About us
About Us
Capacity Per Year
A Rich Winemaking Tradition
Founding Inspiration
Our love for winemaking is inspired by our ancestors and the deep-rooted Georgian culture, where the craft is a cherished art. Founded on the very site where Qvevris were traditionally crafted, we remain committed to preserving and restoring this invaluable heritage.
Enduring Quality and Dedication
Our family’s involvement in viticulture spans generations, embodying Georgian culture and history. Even in the 19th century, our ancestors’ wine was renowned for its unique methods and dedication—a tradition that lives on in every bottle.
How we work
Our Process
Cultivating Georgia’s Finest Grapes
From the fertile soils of Ruispiri and Ikalto, our vineyards nurture native grape varieties in optimal microzones, bringing out the unique characteristics of each vine.
Blending Tradition with Innovation
We honor ancient Georgian winemaking methods, including Qvevri fermentation, while incorporating advanced European technology to refine and enhance each step of the winemaking process.
Aging for Quality and Depth
Our wines mature in traditional Qvevris and French oak barrels, achieving balanced flavors and complexity that reflect the dedication and artistry behind every bottle.
Our Vineyards and Unique Terroirs
Our Grapes and Micro zones
Our vineyards, stretching across the beautiful landscapes of Ruispiri and Ikalto, span 65 hectares and are home to Georgia’s finest native grape varieties. These include Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, Kisi, Khikhvi, and Kakhuri Mtsvane—all cherished for their unique flavors and deeply rooted in Georgian heritage. Each grape variety is meticulously cultivated to harness the distinct characteristics of our region’s microzones. The Tsinandali microzone, for instance, is particularly suited to Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane, producing wines celebrated for their freshness and aromatic qualities. Similarly, the Akhmeta microzone, near Ruispiri, provides an ideal environment for Kisi grapes, resulting in wines with complex, layered flavors that reflect the unique climate and soil composition.
Our commitment to nurturing these native grape varieties ensures that each wine we produce is a true reflection of the Georgian terroir. Khikhvi, sourced from the Janaani area, is known for its vibrant aromas and balanced acidity, while Saperavi, one of Georgia’s most iconic grapes, yields bold, full-bodied wines with depth and richness that only these microzones can impart. By cultivating our grapes in these carefully chosen locations, we preserve the authentic essence of Georgian winemaking, offering a sensory journey that connects each bottle of Winery Ikalto wine to the land, history, and culture of Georgia.
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
A Symphony of Tradition and Technology
At Winery Ikalto, we’ve seamlessly blended the ancient winemaking traditions of Georgia with the cutting-edge techniques of Europe. Our state-of-the-art facility, equipped with the finest Italian, French, Croatian, and Bulgarian technology, ensures that every stage of the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to bottling, is executed with precision and care. We’ve invested in the latest viticulture mechanization equipment from Italy, France, and Germany, allowing us to optimize vineyard management and maintain the highest standards of quality.
A Legacy of Winemaking Excellence
With a production capacity of up to 1.5 million bottles annually, Winery Ikalto is a significant player in the Georgian wine industry. Our traditional wine cellar, housing 70 Qvevris ranging from 700 to 1,200 liters, pays homage to the ancient Georgian practice of wine aging in clay vessels. In addition to this, we age approximately 32 tons of wine in French oak barrels, further enhancing the complexity and character of our premium wines.
Our success is rooted in the dedication and expertise of our team. We have a core group of 38 full-time employees who are instrumental in driving our daily operations and strategic decisions. Additionally, we employ 150 to 200 seasonal workers who play a crucial role in various vineyard activities, including planting, maintenance, and harvesting, ensuring the health and vitality of our vines.
Together, we strive to preserve the traditions of Georgian winemaking while integrating modern techniques to achieve exceptional results. With state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques, Winery Ikalto produces premium wines that adhere to the highest international standards. We proudly craft our wines using both traditional Georgian methods, such as Qvevri aging, and Classic European winemaking techniques.
