Georgian Wines

• Kakheti is Georgia’s most important wine region; Saperavi and Rkatsiteli are among its widely grown grape varieties.
• Kakhetian qvevri wines ferment with grape skins, stems, and seeds; in Imereti, no more than one-third of the pomace is added.
• A qvevri is a clay vessel used for fermentation, aging, and storage.
• Kartli is known, among other things, for its classic wines and sparkling wines.

Kakheti, in eastern Georgia, is considered the country’s most important wine region. Saperavi is Kakheti’s most widely grown grape variety. It is used to make red, rosé, and sparkling wines. Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane are important white varieties; Tsinandali is also made from Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane.

The Kakhetian qvevri method gives the wine extended contact with grape skins, stems, and seeds. In the Imeretian method, by contrast, no more than about one-third of the pomace is added. This difference affects the aging process and the wine’s style.

Telavi, Tsinandali, Napareuli, Mukuzani, and Kindzmarauli lie in a landscape where wine towns and protected designations of origin are closely connected. In Kakheti, wine, culture, and nature come together. Choose your overnight stay and winery visit to suit your route, especially if you plan to visit several tasting rooms.

Kartli is another important wine region. Classic European-style wines and sparkling wines are common there; Chinuri and Goruli Mtsvane are among its white grape varieties. In Imereti, qvevri winemaking methods differ from Kakhetian practice. Knowing the region and grape variety can therefore help when a wine list simply says “Georgian wine.”

A city-based introduction is easy to find in Tbilisi, where restaurants and wine bars may offer wines from different parts of the country. The specific selection depends on the establishment. Historic places such as Mtskheta add a cultural dimension, while a drive to Kazbek takes you into the mountainous landscape of Georgia.

In Kakheti, producers can be found in places including Zemo Khodasheni and Tsinandali. Visiting hours and tasting appointments depend on each winery.

A tasting can be included in a wine trip with just a few stops. If you plan several visits, staying overnight in the region is a practical alternative to driving back the same day; do not drink and drive. History and memorial sites and cities and architecture can also be part of a longer stay.

A wine trip is just one part of the regional experience. River valleys and wetlands differ from the highlands and vineyards of Kakheti; information on rivers and gorges and lakes and wetlands offers other ways to explore nature. For quieter days, find ideas for peaceful nature escapes.

A stay in Tbilisi or Telavi can serve as a base for individual day trips. The accommodation search for Eastern Europe includes options in Georgia and its regions. Dates, routes, and length of stay belong on a travel checklist with a schedule. More vacation ideas combine food and wine with culture and nature.

When buying wine, check the stated origin and protected designations of origin. Qvevri aging refers to the winemaking method. Region, grape variety, and aging method can be compared separately. For wine trips, origin and aging method are part of choosing which wines to taste.

Which regions and grape varieties are especially characteristic?

Kakheti is the most important wine region. Saperavi is its most widely grown grape variety; Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane are also used in many wines. Kartli is known, among other things, for classic wines and sparkling wine.

What is the difference between Kakhetian and Imeretian qvevri wine?

The methods differ in the proportion of pomace added to the qvevri with the must during fermentation. In Kakheti, all the pomace is used; in Imereti, no more than about one-third is added.

How large can qvevri be in Kakheti?

Kakheti has some particularly large vessels, with capacities of 6,000 to 8,000 liters.