Q&A with the Founder: Inside Villa Chven’s Craftsmanship

At Villa Chven, every bottle tells a story - not just of the land, but of the hands that shape it. We sat down with the Founder of Villa Chven Ia Meurmishvili to discuss what makes Racha’s wines so unique, how Villa Chven balances tradition with modern winemaking, and what it means to craft world-class Georgian wines.

Q: What makes Racha’s terroir so special for winemaking?
A: Racha is a hidden gem in Georgian viticulture. Unlike Kakheti, which produces bolder wines, Racha’s high-altitude vineyards (500-700 meters) create wines that are elegant, aromatic, and fresh. The region has cool nights, mineral-rich soils, and moderate humidity, which help our indigenous grapes develop refined acidity, depth, and a delicate complexity. The wines here are often compared to Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc because of their finesse and balance.

Q: What are the indigenous grape varieties you work with at Villa Chven?
A: We focus exclusively on indigenous Georgian grape varieties from Racha. Some of the most important include:

Aleksandrouli – A refined, elegant red grape with soft tannins and bright red fruit flavors
Mujuretuli – Typically blended with Aleksandrouli to add depth and complexity
Dzelshavi – One of Georgia’s oldest grape varieties, bringing freshness and structure to red wines
Tsolikouri – A bright, crisp white grape with lively acidity, often compared to Sauvignon Blan

Each of these grapes expresses Racha’s terroir in its own way, and our goal is to highlight their natural characteristics rather than overpower them with excessive intervention.

Q: How does Villa Chven balance tradition with modern winemaking techniques?
A: Georgia has a winemaking history dating back 8,000 years, and we are deeply connected to that tradition. We still use hand-harvesting methods and embrace minimal intervention winemaking to let the terroir speak. But we also apply modern techniques, such as: Aging some of our wines in French oak to add complexity while maintaining freshness and carefully controlling fermentation to enhance the purity of fruit flavors. 

Our philosophy is simple: respect the grape, respect the land, and create wines that are honest reflections of Racha.

Q: What food pairings do you recommend for Villa Chven wines?
A: Georgian wines are made to be shared - they naturally complement a variety of foods, from traditional Georgian cuisine to classic European dishes. Some of our favorites include:

Aleksandrouli-Mujuretuli – Perfect with grilled lamb, duck, and mushroom dishes
Aleksandrouli-Dzelshavi – Pairs beautifully with spiced dishes, roasted meats, and aged cheeses
Tsolikouri – A great match for seafood, fresh cheeses, and light vegetable dishes
Aleksandrouli-Saperavi Barrel-Aged – A bold choice for steak, venison, and hearty stews

We always say: there are no strict rules when it comes to wine and food - if you love it, it’s the perfect pairing!

Q: Many wine enthusiasts are just discovering Georgian wine. How does Villa Chven fit into the global wine scene?
A: Georgia is still a hidden treasure in the wine world, but it’s gaining recognition quickly. At Villa Chven, our mission is to show global wine lovers that Georgia can produce wines of exceptional quality. Our wines are not just about history; they are about craftsmanship, elegance, and a sense of place.

We believe that once people try high-quality Georgian wines, especially those from Racha, they will see that we are on par with some of the best wines from France, Italy, and California. Villa Chven is bringing Georgia’s winemaking excellence to the world - one bottle at a time.

Q: What does “Villa Chven” mean to you personally?
A: In Georgian, "Chven" means "us". It represents community, tradition, and a shared love of wine. When you drink Villa Chven, you become part of our story. You become one of us - one of us who loves Georgia, who loves wine, and who believes in raising a glass to a bright future.