guardians
Guardians began with a practical goal: to give small grape growers in Kakheti a reliable route into the US market. Georgian Wine House created the label in partnership with Teliani Valley in Telavi, the first winery the importer introduced to the US in 2005.
The wines are made by Temuri Dakishvili, whose father, Gogi, was Teliani Valley’s founding winemaker. Father and son also run the qvevri winery Teleda Orgo, but Guardians takes a different approach. Working with grapes purchased from local growers, Temuri makes a fresh Rkatsiteli and a fruit-driven Saperavi, both vinified in stainless steel and intended for everyday drinking.
The name Guardians honors those who have defended Georgia and its winemaking traditions. Each label features a woman from Georgian legend. Maia, depicted on the Saperavi, escaped a corrupt baron, disguised herself as a man and stole from him to help the poor before leading soldiers against invaders. Lela, featured on the Rkatsiteli, sacrificed her life to help Georgian fighters gain entry to an enemy fortress.
The commitment to women extends beyond the labels. Georgian Wine House donates a portion of Guardians sales to organizations supporting Georgian women winemakers, as well as wounded veterans and their families.
