“8000 Vintages,” a renowned wine store, is making its foray into global markets with its first international branch in Berlin. Led by Keti Japaridze, the head of the winemaking department, the store aims to replicate the same Georgian wine experience in Germany. The company’s unwavering commitment to quality remains unchanged, as they meticulously select wines through a monthly secret tasting conducted by an independent commission of professional tasters. These experts, unaware of the wine’s origin, ensure an unbiased selection process based on stringent criteria and the absence of any flaws or diseases.
Maintaining their exclusive focus on Georgian wines, “8000 Vintages” provides an opportunity for all producers, particularly small wineries, to showcase their exceptional products to local and international consumers. The Berlin store, opening on July 14, will feature an impressive collection of over 200 wines initially, with plans to expand to 500 varieties. The store will employ a team of up to 15 people to provide exceptional service and expertise to customers.
“The main line that we never betray is quality. Wines are chosen with great care, and this will happen in the case of Berlin, where selected products from Georgia will be sold. As for the selection criteria, every month we invite an independent commission – professional wine tasters and hold a secret tasting. The members of the commission do not know whose wine they are tasting in order to exclude bias. Obviously, if the wine does not have fungal or other diseases and fully meets the required standard, then it is allowed on the counters. All our wines are Georgian, such an approach gives an opportunity to all producers, especially small wineries, to bring good wine to Georgian and already foreign consumers and make it popular”, says Keti Japaridze.
In Georgia, “8000 Vintages” already operates five stores, with four located in Tbilisi and one in Batumi. The name of the company pays homage to Georgia’s 8,000-year winemaking heritage, highlighting the immense historical significance of the country’s grape cultivation. This recognition has led foreign winemakers to refer to Georgia as “the country of 8,000 years of grape vintages.”
While the company has plans for further export expansion, specific details have not been disclosed yet. However, it is evident that “8000 Vintages” is poised to introduce the rich diversity of Georgian wines to an international audience, promoting the country’s winemaking culture and supporting both established and emerging wineries.
By Mariam Gorkhelashvili
