Situated in the heart of Georgia, Pheasant's Tears winery is a beguiling retreat for wine enthusiasts. Begun in 2007, it upholds the charm and mystery of Georgian winemaking traditions that date back 8,000 years.
Pheasant's Tears Winery was born out of the friendship between an American artist, John Wurdeman, and a Georgian winemaker, Gela Patalishvili. Both share the ambition of producing premier Georgia wines using traditional methods, and hence, they embarked on this wonderful journey. Their intense focus on organic and artisanal wine production sets them apart, substantially.
The winery is nestled in the region of Sighnaghi, famous for its beguiling landscapes, vibrant atmosphere and a long-established tradition of wine production. A visit to this quaint locale offers visually-stunning vineyards that gently roll out as far as the eye can see; nurturing the indigenous grape varieties.
Integral to Pheasant's Tears' mission is the production of distinct wines, using age-old Georgian techniques. The wines are lovingly crafted in quaint terracotta vessels, known as qvevri. This traditional method ensures the wine has a unique roundness of flavour and striking complexity. They proudly embrace organic viticulture, producing wine without synthetic chemicals and with minimal intervention in the winemaking process. The end result is a bouquet of elegant and bold wines, that express the heart and soul of the Georgian terroir like no other.
Pairing tradition with modernity Pheasant's Tears wines encapsulate the essence of Georgia's rich winemaking history. The winery also features a restaurant that beautifully compliments the wine tasting experience. Here, guests can enjoy traditional Georgian food paired with their exquisite wines - a culinary combination which leaves an unforgettable impression with every sip and bite.
Sadly, in 2019, John Wurdeman lost his beloved vineyard. Though devastated, he remained optimistic reminding us all that "each grape is a Pheasant's Tear, we will cry, and then we will get on with it" – revealing the resilient spirit that brews within the walls of the winery. Despite the odds, Pheasant's Tears continues to flourish, standing as a glorious testament to Georgia's winemaking heritage.
https://www.pheasantstears.com
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