Georgia: Climate and geography

Georgia’s topography and geology are complex. Mountains of the High Caucasus in the north account for about 30% of its total area. The peculiarities of the relief determine a great diversity in the country’s soil and climatic conditions, which, in turn, influence grape culture. The climate varies from moderate to subtropical. The annual rainfall is 300–800 mm (12–32 in) in the east and 1,000 to 2,800 mm (40–110 in) in the west. hail is a perennial threat.

Georgia, has ten viticultural regions: Kakheti and Kartli in south-eastern Georgia; Meskheti in the south; Imereti in the centre; Racha and Lechkhumi in the north; Adjara, Guria, Samegrelo, and Apkhazeti near the Black Sea. These encompass 18 controlled appellations recognized by the eu.