Marani and qvevri: an 8,000-year tradition
Why Georgians make wine in clay jars buried in the ground, and what you will see in the Dadiani cellar.
Photo: Alexey KomarovA qvevri is a large clay jar buried in the ground. Grape juice ferments and ages in it together with the skins and seeds, while the earth keeps the wine at an even temperature all year.
An ancient tradition
Traces of winemaking in Georgia go back about 8,000 years. In 2013 the Georgian qvevri winemaking method was added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The marani
A marani is the wine cellar where the qvevri are buried. In a Georgian home it is a special place, often also where people pray and receive guests.
The Dadiani cellar in Salkhino
The historic cellar in Salkhino holds 12 qvevri, said to stand for the 12 great feasts and the 12 Apostles. The monks sometimes offer visitors a tasting.
Salkhino has a new website
mysalkhino.ge brings places, stories, photos and videos together in three languages.
Ojaleshi, the wine of Salkhino
The grape that grew on trees: how Ojaleshi became the Dadiani wine, and how it is coming back.
Tsachkhuroba: cradles, dolls and a prayer for a child
Every Easter week people from all over Georgia come to the Tsachkhuri Archangel Church.