Interview With A Winemaker – Zurab Rekhviashvili

Wine isn’t just made, it’s crafted by the unwavering expertise of a Winemaker, sometimes old traditions are passed down by generations and on other occasions, new people venture into the industry, introducing us to new creations, this series of Winemaker Interviews will help you uncover the vast world and skills of how the artists passionate about wine make the world a bubbly place.

In this feature we speak with Zurab Rekhviashvili, an amazing Winemaker from Georgia, let’s discover a little about his time in the Wine Industry.

It’s Great To Speak With You, Zurab. Can You Tell Us A Bit About Yourself & How You Became Involved In The Wine Industry?

“Hello, thank you very much for your interest, it is a pleasure talking to you about the wine industry. I am Zurab Rekhviashvili, 26 years old, and I am studying at the Caucasus International University, the faculty of Wine Technologies. I have 7 years of work experience in both wine production and sales. As you know, Georgia is a country of traditional winemaking. Like many other Georgian families, my family has had a tradition of making our own wine at home with our grapes every year and I have been involved in it since childhood. This was the first step in connecting me with the wine industry and as I grew up, I became professionally involved in this field.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Wine It Was?

“At the age of 20, I started working as a winemaker’s assistant at a large wine factory, where I had a mentor in the sparkling wine sector, with whom I produced sparkling wines using the Charmat method. Then, over time, as a sommelier and taster, I got to taste many sparkling wines, including those made in the classic French style. The company where I work now has a strong focus on sparkling wine production and quality. I would also add that I really love celebrating special moments with sparkling wine.”

What Part Of The Wine Making Process Do You Enjoy The Most?

“As a winemaker, the most exciting process for me is the harvest, which is the most responsible and laborious, and also one of the main parts that is the most important factor affecting the quality of the final product. I also really enjoy the production process, from fermentation to wine stability.”

As A Winemaker, What Has Been Your Hardest Obstacle To Overcome?

“For me at this point, as a sommelier, the biggest obstacle I have overcome has been sharing my knowledge and experience with the audience and increasing my expertise in this area.”

When It Comes To Pairing Sparkling Wine With Food, Do You Have Any Favourite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?

“Sparkling wine is the best aperitif, it goes well with many types of dishes, but first of all, I think of smoked and aged cheeses and also grilled meats. Sparkling is also an excellent alternative with desserts. I personally recommend a white brut sparkling wine with Georgian traditional food, in particular: Sulguni – Georgian traditional cheese, Mchadi – cornbread, Pkhali – chopped and minced vegetables made of spinach, beans, cabbage and combined with walnuts.”

Can You Share With Us One Of The Most Memorable Experiences You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

“The most memorable experience for me, besides celebrating holidays with sparkling wine, was when I hosted a sparkling wine tasting at a local wine bar last year.”

Thank you Zurab, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Zurab Rekhviashvili. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.