Didi Ateni: Hotels and accommodations

In Didi Ateni, Nika Vacheishvili’s marani is located in an old wine-growing area. The Ateni Valley combines this wine tradition with churches, medieval buildings, waterfalls, and trails through a varied landscape. Those wishing to book a hotel in Didi Ateni can continue their accommodation search afterward.

Wine and local tradition

Kartli is described as a Georgian wine region known for classic European wines and high-quality sparkling wines; Atenuri is produced there. The marani’s vineyards are planted mainly on old terraces with Chinuri, Tavkveri, Budeshuri, and Atenuri Saperavi. The traditional production of Atenuri uses a specified amount of chacha; cooling vessels filled with ice are also used. Ateni or Atenuri wine is described as straw-colored, harmonious in taste, fruity, and with lively perlage.

Château Ateni offers culinary and folklore master classes. Wooden cottages stand on the winery grounds.

Culture and history

Ateni Fortress stands on a steep mountain in the Ateni Valley. Historically, it was of strategic importance and controlled the shortest route from Shida Kartli toward the south. In Didi Ateni there is a small, domed Church of the Virgin Mary built in the free-cross style. An inscription on a church names Rati Eristavi, the son of Liparit Eristavi, as its builder.

The Church of St. George in Didi Ateni is a single-nave church built by Bagrat IV between 1060 and 1072. Kviratsminda Church is a single-nave medieval church; a bell tower was added to its eastern gable. Outside Didi Ateni, a medieval single-nave church dedicated to St. John the Baptist stands on a wooded mountain slope. South of Didi Ateni, a 16th- to 17th-century tower rises on a cliff on the left bank of the Tana.

The Tsero church complex is one of the architectural monuments of the Ateni Valley. Traces of the original art have been preserved on the walls of Ateni Sioni after the interior was repainted in the 11th century. The frescoes mainly depict scenes from the life of the Mother of God. The southern church building of St. Nino’s Church in Ateni dates from the 5th to 6th century.

Landscape and trails

The Ateni Valley features grassy hilltops, moss-covered boulders, and alpine hills. Remains of Bronze Age settlements are also found there. The Tana flows through the villages of the valley and eventually empties into the Mtkvari.

Biisi Waterfall can be reached via a 2.5-kilometer hiking trail; this trail is described as a half-day outdoor activity. In winter, Biisi Waterfall can turn into a column of ice. The trail to Damchkeri Waterfall follows the left bank of the Tana, and a picnic is possible beside the waterfall.

The Rkoni–Ateni Sioni trail is 30 kilometers long and takes two days.

You will also find the pages on Mekheti, Surami, Agara.

For the overarching travel overview: Shida Kartli.