Standard:
Kvevri-Wine-Standard and the tasks related to the standard are described on:
In search for support
The Kvevri-Wine-Association Work Schedule
I. The Kvevri-Wine
Wine from Georgia has been promoted in Europe for almost ten years. During the advertising campaigns, Georgian wines, which are traditionally made in clay vessels (kvevri), have also become well-known.
A number of European winemakers have already restarted the tradition of wine making in clay vessels, as an alternative to conventional wine production. These wines are put on the market as Amphora-, Kvevri- or Natural Wines (see www.gravner.it; www.vodopivec.it and others). Professional Georgian winemakers also tend to produce their wines in kvevris, following traditional techniques.
On the one hand, even in Georgia, many so-called Kvevri-Wines are not always produced according to tradition. On the other hand, European Kvevri-Wines are differently produced and controversially discussed because of ambiguous traditional production techniques. As the modern view of traditional Georgian kvevri-wines has been established with great difficulty, both practices are rather harmful to its newly gained image.
Georgia is said to hold more than 500 grape varieties but only a few are used for commercial purposes and are therefore cultivated on a large scale. Even though all the other varieties exist only in small quantities or within special collections, they make up the most significant part of Georgia's rich biodiversity. Yet they remain commercially idle.
Georgian clay vessels (kvevris) are particularly suited for small and medium sized wine production from local grape varieties. As they are small in quantity they are irrelevant for commercial use by major companies. However, the traditional making of wine in kvevris does not only offer a chance to conserve rare and so far unknown grape varieties, it also presents wine enthusiasts on the national and international markets with "novel" wines.
In 2013 the method of making kvevri-wine was listed as world cultural heritage by the UNESCO. The Kvevri-Wine-Association in Tbilisi has taken this opportunity to develop an action programme for the preservation and expansion of traditional kvevri wine production.
II. The Kvevri-Wine-Association
Previous Activities
1. 2010, co-founder of "Festival of the young wine" at Tbilisi open air museum; annual presentation of the association, membership campaign
2. Co-founder of "Kvevri Foundation", Tbilisi
3. 2011, co-founder of the international Kvevri Club, Selgesch/Sion, Switzerland
4. Introduction of kvevri -wine to winemakers from Italy, France, Austria, Slovenia, Chile, Germany
5. 2012, various lectures, Slow Food, Tuscany/Italy; various Georgian kvevri-wine tastings at different Terramadre events
6. Opening of wine bar and wine store "Vino Underground" in Tbilisi to introduce kvevri- wine by members of the association
7. „Vino Underground", numerous wine tastings of Georgian and foreign wines
8. Activities to promote national wine tourism
9. Promotion of organic farming and supply of Georgian organic products
Marketing
1. Since 2008, participation in Terramadre, international trade fair in Italy.
2. Since 2010, participation in Wine Expo Georgia in Tbilisi
3. Since 2012, participation in RAW (organic products), participation in Real Wine Fair, London/England and Berlin/Germany
4. Since 2013, Terramadre, RAW (organic products), Real Wine Fair, London/England.
Biodiversity
1. Co-founder and supervisor of nurseries for grape varieties that had gone lost. In 2013, eight varieties were vinified for the first time.
2. Reactivation of kvevri-wine production in ancient wine-growing areas (Terroir)
Further Training and Bio-Certification
1. Inspection and survey of members' cultivation and wine making in line with a small internal control system (ICS)
2. Participation of individual members in the bio-certification CAUCASCERT
3. Bio-certification of members of the association (Jago, Soliko, Nika).
4. Organization of ecological kvevri-wine production and qualification of all members (trainees)
5. Since 2010, workshops for external winemakers
6. Lectures at the Wine Academy and at wine fairs to promote the Association's educational work
Goals
The Kvevri-Wine Association's training scheme for developing and publicising the "Kvevri-Wine-Standard" as well as publications on the preservation of bio-diversity in viticulture aim at the following issues:
1. The tradition of wine-making in kvevris is an essential pristine cultural asset and must therefore be preserved.
2. The genetic diversity of grape varieties in Georgia has to be conserved and made use of.
3. Small scale producers must be offered a traditionally simple, ecologically and financially sustainable economic system. Their income must be secured.
III. The Work Schedule
III. 1. Controlled organic farming and treatment of grapes (according to EU und JAS regulations)
In Georgia, for thousands of years the cultivation of vines and vinification in kvevris has been carried out with elemental techniques. This ancient successful practice of wine making is popular even today.
While wine-growers in many countries spend a lot of time and money trying to put organic cultivation and vinification into practice, Georgian winemakers have not only retained the tradition of their ecology-minded working methods but are promoting the old custom.
The members of the Kvevri-Wine-Association have committed themselves to keeping up the tradition with the organic cultivation of grapes and untreated vinification in kvevris.
Successful marketing is essential to preserve the kvevri-wine tradition.
Finding customers for their extraordinary kvevri-wines is particularly hard for small scale producers who therefore need special assistance.
Thus, the certification of organic kvevri-wines, subject to eco regulations, does not only acknowledge the traditionally organic production of kvevri-wine, it is also a symbol of quality and a strong sales pitch on national and international markets.
The Project
Controlled organic cultivation of grapes and their treatment is defined in EU regulations (EEC No. 2092/91). It may be checked and certified by the Georgian certifier "CAUCASCERT Ltd."
"CAUCASCERT Ltd." was accredited DAP-ZE-4226.02 by DAP Deutsches Akkreditierungssystem Prüfwesen GmbH. The accreditation is based on ISO/IEC 65:1996.
The basic EU regulations for organically grown grapes and their treatment may be further developed and improved by accredited organisations.
If the essential details of the Kvevri-Wine-Standard are incorporated into basic EU regulations, the standard will internationally become more effective. This is to be achieved with the help of "Naturland", an internationally approved certifier.
Co-operation between "Caucascert" and "Naturland" is not only attractive but also profitable for producers and customers at international fairs such as "Bio Fach" in Nuremberg.
Plans for co-operation within the kvevri-wine programme have been submitted by both organisations.
The Programme
Year 1
1. Training and specialist counselling for the production and treatment of organic wine, subject to EU and JAP regulations
2. Integration of the Kvevri-Wine-Standard into EU eco regulations.
3. Organisation of an internal control system (ISC) , management and counselling
4. Compiling instructions for checking on controlled organic cultivation and vinification of kvevri-wine, according to the Kvevri-Wine-Standard
5. Expansion of the certification programme for the production and treatment of organic wine, in line with EU/ JAP regulations and elements of the Kvevri-Wine-Standard
Year 2
1. Short training courses for kvevri-wine makers, to learn about particularly important aspects of producing and treating organic kvevri-wine
2. Practice related review and adaptation of the Kvevri-Wine-Standard to EU regulations
3. Assessment and certification according to amended regulations
4. Terms of use for the officially registered logo (trademark) of the Kvevri-Wine-Standard
5. Presentation of certified organic kvevri-wines at international markets ("Bio Fach", trade fairs for eco products)
Material for information and Training
An educational brochure for junior wine growers and kvevri-wine makers will be compiled and published. It will include instructions and experiences with EU eco regulations concerning the Kvevri-Wine-Standard.
Caucascert and Naturland
Co-operation between Georgian companies and Caucascert is sufficient for basic eco-certification of agricultural products.
With regard to kvevri-wine wine growers, however, the co-operation of two different certifying organisations is rather beneficial.
Kvevri-wine wine growers are small-scale producers. They are financially unable to afford standard certification. But EU eco regulations leave a chance for winemaker cooperatives to organize an internal control system (ICS), allowing for less expensive group-certification.
With group certification relating to an ICS, however, details cannot be as carefully checked and certified as they are with standard EU eco certification. Group certifications therefore mainly rely on a close relationship between customer and producer as well as between customer and certifier.
A group certification programme for Georgian kvevri-wine wine makers must be thoroughly structured so that it is easy to put given points into practice.
Reasonably priced certification is made possible through inspection of ICS and the wine makers' groups by Caucascert. Supervision by Naturland, extended regulations and relevant Naturland inspections create the degree of confidence necessary for marketing eco wines in Europe.
Naturland is one of the biggest and most successful control and certifier organisations in Europe. Certain companies, (e.g. members of the Kvevri-Wine-Association) who are coached by Naturland may be invited to share the large Naturland stall at "BioFach". The "BioFach" fair is mainly visited by companies and businesses who are particularly interested in traditionally produced eco-certified wines.
This kind of fair gives Georgian kvevri-wine makers an excellent chance to credibly present their wines and UNESCO documented wine culture.
Further Kvevri-Wine-Association Projects
II. Biodiversity
II.1. Endangered grape varieties, cultivation in areas of origin
A project by Kvevri-Wine-Association, in co-operation with "Fond der georgischen Weinrebe“.
There are about 430 grape varieties in Georgia (official figures vary unfortunately). Only 40 – 60 varieties are used for economic reasons, the others are privately consumed or not used at all.
Grape varieties that are of little or no use commercially exist only in rather small quantities. This is one of the reasons for their merely private use. Large wine producing businesses are not interested in these grape varieties because of the rather limited amounts.
Making small and rather rare varieties profitable and thus preserving them is only worthwhile for small-scale producers like kvevri-wine wine growers.
Tasks to be conducted in the framework of the project for preservation of endangered grape varieties and cultivation in areas of their origin are as follows:
1. Detailed account of the current cultivation programme by "Fond der georgischen Weinrebe" in Kakheti. In this model project, some rare grape varieties have been cultivated for several years and are now processed again, in line with the project.
2. Composition and cartographic presentation of contemporary sources of rare grape varieties in different parts of Georgia, with special reference to varieties that grow on trees (see Mengrelian grape varieties – Sasa Gagua)
3. Suggestions (specification and rationale) for cultivation of endangered grape varieties in various regions of Georgia (Kakheti, Guria, Imereti, Samegrelo, Meshkhreti) and their economic use by kvevri wine makers
4. Scheme of instructions for practical utilization of cultivated grapes by local kvevri-wine wine makers and young wine growers who want to cultivate these rare varieties and vinify the grapes in kvevris.
5. Support in theory and practice of young kvevri-wine beginners to cultivate and vinify rare grape varieties. Activities could be implemented with the help of a revolving fund.
6. Preservation and utilization of grape varieties growing on trees is particularly important for kvevri-wine wine producers and most interesting for the international wine scene.
7. An individual programme can be developed, relating to grapes that grow on trees.
Annex:
The "Fond der Georgischen Weinrebe" has compiled suggestions for projects and a list of autochthonous grape varieties, to preserve rare endangered species.
In 2012, an ampelography was published in VITIS, the journal of Grapevine Research, by Julius-Kühn-Institut (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Grapevine Breeding, Geilweilerhof, 76833 Siebeldingen, Germany. The ampelography has been composed as part of an international research paper. Co-authors were David Maghradze, Institute for Horticulture, Viticulture and Oenology in Tbilisi
A reprint of a "Georgian Ampelography" (1960) by N.Ketskhoveli, M.Ramischvili, D.Tabidze was also published in 2012. Although considerable improvements were made in the new edition, information on the quality and amount of Georgian grape varieties, sources and status, differs from the VITIS published ampelography in principal aspects
Current lists of autochthonous Georgian grape-vines should therefore be handled with care.
Support of Kvevri-Wine wine makers
III.1. Support of young wine makers and members of the Kvevri-Wine-Association who are not yet able to sell bottled wine
About twenty years ago, kvevri-wine wine makers began to produce traditional kvevri-wines, as private enterprises. Some have been successful, making supreme quality wines, which they sell at home and abroad. They are all members of the Kvevri-Wine-Association, Tbilisi.
It is the aim of the Kvevri-Wine-Association to encourage more wine makers, in particular the younger generation, to make use of the genetic treasures of autochtonous grapes. Acquisition of new members will result in an increased number of successful kvevri-wine makers.
Based on the project on conservation of endangered grape vines (II.1), at least two (young) wine makers from each of the five main regions of origin will be supported intensely.
They will first have to grow selected rare/ endangered grape varieties, then make quality kvevri-wines from the cultivated grapes and eventually market their products.
Most newcomers, especially those who replant endangered species in their areas of origin, do not have the necessary equipment to produce kvevri-wine. They will be offered financial aid and active support with necessary basic equipment, which will stimulate their interest in the sustainable production and marketing of kvevri wine.
1. Assistance with purchase and planting of cuttings from selected rare grape vines (The vines are chosen and planted with the aid of members of the Kvevri-Wine-Association.)
2. Assistance with purchase of high quality kvevris and building of the marani (members of the Kvevri-Wine-Association)
3. Instruction and training of wine-growers in grape vine adapted vinification in kvevris according to regulations of the Kvevri-Wine-Standard
4. Assistance with purchase of small appliances, filling utensils, bottles, labels and corks
5. Support of small-scale wine-growers (two times) to participate in eco certification
6. Support of small-scale wine-growers to participate in trade fairs and other sales campaigns
Financial support of the purchase of small appliances can be granted by means of a revolving fund. The function of the fund is described in an annex.
It is also possible to organize an equipment pool.
It is the intention of the project to enable wine makers to establish and sustainably operate a "family run wine production" at small financial burden.
A budget has yet to be written up.
IV. Manufacture of Kvevris
IV.1. Setting up a manufacture for the fabrication of kvevris
There are only few kvevri manufacturers left in Georgia. Besides, new kvevris differ greatly in quality. Escalating demand for kvevris by Georgian wine makers as well as from abroad has led to waiting times of more than two years and inferior quality of kvevris. Provided they have gone through systematic and practice oriented training newcomers to the kvevri/ ceramics manufacture consequently stand a good chance to find well paid jobs in the kvevri and ceramics production.
Nika Bakhia, member of the Kvevri-Wine-Association, Tbilisi, has compiled a large-scale project, which describes in detail the set-up of a kvevri manufacture and the training of kvevri manufacturers. The following topics are included in the project:
1. Comprehensive teaching programme
2. Testing and aquisition of materials
3. Construction of a production site for kvevris, including workstations and kiln
4. Tools for handling the clay and building the kvevri
5. Planning and execution of classes in kvevri manufacturing (theory and practice)
6. Support of young kvevri manufacturers who want to establish their own kvevri fabrication
7. Public relation and information service
Nika Bakhia has drawn up a rough budget to provide financing of the comprehensive programme on strengthening and improving traditional kvevri manufacture.
V. Business Development
V.1. Public relation and economic promotion for kvevri-wine producers
Kvevri-wine makers are small-scale producers. There are very few opportunities to participate in fairs and presentations, in particular in the international area. On the other hand, Georgian kvevri-wine production is becoming increasingly interesting for international producers and consumers. This is why Georgian kvevri-wine, as a UNESCO approved model, is highly qualified to meet the European eco-wine movement.
1. By participating in BioFach, Nuremberg, eco-certified quality kvevri-wines easily reach their clientele and make for sustainable marketing.
2. Furthermore, participation in RAW (London, Berlin, Vienna) and fairs initiated by Terramadre and other comparable organisations offers excellent opportunities to present, taste and sell kvevri-wines.
3. Information- and advertising material about the history of kvevri-wine and the Kvevri-Wine-Standard
4. Summary of information about the Kvevri-Wine-Standard, membership campaign at home and abroad
A detailed account of the project components and a rough financial outline are available.
VI. Wine Tourism
VI. 1. The Kvevri-Wine Heritage Trail
Wine makers who produce kvevri-wine according to tradition are frequently visited by foreign wine producers, interested wine dealers and student apprentices. They also receive many inquiries from home and abroad. Some visitors just want to spend a few days with a kvevri wine maker, others are planning short practical training or a study visit.
Any visitor to Georgia is fascinated by its spectacular scenery, its kvevri-wines and their makers. Unfortunately, there are hardly any reasonable accommodation facilities to welcome guests and make economic use of such a touristic potential.
The production of most kvevri wine makers is minute and their sales are poor unless they are financially supported. They have neither enough money nor can they take out loans to arrange and equip guestrooms.
1. On behalf of its members, the Kvevri-Wine-Association is therefore searching for support with the initial setup and furnishing of guestrooms
2. A kvevri-wine heritage trail is projected, which will also bring financial support. Travelling along the trai,l guests can visit different kvevri-wine wine growers, they can stay with them and experience the tradition of the UNESCO approved wine production in kvevris.
3. The paper on the kvevri-wine heritage trail with special reference to winemakers, their wines and environment will be of excellent use for advertising purposes.
Consequences: Kvevri-wine producers are able to welcome customers, visitors, guests and trainees. Customers and guests can share the hands-on experience with traditional kvevri-wine production. The kvevri-wine tradition can vividly be communicated. Last but not least, tourism is an efficient way to promote kvevri-wine.
A detailed description of the project and a rough calculation are available.
U.H. Dec. 2015
info@kvevri-wine.org