- Our Team -

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Akaki Gelovani's story is a fantastic interplay of destiny and chance that led him to become a winemaker. Raised in Tbilisi, he studied law and initially worked in his field for several years. In 2006, purely for the joy of it, he began to delve deeper into the world of grapes and wine, eventually asking his father to move the car out of the garage, as the space was needed for winemaking. The whole family, friends, and acquaintances gathered in the large courtyard in front of the aforementioned garage, and together, amidst singing and joy, they pressed the grapes each year, producing young wine that improved with every year. Then, a memorable gathering of Georgian singers of traditional polyphonic music steered the course of events: Akaki met Father Gabriel, a monk and both winemakers and passionate singers, but with an interesting age difference of exactly 18 years between them. A lasting relationship of mutual teaching and learning, questioning, and deep inspiration developed, culminating in Akaki's readiness to cultivate his own vineyard. To this day, his father, Gabriel, remains a loyal and close mentor. And in 2017, he was finally ready to fully transform his passion into his profession: he bottled his wine professionally for the first time, creating a beautifully labeled wine and presenting it to the public. 

Dr. Juri George Gelovani MD, PhD., renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to medicine and expertise in biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology, brings the same scientific precision and analytical mindset that define his biomedical research to his passion for winemaking. As co-founder of Marani Gelovani, he unites centuries-old traditions of Georgian viticulture with modern scientific insight. His deep expertise in biochemical pathways, microbial fermentation, and modern analytical laboratory methods informs every stage of production—from grape cultivation, timing of grape harvesting,  wine fermentation dynamics, to the molecular profiling of wines for quality control and quality assurance. 

Dr. Gelovani’s bio-laboratory expertise extends naturally to the cellar, where he applies advanced analytical methods to monitor yeast-mediated fermentation and optimize the complex chemical balance that defines the wine’s aroma, structure, and aging potential. 

Rooted in Georgian nobility heritage and driven by a scientific curiosity, Marani Gelovani represents more than a winery - it is a living experiment in how modern science and art can harmoniously blend with centuries of traditional wine-making excellence. For Dr. Gelovani, both medicine and winemaking reflect the same philosophy - a commitment to authenticity and the continuous pursuit of perfection through understanding the invisible processes that give wine its color and flavor.

George Sujashvili, is a passionate Georgian winemaker and expert in traditional qvevri and natural wines. He learned winemaking by working alongside Georgia’s best winemakers. With a degree in Finance and Banking, George also has strong business skills suitable for expanding within the wine industry. In Berlin, he co-leads “Naturwein Georgien”, the city’s first Georgian natural wine shop. There, he carefully chooses, imports, and shares authentic Georgian wines with the world.

George is both a winemaker and an importer. This gives him deep respect and understanding of every bottle.

At Marani Gelovani, he is a key part of our family and team. He helps make our wines and teaches customers about Georgian wine traditions in a simple, honest way.

George lives and breathes Georgian wine, and he is proud to share it with you through Marani Gelovani.