There are more thant 500 autochthonous (indigenous) grape varieties in Georgia – this country is considered the birthplace of cultivated viniculture.
The oldest evidence of winemaking in the world, dating back at least 8,000 years, has been found on the territory of Georgia.
The very first press for grapes was, of course, the human body itself — people crushed the grapes with their own weight.
In Georgia, such a press is called a satsnakheli.
This type of press is a long trough made from a solid tree trunk or a monolithic piece of stone.
Grapes (traditionally along with the stems) are usually stomped in the satsnakheli by foot, and the juice flows through an opening in the satsnakheli into qvevri — clay vessels placed in the ground.
This press is still used to this day.
Pressing grapes with a satsnakheli is a whole ceremony.
Three days before the grapes are to be pressed, the person who, with the blessing of the abbot, is to carry out the task begins a fast. Then – he confesses. And only after receiving a final blessing may he begin pressing the grapes.