Georgian Wine-Based Products

Georgia, celebrated as the birthplace of wine, infuses this rich tradition into its cuisine and emerging cosmetic industry. Georgian culinary practices creatively utilize wine in dishes ranging from meat preparations to desserts, highlighting its versatility. Recently, Georgian companies have innovated in the realm of wine-based cosmetics, introducing products that leverage the beneficial properties of wine and grape seeds. This article explores these dual aspects, delving into Georgia's unique gastronomic uses of wine and the rise of its wine-based cosmetic industry, poised for international recognition.

In Georgian cuisine, wine transcends its role as a mere beverage. Its integration into various dishes showcases a blend of tradition and innovation. Wine vinegar and red wine, often mixed with honey, historically served medicinal purposes. Dishes like Ghvinis Tbili, a spicy wine-based drink, and Boghlitso, bread chunks soaked in red wine, exemplify traditional uses.

Modern culinary practices see wine as a crucial ingredient in both meat and vegetable dishes. Notable examples include chakapuli, a spring dish featuring veal or lamb with a splash of white wine, and duck kharcho, enriched with red wine for a unique flavor profile. The infusion of wine in pork preparation in eastern Georgia, and in aging cheese, particularly in Saperavi wine, signifies evolving gastronomic traditions.

Georgian cuisine also marries wine with desserts and vegetarian dishes. Ghvinis Khavitsi, a dessert of red wine and honey, and churchkhela, a traditional grape product, highlight wine's versatility. Vegetarian dishes like majigaro, utilizing wine dregs, and ghvinitbili, a wine-boiled walnut snack, reflect the innovative use of wine in non-meat dishes.

Zarbazani Wine & Beauty, a trailblazer in wine cosmetics, plans to export its unique products globally. Starting with a product line including sea salt, scrubs, and perfumes, the company aims to establish itself as a premium brand. Originating from a half-million GEL investment in Tsavkisi, their range comprises shampoos, shower gels, massage oils, and soaps, all wine-derived.

Schuchmann Wines Georgia has introduced a "wine cosmetics" line, emphasizing the antioxidant properties of grape seed oil and scrubs made from Saperavi grape seeds. These products, rich in bioflavonoids, offer benefits like promoting hair growth and slowing ageing. Available exclusively at Schuchmann Wines Chateau & SPA, these cosmetics originated from the desire to offer unique spa experiences to guests.

Georgian wine's journey from a sacred beverage to a versatile culinary and cosmetic ingredient demonstrates its deep-rooted significance in Georgian culture. The innovative use of wine in both gastronomy and the cosmetic industry not only preserves but also evolves traditional practices, showcasing Georgia's unique blend of heritage and modernity. As Georgian wine-based products gain global traction, they represent the country's rich history and potential for future innovations.