🍷 Saint Nino

Saint Nino is the enlightener of Georgia. According to tradition, she came to Georgia in the 4th century and taught about Christianity. Her main symbol is a cross made of grapevine.

Legend says Nino tied two pieces of vine with her hair and made a cross. This cross became a symbol of the Georgian Church. The vine means a lot in Georgian culture: wine has been made there for thousands of years and has long been tied to faith and feast days. So the image of Saint Nino is closely linked to the theme of wine and the grapevine.

Christianity became the state religion of Georgia in the 4th century. Nino is honoured as equal to the apostles. For people studying where wine came from, this image shows how viticulture and faith go side by side in Georgia. A Nino cross is sometimes made from real vine. Churches and schools in Georgia bear her name, and the vine cross has become a recognisable emblem of the country.