For Kiama local, James Brown and his business partners, Nova Vino isn’t just about importing wine, it’s about sharing a story. Inspired by an encounter with Georgian wine during a trip abroad, a question was sparked: “How do we bring this wonderful wine to Australia?”

The company was then founded 18 months ago, by three friends from diverse professional backgrounds of sales, law, and finance. Determined to bring the unique flavours of Georgia to the local area, the trio invested in sourcing wines and securing collaborations with two Georgian wineries Shumi and Marani. 

Needing his own firsthand experience, James travelled to Georgia, immersing himself in the country’s ancient winemaking culture. Here, their winemaking traditions date back over 8000 years, with wine made in clay pots called Qvevris. This winemaking method, sees the harvested grapes and their stalks added to the Qvevris buried in the ground, to ferment for months.

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Their first order of 7,000 bottles was overwhelming, but through their own marketing efforts, Nova Vino made a name for itself.

Nova Vino is building a strong presence in Kiama - local resident and accounts manager for the company, Kayla Meta, highlights that it is very different for a brand to be launching regionally as well as expanding into Sydney. 

“The food and wine scene down here is really pushing forward, so to say ‘we actually believe in the area for our brand's launch is really unique,” says Kayla. 

James and Kayla both highlight that Georgian wine is a niche market offering, one that caters for wine experimentation and exploration, for those people who want to try something different with some unique wine varietals. 

With wines priced between $22 and $120, there’s something for everyone, from casual drinkers to connoisseurs.

Nova Vino recently hosted a sold out tasting night at Cin Cin Wine Bar, hoping to expand into more local restaurants and bars. Even as their business grows, Nova Vino remains dedicated to bringing a unique taste of Georgia’s winemaking traditions to Australia. 

Try some for yourself this week from stockists - Manning Street Cellars or check out their website. www.novavino.com.au