The name Wine Thieves derives from the novel written by Georgian classic writer Shio Aragvispireli. According to the story, four mischievous villagers sneak into a stingy neighbor’s wine cellar, crack open his Kvevri (egg-shaped earthenware vessel) and start drinking the wine stored inside. As they get drunk and rambunctious with Georgian toasts and song, the noise accidentally wakes Elibo - the winemaker who ends up joining their feast.

**Wine Thieves (Gvinis Kurdebi)** was founded in 2016 by a group of passionate friends with a bold ambition: to steal the hearts of wine lovers by revealing Georgia’s hidden wine treasures to the world. Our philosophy is deeply rooted in the 8,000-year-old Georgian tradition of Kvevri winemaking. Fermenting and aging wine in clay vessels buried underground gives our wines their authentic character, profound depth, and an unmistakable sense of terroir.

Georgia’s wine heritage is shaped not only by this ancient method, but also by its extraordinary indigenous grape varieties—many of which remain hidden gems to the rest of the world. **Saperavi**, a legendary *teinturier* grape with both red skin and red flesh, yields remarkable color, intensity, and structure. **Rkatsiteli** brings amber tones and mineral complexity; **Kisi** offers aromatic finesse with rich fruit and floral notes; while **Mtsvane Kakhuri** adds freshness, elegance, and vibrant green nuances. Together, these native varieties form the living soul of our craft.

Today, Wine Thieves is an award-winning winery, recognized with Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals from **IWSC** and **Decanter**. Our wines are shared and celebrated globally, spanning the USA, Norway, France, Austria, Japan, and Georgia. Notably, in 2022, our Rkatsiteli became the best-selling amber (orange) wine in Norway. Our acclaimed label, depicting a woman embracing a Kvevri, evokes **Barbale**, the ancient Georgian goddess of fertility. Beautifully crafted by renowned British illustrator Owen Gent, it reflects our deep connection to Georgian mythology, tradition, and the living spirit of the Kvevri.