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Monthly Archives: March 2014

What We Missed at Kindzmarauli Marani

March 31, 2014 – 9:32 pm

There are a few of us in the International Wine Tourism Conference media group that enjoy Georgian Chacha. Most of the wineries have stills of various shapes and sizes. We were running late on our Kakheti tour yesterday and did not have a chance to see the distillery at Kindzmarauli Marani. This is the largest […]

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Alaverdi Monastery Has Heart

March 31, 2014 – 9:16 pm

We visited Alaverdi Monastery and noticed the small vineyard on the way to the marani. The vines were pruned and tied in a heart shape. This pruning method was new to us and we speculated as to why it was shaped and tied. Two cordons were tied to the post about eight inches above the […]

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Georgian Wine Grand Tasting

March 29, 2014 – 9:05 pm

The grand tasting of Georgian wines took place in the ballroom at the Marriott Hotel in Tbilisi, Georgia. Sarah Abbot introduced the wine tasting session. The selected wines were prepared by Shalva Khetusuriani, President of Georgian Sommelier Association. Shalva and Sarah commented about the wines during the tasting. What is now becoming traditional, my tasting […]

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The Dangers of Being a Wine Writer

March 28, 2014 – 7:34 am

Let me say from the beginning, wine or spirits did not cause an accident. Rather, a photographic opportunity, an errant step and a fall were the contributing factors. Because of the accident, Kathy did not make the brandy tasting at Sarajishvili. Instead she waited patiently as the IWINETC Media Group processed brandy making and degustation. […]

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Virginia Cider Made in Georgian Qvevri Served at Supra in Tbilisi

March 27, 2014 – 9:04 pm

Buried under the ground not far from a shade tree are several qvevris that were made in the country Georgia. These earthen vessels, for making wine, traveled 6,500 miles for their resting place at Castle Hill Cidery in Keswick, Virginia. Stuart Madany, production manager, was interested in making cider in qvevris. He had first become […]

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Monks at Dadiani Old Cellar Produce the Rolls Royce of Georgian Wines

March 27, 2014 – 1:59 am

We were surprised at a comparison of Ojaleshi as the Rolls Royce of Georgian wines where Saperavi is just a Volkswagon. Were the monks from Dadiani Old Cellars poking fun at the monks producing Saparevi from Alveredi Monastery? Actually after some reflection the analogy has validity from a purely financial point of view. There are […]

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No Hail Terroir

March 26, 2014 – 11:35 pm

Vineyards that get trounced with hail often are ruined for the year. Hail can happen in most wine regions around the world. A hail storm in the spring can ruin the buds of grape vines. Hail in the late summer or fall can puncture and damage the fruit. In some cases a hailstorm can become […]

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A Kakhetian Supra

March 26, 2014 – 4:18 pm

Tradition, bounty and hospitality are the hallmarks of Simon Ruadze and his family. We had lunch in his distillery room just a short stroll from his house. Simon met us at our van, dressed in traditional Georgian dress. He spoke of providing visitors with an experience of a traditional Kakhetian supra. On the stroll to […]

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Two Western Georgian Wine Tastings Turn into Supras

March 24, 2014 – 9:20 pm

A supra is an important event in Georgia. It combines food, wine and people. The leader of a supra is a tamada. The tamada makes toasts, then everyone drinks. A tamada is not resigned to just one toast, but may make several toasts. Our last two wine tastings in Western Georgia turned into supras. Our […]

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Turkish Airlines lunch menu from Brussels to Istanbul

March 23, 2014 – 10:43 pm

We were flying in business class on a Turkish Airlines flight from Brussels to Istanbul. Upon entering the aircraft we first saw an apprentice chef wit white jacket and white chef’s hat. This was a different experience than on other carriers. After reaching cruising elevation, the chef passed out menus and took our drink order. […]

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