Friends’ Cellar founded in 2009 is an endeavor of a group of friends from 11 differenct countries all around the world united by their love and appreciation of Georgian wine.
We have joined our efforts to produce the best wine by combining the authentic winegrowing tradition of Georgia with international winemaking standards and the finest indigenous grape variety. To us sustainability is more than just a word. It includes the preservation of biological diversity, ecological responsibility and a respectful approach to non-renewable resources.
You are kindly invited to visit Nelkarisi, so that we can raise a glass of wine with you!
Our vineyards are located in the Kindzmarauli micro-zone, an area of only 120 hectares located on a junction of rivers Alazani and Durudji in Kakheti, Georgia.
Kindzmarauli is an area of controlled appellation recognized by the laws of Georgia. The wines from Kindzmarauli are renowned for their exquisite gustatory qualities. Because of the black soil from river Durudji, the temperature is about 3-5˚ higher than on the nearby territories. That is why the grapes have 23-28% of sugar.
Our vineyards were planted in the beginning of 2001. There are around 4,000 plants on a hectare, which averagely allows to pick around 7,000 kg per hectare on each vintage.
During harvesting the delicate grapes are carefully handpicked using selective method. Only 7-8 kg capacity small wooden baskets are used for the transportation to the winery. The grapes are gently de-stemmed and lightly squeezed before they are moved to the vinification tanks.
Our Cellar is built on the place of an ancient city NELKARISI (1st Century A.D). It was the home for Mithraic culture where winemaking was a very important component of life. The proof are the Qvevris of that time which can still be found on this territory.
Preserving uniqueness of Georgian winemaking traditions and keeping pace with the swiftly developing tendencies in the field – that was our major goal. We have developed two brands: IKANO - combination of local traditions with international ones, using of Georgian grapes along with the international ones; and FRIENDS CELLAR - classic Georgian wines made in full compliance with the Georgian wine traditions. The entire process - from vineyard to the final product is carried out by the group of high professionals - aiming to get the exceptional results.
In one day, in one place you can:
Have an ancient city Nelkarisi tour
Enjoy a Georgian cuisine workshop
Taste the wines from Friends’ Cellar
Experience an exquisite dinner in Nelkarisi
Georgia
,
2009
