On May 17th, the Lake Hickory Wine Society (LHWS), a Chapter of the American Wine Society,  gathered to enjoy the unique wines of the Country of Georgia, paired with traditional Georgian foods.  

Chef John Duke and LHWS member Ray Mata toured the country along with Andrew and Irena, representing their company, Worlds Finest Wines. John's mission was to bring wines to Hickory that are truly unique! And that he did!  

With 64 people in attendance, we were served a very special Georgian Wine Dinner.  Starting with a walk around sparkling Rose' blend choice of either Marani Rose Brut or Marani Saperavi Rose.  Paired with Brie topped with honey and walnuts on lavash crackers, and a side of Dolmas stuffed grape leaves. The first course consisted of a Marani Gemieri white wine paired with Megrelian-style Khachapuri (classic cheese pie).  Second course with Dewino Goruli Mtsvane (dry white wine) served with Katmis Mkhali - traditional spiced chicken salad. Third course, a beautiful, bold red Binekhi Kindzmarakuli 2019 served with a spicy pork shank, cornbread skewer and Lobio Bean Stew. Fourth course wine was a red blend, Vaziani Saperavi-Cabernet, paired with Masaka (lamb and eggplant layered casserole).  And last, an icewine Satrapezo 2013 and chocolate-dipped strawberries.  

Duke's Restaurant & Wine Bar has these beautiful wines available; just ask for a white, rose' or red from the Country of Georgia and his staff is happy to help you. The most difficult thing with Georgia Country wines is the pronunciation of words!

Georgia is a country at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, located on the Black Sea coast bordering Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan and is a former Soviet republic.  It is considered the "birthplace of wine," with a winemaking tradition dating back 8,000 years, and is especially known for kvevri (clay vessels). It has more than 500 indigenous grape varieties and is famous for its dry amber (orange) wines.  Signature grapes are Rkatsiteli and Saperavi.

Due to similar climates and terroir, you can find the Saperavi grape being grown by Souther-Williams Vineyard near Asheville and the Rkatsiteli being produced by Rayson Winery & Vineyards and also Daveste' Vineyards.  These grape varieties can also be found in the Finger Lakes wine growing regions.  

Do yourself a favor and try something unique!