🍇 Where to try Imeretian wines near Kutaisi - top 12 wineries 2025

🍷 Wine of Imereti: light, vibrant, and memorable

Imeretian wines are quite different from the more familiar Kakhetian styles. They are lighter, fresher, and—according to local winemakers—“closer to food and emotions.” Here, powerful tannic wines are rare. Instead, the focus is on clarity of taste, balanced acidity, and delicate aroma.

The main stars are native grape varieties such as Tsolikouri, Krakhuna, and Tsitska. These grapes produce fresh white and amber wines that pair wonderfully with local dishes. Often, the wine is only partially aged in qvevri, making the taste softer and more approachable. For those just beginning to explore Georgian wine, Imereti is a perfect place to start.

🏡 Comfort and Sincerity: What Makes Imeretian Wineries Special

Wineries in Imereti aren’t just about the wine — they’re about the people. You’ll rarely find large commercial estates here. More often, you’ll visit family-run spots where a grandmother brings out churchkhela and a grandfather shares stories about grapes and guests from around the world.

Many of these places are tucked away in villages near Kutaisi, and visiting them means discovering the real Georgia. You’ll be greeted with a toast, offered a homemade meal without pretense, and truly welcomed. These aren’t wine complexes — they’re homes, where winemaking is a way of life, not just a business.

Feedback from a catalog reader

Marina, Vilnius (Lithuania)
We visited wineries near Kutaisi and fell in love with the atmosphere! It's nothing like commercial wine tours — everything feels heartfelt and homey. We were treated to homemade cheese, heartfelt toasts, and the wine… so smooth and fragrant that now we only look for Imeretian bottles. Thank you for your catalog — we wouldn't have found these gems without it! 💛

🧀 Georgian Gastronomy and Imeretian Wine: A Perfect Match

Imeretian wines reveal their character best when paired with local cuisine. Delicate white varieties like Tsitska or Krakhuna are perfect alongside Imeruli khachapuri, satsivi, or seasonal salads with walnut sauce.

If a winery offers tasting with snacks — don’t skip it! It’s not only delicious, but also helps highlight the wine’s subtle notes. Many places serve homemade pickles, cheese, and fresh bread — all of it turns a simple tasting into a full experience.

🍇 Family Wineries of Imereti: Traditions Passed Through Wine

At many Imeretian wineries, there are no hired sommeliers or tour guides — the owners greet you themselves. They don’t just pour wine into your glass; they tell you about the harvest, who made the qvevri, and how their grandmother used to help host guests.

These places aren’t about business — they’re about continuing a family story. Often, the whole family is involved: someone welcomes visitors, someone cooks, someone leads the toasts. That’s what makes the tasting feel so special — you’re not just sampling wine, you’re stepping into a life where wine is part of the family.

Feedback from a catalog reader

Silvia, Vienna (Austria)
Imereti won my heart with its warmth. I visited two family-run wineries — the hosts welcomed me like an old friend, shared stories, and poured wine with love. What I especially appreciated was the wine being served with snacks: homemade cheese, adjika, fresh bread... I left feeling like I’d visited my own relatives.

📍 Wine locations with a view: tastings among hills and vineyards

Some wineries near Kutaisi are located in truly scenic spots: vineyards on hillside slopes, terraces with panoramic views, and open-air tasting tables.

Here, wine is not just a drink — it becomes part of the experience. You feel how nature and wine blend together. It’s not just a trip — it’s a memory etched in your heart.

🎁 How to Bring Imeretian Wine Home Without Losing the Taste or the Memories

After visiting wineries near Kutaisi, you’ll definitely want to take a bottle or two with you. Almost every winery sells wine on-site — in bottles, canisters, or even souvenir packaging.

Most hosts will pack your wine carefully in protective wrap or a box. In your luggage, you can bring up to 3 liters of alcohol per person without declaring it. Some wineries also offer international shipping. The most important thing is to take home not just the wine, but the taste, the warmth, and the memories that come with it.