Georgia is thought to be the world 's oldest wine growing area . Evidence of wine - making stretches goes back over 8,000 years . Since 2004 the Georgian government has taken steps to protect and encourage the industry , legally reclaiming Georgian names from companies registered in Israel and the U.S. , and in April an agreement with the EU came into effect on mutual protection of trademarked food and drink . Russian embargo on Georgian wine since 1991 initially hit industry hard . Many producers have improved production and looked for new markets .
Georgia is thought to be the world 's oldest wine growing area . Evidence of wine - making stretches goes back over 8,000 years . Russian embargo on Georgian wine since 1991 initially hit industry hard . Many producers have improved production and looked for new markets .