The Clay Wine Contest has officially kicked off its inaugural event, celebrating one of humanity’s oldest winemaking traditions. This unique competition focuses on wines that are fermented in clay vessels, such as Amphora and Qvevri, bringing together wine professionals and enthusiasts from across the globe.
The contest has garnered entries from nine countries, with over 80 submissions showcasing various clay-related winemaking methods. The goal is to honor the deep-rooted traditions of wine fermentation while highlighting the modern interest in these ancient techniques.
A New Approach to Judging Wines
Unlike traditional competitions, the judges for the Clay Wine Contest opted for a more detailed feedback system rather than ranking the wines. This approach ensures that each entry is given thoughtful consideration, with winners recognized for their exceptional quality and adherence to time-honored fermentation methods.
The contest awarded two top prizes along with six ‘Best of the Best’ accolades, shining a spotlight on the finest examples of wines fermented in clay. The winning wines represent a diverse range of regions and styles, underlining the global appreciation for this ancient winemaking practice.
Celebrating Winners from Across the Globe
The winners of the first-ever Clay Wine Contest include standout wines from Georgia, Australia, and Armenia. In the white wine category, the Mildiani Family Winery’s Bouquet Kisi Qvevri 2014 from Georgia took home top honors. For red wines, several wines earned accolades: Melba Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Amphora 2022 from Australia, Saperavi Qvevri 2022 from Georgia’s Pirveli winery, and Haghtanak Karasi Collection 2019 from Armenia’s Voskevaz winery.
These wines stood out not only for their craftsmanship but also for their rich connection to the ancient winemaking methods of using clay vessels. The use of Amphora and Qvevri is deeply ingrained in the winemaking cultures of these countries, where they have been passed down through generations.
What’s Next for the Clay Wine Contest?
Looking ahead, the founders of the Clay Wine Contest, Mako Abashidze and Tanya Mann, are excited to continue showcasing the diversity and uniqueness of wines fermented in clay. With the success of this inaugural contest, they hope to attract even more entries from around the world in the coming years.
Tastings of the winning wines will be held in London and Edinburgh this February, giving wine lovers the opportunity to sample some of the best clay-fermented wines on the market. Additionally, submissions for the 2026 contest opened this January, inviting wineries to showcase their own takes on this ancient tradition.
