Georgian Wine Regions: Kakheti, Racha and Kartli Guide

Traditional georgian wines in different regions of the country seriously differ from each other. In order to make it easier for tourists and travelers to navigate, we have compiled a wine guide to Georgia, which includes different regions.

Georgia occupies a worthy place in the list of countries with the oldest traditions of viticulture. During archaeological excavations in the tombs of the Bronze Age, jugs with grape seeds were found.

Everyone who comes to Georgia hopes to find delicious, high-quality wine. Our wine guide will help you choose a drink and find a place to make it.

Wines of Kakheti

Those who prefer traditional georgian drinks, You should visit Kakheti. Special technologies are used here: the infusion is kept on a pulp, thanks to which a unique rich bouquet of taste is acquired. Such technologies are included in a special world classification, according to which they are subject to origin control.

The origins of the origin of such varieties as Kindzmarauli and Tsinandali are located here, in the Alazani Valley, known throughout the world. The main grape variety growing on the hills is saperavi. Red wine is made from it. For the preparation of white grapes, mtsvane is used.

Winemaking in Imereti

Imereti is famous for its table wines, they are also insisted on pulp for one and a half to two months. Especially delicious according to this technology are obtained from Saperavi and otskhanuri saper varieties.

The local vineyards are little known, but this does not affect the quality and taste of the drink in any way. The area is not engaged in development and export, so the local vineyards are fading. But if you can find and try the Krahuna variety, then you will feel the sour and not tart taste characteristic of Imeretian winemakers. Although only Tsolikauri is more common, which is slightly different from those produced in the rest of Georgia.

Kartli Winemakers

There are special grapes growing here, you won't find them in the country anymore. For example, Chinuri, Shavkapito and Tavkveri. Atenuri from white grapes is considered a special wine. Local drinks taste milder than Kakheti, and technologies combine the advantages of other regions.

In Kartli, classic canteens are mainly made Georgian wines from local vineyards. Sparkling drinks produced by Kartli winemakers, who learned how to make them before the French, deserve special attention.

Georgian wine of Megrelia

Megrelia is famous for the natural semi-sweet wine "Ocaleshi", which is made from grapes growing in the micro-zones of Salkhino-Tamakoni and Samegrelo. The origin story began in the second half of the 19th century, thanks to one of the descendants of the Napoleonic marshal. He married a Georgian princess and brought French vines to Georgia, so the ocaleshi variety began to be produced.

Until now, local winemakers adhere to the ancient technologies of growing berries. It is this approach that ensures the pristine taste of Georgian wine. You need to try not only Ocaleshi, but also Chhaveri and Aladasturi, they are also considered the hallmark of the region.

Racha-Lechkhumi Vineyards

The smallest Georgian region for growing vineyards, but one of the most important in production wine drinks. Here, winemakers specialize in the production of natural semi-sweet wines. The soil and climate of the region allow grapes to accumulate up to 30% sugar.

The famous Khvanchkara, the unique Tvishi, which is made only here, and the special Alexandrouli and Mujureti – that's what you need to try on wine excursions in this region. In addition, almost all winemakers use kvevri here. In the rest of Georgia, many have switched to modern technologies.

Some parts of Georgia are unfavorable for wine production due to the climate with high humidity, these include Abkhazia, Adjara and Guria. But despite this, local winemakers create excellent wines. For example, Abkhazian masters of winemaking make unique white semi–sweet drinks from chkhaveri and tsolikauri grapes - each with its own aroma and character, has the smell of flowers and fruits, honey taste.

Traveling around Georgia is easy if you use tips and recommendations from the experts of the Madloba team. On our website you will find valuable reviews, useful links and detailed descriptions of all the sights of the country, its features and traditions.

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