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Our Guide to Georgia’s Kakheti Wine Region

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Published on: January 30th, 2025

Located at the intersection of Europe and Central Asia, Georgia is considered the cradle of winemaking. Archaeological evidence suggests that wine has been produced here for at least eight millennia – longer than anywhere else on earth – and its ancient traditions and techniques are a large part of what makes Georgian wine so special.

Although Georgia’s wine regions are spread across the country, the eastern region of Kakheti is where you’ll find most of its vineyards and wineries. The area’s historical significance, cultural richness and natural beauty make it a must–visit for any traveller, but especially those with a penchant for wine. Here’s our ultimate guide to Kakheti, Georgia.

Clay qvevri pots used for making wine in Georgia

Traditional Georgian winemaking

The most distinctive aspect of traditional Georgian winemaking is the qvevri: a large clay container that’s used to ferment and store wine underground. There aren’t many artisans who still make these vessels by hand, but we can organise a visit with one of them, who will show you how the process works from start to finish. 

Another unique characteristic of Georgian wines are the grapes that they’re made from. The most common red wine comes from the native Saperavi grape, which gets its name from the Georgian word for ‘dye’ or ‘paint.’ Because the inner part of the grape (as well as the skin) is dark in colour, Saperavi wines are especially bold and intense in both colour and flavour.

That said, Georgia is primarily known for white grapes like Rkatsiteli. The flavour of a wine made from this grape depends largely on its production process. If it’s fermented in qvevri without filtering out the grape skins and seeds, it deepens in colour and develops a richer taste, resulting in the country’s famous orange (or amber) wine. Otherwise it may be light and acidic.

Both Saperavi and Rkatsiteli are very common in the Kakheti region of Georgia, along with other indigenous varieties like Mtsvane (another white grape). Approximately 75% of the grapes grown in Georgia are white, and around 70–80% of the country’s wine is produced in Kakheti.

Top wineries and vineyards to visit in Kakheti

No visit to Kakheti is complete without a few vineyard visits and wine tastings. In fact, discovering this region’s ancient vinicultural traditions is among the best things to do in Georgia, – whether you’re an oenophile or not – and can easily be incorporated into a larger trip. The best places to do so include wineries, restaurants and hotels. Here are a few of our favourites.

Tsinandali Estate

Tsinandali Estate isn’t just one of the top hotels in Georgia; it’s also home to a biodynamic vineyard where 12 different types of grape are grown, 11 of which are native varieties. You can tour the vineyard and taste its bounty, including the Tsinandali wine that shares its name with the estate (a blend of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grapes).

Pheasant’s Tears

Located in the beautiful village of Sighnaghi, Pheasant’s Tears is probably the most renowned restaurant in all of Kakheti. Owned by an American artist who’s dedicated the past two decades to reviving traditional Georgian winemaking techniques, the restaurant pairs its own natural qvevri wines with a rotating menu of seasonal cuisine by a local chef. You can also visit the vineyard and qvevri cellar to see each step of the authentic wine production process up close.

A man pouring wine from a clay jug in Georgia

Giuaani Winery

Located in the charming village of Manavi, Giuanni Winery is built on the legacy of the Giuashvili family, who have been making wine since the late 19th century. The winery aims to blend heritage and innovation with a wide selection of wines made from indigenous grapes. Visit its vineyards and sample its signature Manavi PDO white wines made from Mtsvane grapes.

People sat round the table of a wine bar clinking glasses of wine
A man harvesting grapes in Kakheti, Georgia

The best time to visit the Kakheti wine region

If you want to experience the harvest of Georgian wine in Kakheti, the best time to visit Georgia is September or October. This is when the annual rtveli (grape harvest) takes place, which involves picking and preparing the ripe fruits for fermentation. It’s also a time of revelry, often including traditional music and convivial feasts called supras (plus plenty of wine, of course).  

Autumn in Kakheti is also the peak season for local produce like apples, stone fruits, pomegranates and persimmons. The iconic sweet called churchkhela is often made at this time of year too. This elongated candy consists of an outer layer of thickened grape juice surrounding a string of walnuts – and every visitor to Georgia should try it at least once.

Kakheti is also lovely at other times of year, if you happen to be visiting outside of autumn. Summer is generally warm but not uncomfortably hot, with highs around 29ºC (84ºF), while winter can see temperatures drop below 0ºC (32ºF). Spring offers mild weather and is traditionally when the qvevri are opened, so it’s also a great time for wine–related travel.

The village of Sighnaghi in Kakheti, Georgia

Where to stay in Kakheti

There are plenty of lovely places to stay in Kakheti, many of which are surrounded by vineyards. The stylish Tsinandali Estate stands out for its seamless fusion of historical grandeur and modern luxury. While the property dates back to the 1800s, the hotel itself is an icon of contemporary design. It features several excellent restaurants and elegant bars.

In Sighnaghi, the sleek Kabadoni Hotel offers fantastic views of the Alazani Valley and just 21 comfortable rooms and suites. The on-site spa is an ideal place to unwind, offering relaxing treatments, wellness activities and a beauty salon.

If you want to experience authentic local hospitality, head to Marani Elizbar 1918. This family–owned retreat boasts six opulent rooms and a gorgeous property including an organic winery, gardens and a restaurant run by the proprietor’s aunt.

Finally, there’s The Communal Hotel Telavi: a cosy oasis in the historic heart of Kakheti’s capital. Its Moorish–inspired style puts a twist on local tradition, and the peaceful patio and pool are a haven of calm. Dine at Doli, one of the best places in Telavi to try authentic regional cuisine.

Whatever you want from your adventure in Georgia, our travel designers are ready to help:

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