Giuaani Winery derives its name from the local white grape variety, Manavi Mtsvane (or Manavi Green). The fertile land of this area first attracted the Giuashvili family in the 19th century, who relocated here from the nearby Manavi Fortress. They constructed their first home and filled their inaugural qvevri (traditional clay wine vessel) with freshly pressed grape juice, unknowingly laying the foundation for a winemaking legacy that would span generations. Today, visitors can marvel at five historic qvevri vessels in the family cellar, dating back to 1894, crafted to celebrate the birth of a son. Despite their long history, the family did not begin producing wine for commercial sale until 2014, when Giuaani Winery was officially established. Now, it proudly produces approximately 400,000 bottles of wine each year.
At Giuaani Winery, ancient winemaking traditions are seamlessly integrated with modern technology to create a diverse selection of high-quality wines. The winery utilizes a combination of French and Caucasian oak barrels, Georgian clay qvevri, traditional wine cellars, stainless steel tanks, and a wide array of grape varieties to craft wines that cater to various palates. Some of the standout varieties produced include:
With nearly 20 different varieties of Giuaani wine, the winery has garnered over 60 awards at international wine fairs, a testament to its commitment to excellence.
When you visit Giuaani Winery, you’ll embark on an enlightening tour of the production facilities, including the laboratory, bottling area, chacha distillation facility, and the traditional wine cellar filled with oak barrels and qvevri. A knowledgeable local guide will accompany you, providing insights into the winemaking process and answering any questions you may have. The wine tasting experience takes place in a cozy Georgian restaurant, where you can pair Giuaani’s exquisite wines with high-quality local cuisine.
Beyond the delightful food and wine offerings, guests at Giuaani have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, such as baking traditional Georgian bread (shoti) or crafting the beloved churchkhela sweets made from nuts and grape juice. The expansive grounds also feature a serene Japanese corner, a charming Georgian garden, a tranquil pond, and a swimming pool. During the Rtveli fall festival, visitors can partake in the traditional grape harvest, experiencing the joy of grape picking and pressing the fruit using a traditional winepress known as satsnakheli.
For those who can’t make it to the winery, Giuaani Winery also operates a wine tasting room in Tbilisi, conveniently located at 39 Aghmashenebeli Avenue, New Tiflis.