Veteran Owned Importer and Distributor of Fine Georgian Wines
Silk Road Wines is a veteran-owned importer and distributor of natural Georgian wine based in Orlando, Florida. The story of wine begins with Georgia and we want to share that story with you.
Our story wouldn’t be possible without our founders, Yanick Arakelov and Barry Greer, their passion for wine led them to start Silk Road Wines. Yanick, Army Veteran and proud member of the U.S. Army Reserves, is one of the managing partners of Silk Road Wines. His own experience growing up in Georgia has contributed to his passion for wine and though he has spent his life since age 13 in the United States, he still carries that passion.
When Yanick met Barry, a retired firefighter-paramedic, they bonded over a love of wine and a love of history. It was on a trip to Georgia with Yanick that Barry fell in love with Georgia and its winemaking history. In the beginning of 2020, Silk Road Wines was born, and we have loved watching people discover and fall in love with our wine.
One of our proudest distinctions is our love of charitable work. We are currently a proud partner to both Stephen Siller’s Tunnels to Towers Foundation and the Wounded Warriors Support Foundation – Republic of Georgia. These charities are close to the heart of our brand, as we want to do everything we can to help the heroes who have given so much for us. 10% of our proceeds support these great charities.
Wine Throughout History
6,000 BC
The Birthplace of Wine
Winemaking starts in Georgia. Carbon dating of grape seeds has determined that Georgia is the birthplace of wine.
3,100 BC
Egyptian Ceremonies
The Egyptians cultivate a wine like substance using red grapes and because of its resemblance to blood, it is used in ceremonies.
1,200 BC to 539 BC
Ancient Trade Routes
The Phoenicians begin trading across the Mediterranean and bring wine along with them.
800 BC
The Rise of Greece
The Greeks were introduced to wine by the Phoenicians who had traded throughout the Mediterranean. Dionysus is named the Greek God of Wine. Wine becomes a symbol of trade, religion, and health.
380
Wine Travels Across Europe
The Roman Empire adopts Christianity and as its influence grows throughout Europe. As does winemaking, which was introduced to the Romans by the Greeks.
1492 to 1600
The New World
Wine travels to the New World, first landing in South America with the conquistadors.
