Filmmaker Emily Railsback and award-winning sommelier Jeremy Quinn provide intimate access to rural family life in the Republic of Georgia as they explore the rebirth of 8,000-year-old wine-making traditions almost lost during the period of Soviet rule.

Directed by

Emily Railsback

Trailer

Whetstone Founder Stephen Satterfield visits the Republic of Georgia, the cradle of wine, to explore its origins and the ways in which it continues to permeated the culture today. 

Discover the enchanting story of Meskhetian wine and its remarkable revival by Giorgi Natenadze. This documentary delves into the incredible history of Meskhetian grapevines, some of which are up to 400 years old, and the passionate efforts to restore this ancient winemaking tradition. 

Deep in the very South of Georgia Giorgi Natenadze has been foraging through the forests and finding old endemic grape varieties that were considered to be lost. In the Vardzia Terraces project he has cultivated these 24 varieties on traditional terraces that have been painstakingly reconstructed. Giorgi's wines are made from the wild-foraged grapes that he's found all over Meskheti with over 600 gps points marking the spots where the vines are to be found - the results in the bottle are something to behold 

Between 2015 and 2017, Giorgi Natenadze spearheaded an extraordinary project to restore 12 hectares of ancient, ruined Meskhetian terraces—known as the Khizabavra Vine Terraces (Khizabavris Darijebi).

After 16 centuries, the first vines were planted back into these historic slopes, leading to a monumental milestone in 2018: the first grape harvest (Rtveli) in Meskheti after 400 years! A remarkable revival of heritage, viticulture, and tradition.

Call It Amber is an immersive documentary that takes the viewer on a journey back to the origins of amber wine – an ancient style that has  suddenly experienced a resurgence in the last decade. Combining footage from specialist wine fairs, pioneering wine producers and interviews with experts in the field, we build up a picture of this unique and fascinating wine style. Where did it come from, why is it so important for winemakers in Europe and beyond, who’s drinking it and what does the future hold for this curious beverage – whether you choose to call it skin contact, orange or Call It Amber.