HAVLABARI CELLARS
Modern fruit-driven wines became the signature trademark of this young, promising producer. Havlabari Cellars work with the indigenous Georgian grapes, using the best of the international winemaking techniques. Their effortlessly stylish, approachable wines are loved by wine professionals and wine enthusiasts alike. Discover our exclusive Havlabari Cellars wine range in the UK.
About Havlabari Cellars
Havlabari Cellars wine takes its name from the famous part of Tbilisi’s old town – Havlabar (also known as Avlabari). Since the 11th century this area has been the centre of art, culture and wine trade of the Georgian capital.
In fact, one of the Havlabar streets, climbing up the hill, was even called the “Wine Rise”. This was due to multiple taverns and cellars which the street housed over the centuries.
Painting by Vagharshak Elibekian
Painting by Niko Pirosmani
Nowadays, Havlabar is one of the most exciting areas of Tbilisi, full of trendy wine bars and shops. Therefore, Havlabari Cellars wine labels show parts of this area, as well as depict Georgian wine traditions, as they were painted by famous Georgian artists – Niko Pirosmani, Tengiz Verulava, Vagharshak Elibekian.
A Tribute To Kinto, First Georgian Sommeliers
Another fascinating part of the label is a figure of a man, dancing with a wine carafe on his head.
The man is known as kinto. In the 19th – beginning of 20th Century Tbilisi, kinto were traders who sold fruit and vegetables. In addition, they worked as entertainers in restaurants, dancing and serving wine.
The colourful Kintouri dance, based on the character of the kintos, can still be seen in modern Georgia. It is a fun and light natured dance which portrays the life in old Tbilisi.
In a way, kinto was something of a cross between an MC and a sommelier. Havlabari Cellars pay tribute to this colourful tradition and to Tbilisi wine culture in general.
Painting by Niko Pirosmani
From Vines To Wines
Havlabari Cellars wine portfolio includes a fragrant fruit-forward Saperavi, as well as a more complex Mukuzani wine. The latter is also made of Saperavi grape and is a more complex expression with charming chocolate and coffee aromas. Havlabari also produce some outstanding white wines. Amongst them is a crisp and fruity Rkatsiteli, as well as a rich, perfumy and greatly structured Mstvane.
Some of Georgia’s best off-dry and naturally sweet wines are also made by Havlabari. “Pirosmani” is an off-dry white, whereas “Alazani” is a medium sweet red. For these wines, grapes are harvested later in season, when the sugar levels are high. Both “Pirosmani” and “Alazani” wines are fresh and vibrant, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
