When we think of countries and cultures associated with wine production and viticulture, a few big names often leap to mind. France is famous for refined Bordeaux blends and tantalising Champagnes. Australia is known for its bold, brazen Shirazes. Some may go as far to say that New Zealand is the spiritual homeland of Sauvignon Blanc.

Over the years, grape cultivation and wine production have spread to every corner of the globe (fun fact—there’s even a winery in Antarctica). But where did the love of winemaking begin? How many of us are familiar with the origin story of this beloved beverage? 

Grape cultivation and winemaking can be traced back to ancient history—records suggest our love affair may have started as early as 6000 BCE. Where did it start? Although we can’t pinpoint the exact location, the consensus among historians and archaeologists is that early winemaking started in the Middle East—more precisely—the Caucasus region. 

The Caucasus region? Where’s that exactly? Between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea lies a stretch of rugged, mountainous land that makes up what is now considered modern-day Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Eastern Turkey. Altogether, they make up the Caucasus region. Although we can’t pinpoint exactly which country is the true birthplace of viticulture, you’ll be sure to hear Armenians and Georgians alike firmly vaunting their respective nations as the true point of origin. Having said this, archaeologists discovered the oldest known winery in the caves of Arena, a small town in Armenia. 

With the development of trade, winemaking moved west to the Mediterranean and beyond. Following the discovery of “the new world,” winemaking spread throughout the globe to the Americas and the Antipodes. Many Asian cultures started making wine with grapes as well as rice at a similar point in history to Caucasus peoples. 

As the oldest known wine-growing region in the world, the grapes cultivated in the Caucasus region are unique and diverse—having had ample opportunity for several mutations in the grape DNA to arise over the centuries. One of Georgia’s most widely cultivated grape varieties goes by the name of Saperavi, which literally translates to “stain” or “dye”. Its name references the grape’s opulent, deep, inky-purple hue. Unlike typical “red wine” grapes that consist of red skin and white flesh, Saperavi is Teinturier grapes—a sub-group of grape varietals with dark flesh and dark skin. With higher levels of antioxidants and tannins than most red wines, Saperavi grapes create bold, gratifying, full-bodied wines. 

Typically fruit-driven with an underlying earthiness and hints of spice and smoke, Saperavi is the perfect accompaniment to those rich, hearty winter dishes… Here at Witches Falls, we’ve just released our first ever Wild Ferment Saperavi. Be sure to drop by the cellar door to try this delicious, unique wine!

Cheers, 
 Alexandra Douglas and the Witches Falls Winery Team