Kakheti Vineyards

Kakheti is Georgia's premier wine-growing region, boasting a continuous viticultural tradition spanning over 8,000 years, often cited as the 'cradle of wine.' The vineyards are predominantly located in the Alazani and Iori river valleys at the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, benefitting from a mild climate and mineral-rich soils. A defining feature is the ancient Qvevri method, where wine is fermented and aged in large clay vessels buried underground; this technique was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. Key indigenous grape varieties include the red Saperavi and the white Rkatsiteli. Kakheti accounts for approximately 70% of Georgia's total wine production and is home to historic monastic wineries such as Alaverdi, where monks have practiced winemaking for centuries. The autumn harvest, known as Rtveli, is a significant cultural event marked by polyphonic singing and traditional feasts. Currently, the region is a global hub for oenotourism, merging archaic practices with state-of-the-art production facilities.

Nearby cities

Telavi

Telavi is the historical and administrative center of the Kakheti wine region.

Kvareli

Kvareli is a charming town in the heart of Kakheti, renowned for its exquisite wines, historic landmarks, and beautiful lakes.

Sagarejo

Sagarejo is the gateway to the Kakheti wine region and a city with an agricultural character.

Gurjaani

Gurjaani is a lively winemaking center in the Kakheti region, surrounded by endless vineyards.

Lopota Lake

An idyllic resort lake in Kakheti, surrounded by forested mountains.

Omalo

Omalo is the principal village of the remote Tusheti region, accessible only in summer.

History & landmarks

Sighnaghi City Wall

The impressive city wall of Sighnaghi stretches for over four kilometers around the picturesque town.

Nature

Alazani River

The Alazani is the most important river in the eastern Georgian wine region of Kakheti.

More places

Gremi Archangels' Church

Gremi was the flourishing capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti in the 16th century.

Alaverdi Monastery

The impressive Alaverdi Cathedral in the heart of the fertile Alazani Valley was the tallest church building in Georgia until the 21st ce…

Tusheti National Park

Hidden on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, Tusheti National Park is a place of rugged beauty and deep-rooted alpine traditions.

Mount Diklosmta

Mount Diklosmta rises powerfully on the border between Georgia and Russia.

Iori Plateau

The Iori Plateau in southeastern Georgia stretches as a vast steppe and semi-desert landscape between the Kura and Alazani rivers.

Tusheti National Park

The remote mountainous region of Tusheti is only accessible in the summer months and preserves a pristine natural setting.

Udabno Desert

The Udabno Desert surrounds the historic David Gareja cave monastery.

Pankisi Gorge

The Pankisi Gorge is a densely forested mountain valley in northeastern Georgia, intersected by the Alazani River.