How We Craft Our Wines
Our Philosophy
At Vazis Xidi, we believe that exceptional wines are born from deep respect for tradition and a passion for continuous development. The winemaking heritage of Western Georgia is remarkably diverse—every village and family has refined its own techniques over the centuries. This richness is what makes our region so unique.
We dedicate ourselves to understanding the nuances of viticulture, the care of qvevri, the fermentation process, and the conditions for aging. And we aim to contribute to unlocking the immense potential held in Georgia’s autochthonous grape varieties and its traditional methods of winemaking and vinification.
Selecting the Perfect Grapes
Finding the right grapes requires dedication and expertise. We place great importance on exceptional vineyard sites and on close collaboration with growers who share our philosophy and commitment to quality—and who strive to express the character of their terroir through their grapes.
The Timeless Tradition of Qvevri Winemaking
Our wines are fermented and aged in traditional, handmade qvevri—large clay vessels that have been used for winemaking in Georgia for over 8,000 years. Our qvevri are crafted by a family of artisans in a small village near the town of Chiatura. The porous clay allows for gentle micro-oxidation, which can greatly enhance the complexity of high-quality wines.
To ensure optimal conditions for each new wine, we subject our qvevri to an intensive cleaning and heat treatment after every use. Using a specially developed metal coil heating system, we heat the interior of the qvevri to up to 400°C for 12 to 36 hours to eliminate all bacteria.
While the vessels are still hot, we apply a thin layer of high-quality beeswax sourced from the nearby mountain region. This protective coating provides additional hygiene while preserving the breathability of the qvevri.
Through this process, we honor ancient traditions while ensuring the highest quality in every single bottle.
Vinification: Our Winemaking Process
Our winemaking combines timeless tradition with modern techniques. After being hand-harvested at peak ripeness, the grapes are carefully sorted and—depending on the grape variety and desired wine style—macerated for several days to several weeks. This process gives our amber wines, made from white grape varieties, their characteristic color and distinctive aroma, while contributing depth, structure, and color to our red wines.
Fermentation takes place with natural yeasts in traditional qvevri. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is separated from the grape skins and transferred to a second qvevri to mature for several months—sometimes up to two years.
During aging, we intervene as little as possible, allowing the wine to develop naturally. Over time, sediments settle to the bottom. Many of our wines are clarified without filtration, using gentle methods that preserve their authentic character and allow the terroir to shine through.
Discovering and Reviving Georgia’s Rare and Autochthonous Varieties
At Vazis Xidi, we celebrate Georgia’s deep viticultural heritage by crafting wines from both renowned and rare autochthonous grape varieties. Our core selection reflects the best of Georgia’s diverse terroirs, while our ongoing explorations revive historic Western Georgian varieties.
Red Varieties
Saperavi (Eastern Georgia, Kakheti) – Georgia’s most famous red grape, known for its deep color, bold tannins, and rich dark fruit flavors. Our Saperavi wines showcase both intensity and elegance, with aging potential that rewards patience.
Otskhanuri Sapere (Western Georgia, Imereti) – One of the region’s oldest and rarest indigenous reds, offering firm tannins, high acidity, and complex layers of dark fruit and spice. This structured wine ages beautifully.
Ojaleshi (Western Georgia, Samegrelo) – A rare red variety from humid, mountainous regions, producing elegant, aromatic wines with notes of wild berries, violets, and a refined freshness.
White & Amber Varieties
Rkatsiteli (Eastern Georgia, Kakheti) – Georgia’s most widely planted white variety, offering vibrant acidity, orchard fruit notes, and remarkable versatility. Our amber Rkatsiteli spends 12 months aging in qvevri for added depth and complexity.
Krakhuna (Western Georgia, Imereti) – A rare Imeretian white grape, known for its rich texture, floral and tropical fruit aromas, and well-balanced acidity. We craft a crisp, expressive dry wine from this variety.
Khikhvi (Eastern Georgia, Kakheti) – A historically significant but lesser-known variety, producing wines with floral, honeyed, and stone fruit aromas, excellent for both dry and amber styles.
Tsolikouri (Western Georgia, Imereti) – Imereti’s flagship white grape, prized for its crisp acidity and mineral-driven profile. It yields both fresh, citrusy wines and structured, age-worthy expressions. We also craft a limited-edition Pét-Nat from Tsolikouri, using the ancestral method for a naturally sparkling wine with elegant effervescence.
Tsitska (Western Georgia, Imereti) – It is one of the most important white grape varieties in the country, producing fresh and elegant wines with a pale yellow color, fine acidity, and aromas of green apple, citrus fruits, and white blossoms. Tsitska is vinified both as a single-varietal wine and in blends—often with Krakhuna or Tsolikouri—and is ideally suited for traditional Qvevri winemaking.
By working with these varieties—both celebrated and rediscovered—we honor Georgia’s diverse viticultural heritage, crafting wines that tell a story of place, tradition, and innovation.
Some of our small-batch and experimental wines are not yet available in our shop but can be tasted exclusively when visiting our winery.
Rustaveli Street 49
5404 Geguti
Phone/Whatsapp: +995 596 54 1000
Email: vazisxidi@gmail.com