Tedzami Wines

Overview & Philosophy

Tedzami Wines is a boutique, family-owned winery based in the village of Garikula, in Georgia’s Kartli region. Founded in 2017 by Giorgi Malatsidze, the winery is dedicated to producing low-intervention, natural wines using traditional Georgian qvevri (underground clay amphorae) for fermentation and aging.

The cellar operates in a 300-year-old subterranean structure, combining ancient craftsmanship with a contemporary natural-wine ethos. Tedzami’s approach focuses on expressing the distinct terroir of Kartli and the unique character of local grape varieties, avoiding synthetic additives and technological manipulation.

Production is intentionally small, allowing close, hands-on attention at every stage — from vine to bottle.

Vineyards & Grapes

• Located in the Shida Kartli wine region of central Georgia, around Garikula.

• Cultivation centers on indigenous Georgian grape varieties, including Chinuri, Chkapa, Goruli Mtsvane, Shavkapito, and Tavkveri.

• All grapes are estate-grown, ensuring full control over vineyard practices.

• Farming is low-input and ecological, with no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides used.

• Yields are kept deliberately low to prioritize flavor concentration and balance.

Winemaking & Cellar Techniques

• Fermentation and aging occur in traditional qvevri, clay amphorae buried underground to maintain stable temperature and natural micro-oxygenation.

• Native (wild) yeasts are used exclusively; no commercial yeasts are introduced.

• Additives are minimal — no fining, no filtration, and only a small amount of sulfites, if any, at bottling.

• Wines are made with both skin-contact and skinless fermentation, depending on the grape variety and style:

  • Chkapa: Fermented without skin contact; aged around 7 months in qvevri.

  • Chinuri: Skinless fermentation; aged about 8 months in qvevri.

  • Tavkveri (2021): Dry red wine, fully qvevri-fermented, 11.5% ABV.

• Experimental batches include full skin-contact Pinot Noir, rare for Georgian winemaking, reflecting Tedzami’s creative, boundary-pushing approach.

Notable Wines & Profiles

• Tedzami Chkapa – Light-bodied, ~12% ABV. Bright, expressive notes of citrus, pear, and dried flowers.

• Tedzami Chinuri – Crisp and aromatic (~12.5% ABV), with tones of lemon zest, mint, and orchard fruit.

• Tedzami Tavkveri (2021) – Dry red, 11.5% ABV. Structured yet delicate, with red berry and herbal nuances.

• Goruli Mtsvane & Pinot Noir (skin-contact) – Natural amber-style wines, showing earthy minerality and qvevri-derived texture.

Production & Distribution

• Annual output: approximately 1,000–1,200 bottles.

• Focused exclusively on handcrafted, small-batch wines.

• Wines are sold locally in Georgia and through select natural wine importers internationally.

• Tedzami participates in international natural wine fairs such as RAW WINE and is a member of the Georgian Natural Wine Association.

Hospitality & Experience

Visitors to Tedzami Wines can enjoy guided tastings, vineyard walks, and cellar tours, often hosted personally by Giorgi Malatsidze. The estate also offers food pairings and a glimpse into traditional Kartli hospitality and qvevri winemaking.

The marani (wine cellar) — a historic stone building over two centuries old — continues to serve as both a working production space and a cultural landmark.