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Georgia (the South Caucasus) is the country of the warm sun, snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, endless forests and the gentle whisper of the sea. The country has all the necessary conditions for great vacations – healing resorts, ski resorts, rocks, camping towns, trekking routes, paragliding in the mountains and all the extreme kinds of tourism to get the highest dose of adrenaline.
Wine-making in Georgia
Georgia is also known as the cradle of wine-making. The country produces absolutely wonderful kinds of wine which is exported around the world. The civilizations living on the territory of Georgia started wine-making 8,000 years ago and there is a lot of findings and evidence that prove that fact. The image of the vine and wine jug is an important part of the culture and architecture of this ancient country.
In Georgia, wine producers still use the ancient method of fermenting and storing wine. Grape juice with bones and leaves is stored in special Kvevri jars, which are buried in the ground beforehand. After fermentation, the wine is poured into barrels, and Georgian vodka chacha is made from sediment.
What kinds of wines are produced in Georgia?
To date, about 500 varieties of grapes are grown in Georgia. The most famous varieties of Georgian wines on the global market are Pirosmani, Kakheti, Tsinandali, Kindzmadauuli, Akhasheni and Khvanchkara, and each of them deserves attention.
Kakheti – the center of wine-making
The secret of the uniqueness of Georgian wines is in its grapes. The region of wine-making is Kakheti and Alazani Valley. The fertile lands of Kakheti, the mild climate, and the sun make the grapes tasty and fragrant, and the wine itself absorbs all the warmth of the sun and the aroma of berries.
View over Kakheti
Thus, the best place to have a wine tour in Georgia is Kakheti. It attracts thousands of wine connoisseurs from around the world. Here you can get acquainted with the known wine producers and have a tour around famous chateaux. Tours and degustation of products are held in all major factories. To enjoy the aroma of all varieties of Georgian wines it is worth to spend a whole week in Kakheti. By the way, the wine culture of Kakheti was included in the UNESCO list of intangible values.
The most interesting places to visit in Kakheti
There are two types of tours across Kakheti: a large and a small circle. If you have limited time, you can take a small circle. During the small circle you will have time to see the main sights, and, of course, try the Georgian wine. A small circle begins from the capital, passes the Gombor Pass with an amazing panorama to the Alazani valley. During a small tour, you will visit the medieval fortress of Ujarma, and the Chavchavadze Manor in Tsinandali.
Alazani valley wineries
The next stop is Telavi, the capital of Kakheti, one of the warm and cozy cities with old cellars of factories. It is also worth visiting Kvareli, the industrial center of Kakheti with the largest wine production factories. All factories have degustation halls where you can try local wines. The last stop of the small circle is the city of the lovers of Sighnaghi. This is an ideal place for a romantic trip and unforgettable sunsets with the same glass of wine.
During a large circle, you will have time to visit the monastery complex of David Gareji, Gremi Castle, spend the night in the popular hotel “Chateau Mare”. This is an amazing castle with a beautiful view of the vineyard valley.
One of the most interesting places in Kakheti is the wine tunnel of Gvirabi in the cellars of the khareba wine factory. The tunnel stores more than 25,000 bottles of wine. From the cellar, the elevator takes you to the restaurant located on a cliff with the view of the valley.
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