Introducing the U.S. to Georgia’s Traditional Wines

In his first year at Davidson College, Sandro Chumashvili ’24 (Georgia, UWC Dilijan) started working on a business aimed at introducing traditionally made wines from his home country into the U.S. By his senior year, Sandro’s U.S.-Georgia Wines project “has grown into a significant undertaking,” he writes. “With a federal importer license in hand, I have formed partnerships with premier Georgian winemakers and established comprehensive shipping and logistics arrangements.

“Remarkably, much of this project’s progress occurred before I turned 21 — a fact that sometimes surprises even me.”

Sandro is powered by a passion for Georgian wines that are crafted, especially in villages that grow unique grape varieties, through a long-practiced process that centers on the qvevri, “an egg-shaped earthenware vessel used for making, aging and storing the wine,” says a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage citation.

“This project is more than a business; it’s a channel for sharing my cultural heritage and identity,” writes Sandro, who has showcased Georgian wines at the VinExpo in New York City. “This project, while challenging, has been immensely fulfilling.”

Sandro also co-founded the Davidson Venture Capital Club, which he calls “a platform for developing critical thinking, decision-making skills, and a deeper understanding of the financial world.

“We engage in real-world financial scenarios, enhancing our analytical and strategic thinking abilities,” he adds. “We’ve cultivated a strong sense of community and networking within the club, providing a support system that encourages personal and professional growth.”

This profile is part of the “Undergraduates in Action” series from the 2024 Annual Report.