A native of Kvareli, Tengo landed in the commercial winemaking at an early age of just 14. In parallel with his studies of Wine Technology at Tbilisi Institute of Agriculture and subsequently at MA programme at the Agricultural University of Georgia – he held summer jobs as a loader in a local wine factory at home.

The industry job give Tengo a different perspective of wine experience acquired since early childhood at a family-owned cellar at home. The cellar was used to house the vine pressed from grapes from older vines planted by Tengo's ancestors. As such wine required care and respect worthy of ancestral spirit, it was here that Tengo was initiated into the qvevri-based traditional winemaking of Kakheti.

Education and extensive training on a commercial level from early on allowed Tengo to work his way up fast, with his first winemaker job at Corporation Kindzmarauli in 2009, followed by position of a chief winemaker at Marniskari in 2012, Eniseli Bagrationi (2013-15) and Rosha (2017-present).

With his frequent trips to major wine-producing countries such as France, Italy and Spain – tasting, learning and relentlessly experimenting with innovations – Tengo is always able to stay on top of his career challenges, be it an industrial job or a small winery specializing in natural wines at Rosha. "Advising and guiding the process of natural wines has allowed me to maintain my family ties, which has its roots deeper yet, into the greatest traditions of this country" [Georgia] - he says - "And now it is the only way I can keep my feet firmly on the ground".

A subtle craftsmanship with which Tengo handles every job, however big or small – has turned him into one of the most versatile and sought after winemakers in Kakheti.

In our quest for hidden jewels of terroir, our most recent discovery is Tavkveri Vineyard from Giorgitsminda (over 20 years old). The vineyard slope is most unusually located at the border of Gareji desert and the grapes have the most delicate, enchanting quality. Our Rkatsiteli vineyard, located in Kvareli has its roots in the Soviet era (over 50 years old), while Kisi-Khikvi vineyard came about at the time of Georgian Independence,    slightly over 25 years old.The end of Soviet collective farming brought about the revival of traditional grape varietals such as Kisi and Khikhvi, that came near extinction during the Soviet industrialisation of wine culture.