In Tbilisi, Georgia, cradle of the first wines, the “Zero Compromise Natural Wine Fair” took place in the first days of May, in Fabrika (an old sewing factory) converted into a multifunctional urban space: popular market, restaurant and hostel, that perfectly combines ancient Soviet elements with contemporary urban art and modern design.
The “Zero Compromise” is a natural wine fair, since 4 years ago it is one of the fundamental dates for those who want to connect with the most spiritual and natural side of wine, but it is also a celebration and an opportunity for professionals and the public will become familiar with the people, traditions and flavors of the authentic Georgia.
Created by John Okro and John Wurdeman, -recognized winemakers and producers of natural wines-, and organized together with the Association of natural wines of Georgia. All collaborate to organize tours among the participating wineries, carry out activities at the fair and divulge their way of making wine. Friendly, close and full of wisdom, going to visit them is an experience that comforts the soul and the senses.
In this last edition of the fair, we were invited by John Okro, wine artisan, originally from the small town of Sighnaghi in the Kakheti region. Created in 2004, his project has a vineyard estate of almost 6 hectares and extends to two wineries and a natural wine restaurant in the city. Six varieties of Georgian grapes are grown on his farm: Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, Saperavi, Budeshuri, Tsolikouri and Tavkveri. Okro practices extreme natural viticulture and without any additives in winemaking.
For reasons of intense work we had to pospose the visit to John Okro and Zero Compromise, but we have the experience of our dear Josep Mitjans Buxens de Loxarel, the only project of our territory that was present. More than 80 wineries participated in this year’s edition, and second year in having different Italian and French wineries.
Craftsmen of the Natural Wine, friends and family.
This year more than 80 natural wineries presented their vintages in the Fabrika, laying the chair of good wine. In the style of Vella Terra, this fair involves hundreds of importers, exporters and local distributors, as well as several restaurateurs, sommeliers and people interested in natural wine, which serves as a direct showcase for the artisan to express and represent their product with his own words and wisdom.
Many are the friends who did not want to miss the experience, such as my dear Keiko Kato and Maika Hannano, writer and photographer respectively, authors of the book “Voyage en Amphore”, who traveled to the festival for the occasion to present their book and some wines.
We leave you some photos of our beloved Josep de Loxarel, so we all can enjoy this adventure and experience of this magnificent event that surrounds the best Georgian vineyards that love and respect their land, that we will not miss the next time.
Real wines of true people are gathered around the fair. Without makeup: in short, that is the quality I look for when I decide to drink a wine and it reaches my heart.
Photo: Josep Mitjans
