Vardzia Terraces - Tamaris Vazi

Origin: In 2015, through the joint efforts of businessmen Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, and Meskhetian grape collector Giorgi Natenadze, the ancient stone-walled terraces of 12th-century Queen Tamar were resurrected in the village of Khizabavra, Aspindza Municipality, in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of southern Georgia. Twelve hectares of historical terraces were restored and 27 rare endemic varieties of Meskhetian vine planted — varieties unseen in production for 400 years.

Grape Variety: 100% Tamaris Vazi — meaning "Queen Tamar's Vine" in Georgian, named after the legendary 12th-century ruler of the Georgian Golden Age. According to legend, this was the favourite wine of Queen Tamar, who led the country during Georgia's golden era. This extraordinary wild grape grows exclusively in the volcanic mountain forests of Samtskhe-Javakheti, gradually returning to cultivation as part of Vardzia's remarkable revival, with distinct traits shaped by this high-altitude setting. 

Taste Profile: The aroma is refined, elegant, and complex — red currant, pomegranate, a touch of leather, and petrichor, the scent of rain falling on dry earth. The palate is soft, spicy, and round with elegant acidity. A wine of rare wild character and mountain soul.

Craftsmanship: Fermented and aged in traditional Qvevri clay vessels buried underground — a method recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Made with minimal intervention, no added yeasts, and no additives, allowing the unique volcanic terroir at 900–1,300m elevation to express itself with full clarity. These are among the most natural and truly organic wines you can find — a wine tradition silenced for four centuries, now triumphantly restored.

Serving Suggestions: Exceptional with roasted lamb, game, mushroom stew, hard aged cheeses, and rich Georgian meat dishes. Decanting is recommended to fully open its complex wild aromatics. Serve at 16–18°C.