Best Georgian Wines 2026: Award-winning wines from Georgia

Known as the ‘cradle of wine’, Georgia has a long history of winemaking. Archaeological discoveries of fermenting vessels suggest that wine was being produced in the country as far back as 8,000 years ago, making it one of the world’s oldest winemaking regions. Local legend even has it that Georgian soldiers would weave a piece of grapevine into their armour before heading into battle, believing that, should they fall, a vine would grow from their hearts. Wine is, quite literally, in the blood of the Georgian people.

Georgia’s more recent winemaking history has been somewhat turbulent. Under Soviet rule, large-scale ‘wine factories’ dominated production, prioritising quantity over quality. Today, however, the country’s wine industry is undergoing something of a renaissance, with smaller, independent producers increasingly taking centre stage. Combining ancient winemaking traditions with modern techniques, these producers are helping to redefine Georgian wine, bringing renewed attention to the country’s indigenous grape varieties and distinctive styles.

Glass of red Georgian wine for dinner — While Georgia may be known for its orange wines, its full-bodied reds impressed judges at the IWSC 2026

One of the most distinctive aspects of Georgian winemaking is the country’s penchant for fermenting and ageing wine in large clay vessels known as qvevri. This ancient technique, which has been practised in Georgia for thousands of years, has since inspired winemakers around the world, with some of the most influential producers now experimenting with clay vessels of their own.

Qvevri wines enjoyed considerable success at the IWSC 2026, with a number of Gold medals awarded to wines made using the traditional method. Askaneli Brothers’ Mtsvane Dora 2022 received 96 points, with judges praising its ‘captivating tapestry of oxidative dried figs and nutty almond notes’. The same producer’s Dora Rkatsiteli 2022 also scored 96 points, impressing the panel with its ‘vibrant medley of nuts and orchard fruits’.

Red wines made in qvevri also performed strongly. Tsinandali Old Cellar’s Saperavi Qvevri 2020, produced by Mildiani Family Winery, earned a Gold medal, with judges highlighting its ‘refreshing lift of volatility’. Another standout from Mildiani Family Winery was its 33rd Anniversary 2017, which received 96 points for its ‘captivating bouquet’ and ‘intense aroma of ripe apricot, bruised apple, and marzipan’.

Orange wines were another highlight, with three taking home Gold medals at this year’s competition. The style, long associated with traditional Georgian winemaking, has gained considerable international attention in recent years, so its strong showing is perhaps unsurprising. Leading the trio was Winery Gurjaani 2024, which scored 96 points and impressed judges with its ‘intriguing bouquet of baked apple, quince and gentle dry herbs’. Just one point behind, Akhmeteli Kakhuri Mtsvane 2023 was praised for its ‘deep hue’ and aromas of dried stone fruit, honeysuckle and chamomile. The final gold medal in orange wine went to Wine Art Ethno Khikhvi-Mtsvane 2022 singled out by the judges for an ‘aroma rich with roasted chestnuts and walnuts’.

Every Georgian wine entered into the IWSC 2026 was tasted blind by an expert panel overseen by Sarah Abbott MW. The judging panel included senior wine buyer Will Hill, author and bar owner Sunny Hodge, and Rebecca Palmer, associate director and head of merchant buying. Read on to discover some of the best Georgian wines from this year’s competition.

HOW DO WE JUDGE THESE WINES?

We run a tightly structured, rigorous wine tasting process. That means that each wine sample is pre-poured into numbered glasses and assessed blindly by the judges. Most importantly, our IWSC wine judges are experts in their field, who work across all sectors of the wine industry. For evidence, see our full list of judges.

HOW DO WE SCORE THESE WINES?

Only the best wines sampled receive a Gold or Silver award. For example, to win Gold, wines have to score between 95 and 100 points. Meanwhile, Silver wines range from 90 to 94 points. Click here to read more on our scoring system.

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Club O is a premium lifestyle publication for curious and discerning wine and spirits lovers. Renowned for inspiring stories and trusted expertise, we connect people to the joys of the world, through the lens of wine, spirits and other interesting drinks. Based in London, our team of expert writers seek out thoughtful stories that introduce our readers to new people, places, drinking discoveries and insights, as well as exploring fresh perspectives on familiar themes.