Shurman Tatulashvili

I am Shurman Tatulashvili, I graduated from the Faculty of Viticulture and Winemaking at the Agrarian University, and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology at the Technical University.

T: How and Why Did I End Up Where I Am?

We all know that Georgia is the ancient cradle of wine. However, its popularity has significantly increased over the past decades. As a teenager, I began thinking about which field I could connect my life with after finishing school. During that time, my family was taking its first steps in winemaking, which deepened my interest in this area. Fortunately, I chose a profession related to winemaking and wine technology. I can confidently say that this was one of the best decisions of my life.

In 2019, I started my journey by enrolling in the Faculty of Viticulture and Winemaking, where I dove deep into this fascinating field. With the support of my family, I managed to establish my own wine cellar while continuing my studies as a master’s student. In the fall of 2024, I became interested in sparkling wine production technology and completed an internship at the prestigious Taittinger champagne house in France.

T: Why Did I Choose This Profession?

As I mentioned earlier, my family’s involvement in winemaking played a big role in my career choice. From my very first lecture, I realized that this was the field I wanted to dedicate my life to. The harvest process feels like one big celebration to me, and every autumn, I am reminded that the vine is a living organism that needs care and nurturing, much like a child. In return, it rewards us with its best harvest. I dedicate my energy and attention to ensure that each new harvest is better than the last, directly improving the quality of our wine.

T: My Goal:

My goal is to make at least one contribution to Georgian winemaking that adds to its proud 8,000-year-old heritage. To me, a single glass of wine contains the painful history of our country, a hopeful future, and the stories of how our enemies tried to destroy our cultural heritage—the vine—but failed. This fills me with such pride that I feel compelled to share it with others, especially those who know little about Georgian culture and wine.

Soon, I aim to start producing sparkling wine, which will be an exciting challenge in my career.

T: What Motivates Me to Do What I Do?

My boundless love for winemaking is my ultimate source of motivation. There’s nothing better than knowing that even one bottle of wine created by my hands can contribute to promoting our small yet culturally rich country. For this purpose, I often participate in exhibitions in various countries.

One of my most significant driving forces is my family and loved ones, who wholeheartedly support me on my journey to success. Their unconditional encouragement gives me the strength to showcase my full potential.

T: What Is Georgian Winemaking Missing?

The Georgian people have centuries of experience in winemaking. I believe that the vine, wine, and qvevri are the foundation of human civilization, and it was our Iberian ancestors who stood at the dawn of this civilization. While we excel in using time-tested technologies, we are not bold enough to embrace and experiment with new ones. As winemaking evolves, we need to stay informed about the latest advancements and be more open to new challenges.

T: Advice for Those Choosing This Profession:

My advice is to approach every endeavor with as much love and attention as possible. Attention to detail is one of the most critical factors in this field. Strive to stay updated on innovations in both the Georgian and international markets. Start small, take steady steps, and gain as much experience as you can, this will undoubtedly yield results.