Culture

Heart and heritage

The lifeblood of Georgian identity

Essence

Describe how deeply wine is woven into Georgian culture, mythology, and iconography, to the point that the unique Georgian script, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage, is said to echo the curling tendrils of the grapevine. Discuss how, for centuries, grapes and wine have sustained Georgia through conflict and cultural upheaval. Introduce the three enduring symbols: grapes for commerce, mountains for protection, and towers for human strength.

Spirit


Celebrations 
around the table

Describe the spirited, hardworking, and joyfully expressive Georgian people. Introduce the supra, the traditional feast where toasts, poetry, song, and dance embody the nation’s warmth and generosity. Perhaps include images of traditional dishes, accompanied by Gilauri wines, while depicting the convivial music and energy that define Georgian hospitality.

Endurance 
and renewal

Resilience

Recount Georgia’s centuries of struggle and strength, from invasions and territorial wars to seven decades under Soviet rule. Highlight how loss and perseverance have shaped the Georgian wine story, forging a culture of grit. Mention the tradition of Georgian warriors carrying grape cuttings into battle, believing they would be reborn as vines, a symbol of endurance and renewal.

Symbol

Strength and hospitality

Show and explicate the “Mother of Georgia” icon, referencing Kartlis Deda, Tbilisi’s symbolic female guardian statue, who holds wine for friends and a sword for foes. This is integrated with the emblem of a historic Caucasian elm on a Gilauri estate vineyard that was struck by lightning yet endures. Together, this artwork speaks to resilience, grace, and the dual nature of Georgian character, welcoming yet unyielding.

A new global 
standard for wine

Vision

Connect the Georgian spirit to Irakli Gilauri’s audacious vision. Articulate the mission to craft not only the greatest wine in Georgia but one of the greatest wines in the world. Balance this ambition with the humility, warmth, and generosity that define both the proprietor and the culture. Convey the groundbreaking vision and unassailable excellence of the project through quiet confidence rather than overt messaging.

People

Honoring the past,

seeing the future

Briefly summarize how Gilauri’s viticulture, enology, and architecture capture the spirit and uphold the intent of the Georgian culture. Below, display portraits and titles of key team members. Allow visitors to click on each name or image to expand full biographies, creating a sense of accessibility and personal connection.

Irakli Gilauri

Founder & Vigneron

Eka Duchidze

General Manager 

Mikaël Laizet

Consulting Winemaker

Eric Moro

Consulting Viticulturalist

Guram Gabelaia

Vineyard Manager

Fernando Kirch

Winemaker

Misho Natroshvili

Assistant Winemaker