At the initiative of Shalva Khetsuriani, President of the Georgian Sommelier Association, and with the support of the National Wine Agency of Georgia, International Qvevri Day was established as an annual celebration, held on the last Sunday of April.
In 2026, the day falls on April 26 – a meaningful moment in spring, when vineyards reawaken and the quiet life inside the qvevri moves into its next phase. It is the time when qvevris awaken, and wine begins to breathe its first story.
Over the years, the initiative is bringing together sommeliers, winemakers, educators, and wine lovers across many countries. Last year, the celebration extended beyond Georgia to Austria, and in 2026 it continues its international journey in France, further strengthening the global presence of qvevri wines.
The qvevri remains at the center of this story. More than a vessel, it is a symbol of craftsmanship, patience, and a deep-rooted connection between people and land. Buried underground to ensure natural temperature stability, these clay vessels have been used continuously for over 8,000 years, defining Georgia as the cradle of wine. This enduring method has also been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
What makes 2026 particularly relevant is the growing alignment between qvevri winemaking and the direction of the modern wine industry. As global attention shifts toward authenticity, sustainability, and minimal intervention, qvevri wines naturally stand at the forefront. Their texture, structure, and unfiltered expression of terroir speak directly to the expectations of today’s professionals and consumers.
International Qvevri Day is becoming not only a celebration, but a tool of influence – shaping perception, building knowledge, and opening new opportunities for Georgian wine on the international stage.
At the same time, the essence remains unchanged. In Georgia, qvevri winemaking continues as a living tradition – present in family cellars, modern wineries, and everyday life. It is part of our culture, part of our identity. This authenticity is what gives the initiative its strength and credibility globally.
International Qvevri Day is, ultimately, about connection -between past and future, tradition and innovation, Georgia and the world. It reminds us that wine is not only something we taste, but something we inherit, protect, and share.
So, this April 26, 2026 – whether in Kakheti, Tbilisi, or anywhere in the world—raise your glass to the qvevri and to the evolving, enduring spirit of Georgian wine.
Gaumarjos!
