Kakheti Calling: A Wine Lover’s Guide to Georgian Vineyards
Tucked between the Caspian and Black Seas, at the convergence of Europe and Asia, lies a country where winemaking is not just a craft—it’s an 8,000-year-old tradition woven into the very soul of the land. Welcome to Georgia, home to Kakheti, the heartland of one of the world’s oldest wine cultures and a paradise for wine lovers and curious travellers alike.
A Toast to History: Where It All Began
Georgia holds the unique distinction of being the birthplace of wine, with archaeological evidence dating viticulture in the region as far back as 6000 BC. Here, winemaking isn’t merely a commercial activity—it’s a way of life. Families pass down the secrets of grape cultivation and fermentation from generation to generation.
At the core of Georgia’s ancient wine tradition is the qvevri—a large, egg-shaped clay vessel buried underground to ferment and store wine. This UNESCO-listed method creates wines with bold, earthy profiles, unlike anything you’ll taste elsewhere in the world.
Kakheti: Georgia’s Wine Heartland
Nestled in eastern Georgia, Kakheti is the country’s premier wine region, surrounded by the stunning Caucasus Mountains and rolling green valleys. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a cultural traveller, Kakheti offers a deeply immersive experience:
Sighnaghi – Known as the “City of Love,” this charming hilltop town boasts cobbled streets, terracotta rooftops, and breathtaking vineyard views. It’s also home to local wine bars and family-run cellars where you can sample homemade qvevri wines.
Telavi – The capital of Kakheti is dotted with ancient churches, fortresses, and wine estates. Visit the Tsinandali Estate, a beautifully preserved 19th-century winery that blends history, art, and wine in one luxurious setting.
Alaverdi Monastery – A surreal place where monks have been making wine using traditional qvevri methods for over 1,000 years. Tasting their wine is like sipping from the past.
Wine & Dine the Georgian Way
Wine in Georgia is always paired with feasting and music. At a traditional supra (Georgian feast), you’ll enjoy soulful polyphonic songs, toast after heartfelt toast by the tamada (toastmaster), and tables overflowing with dishes like:
Khachapuri – Cheese-filled bread with heavenly layers.
Khinkali – Juicy dumplings you’ll crave long after your trip.
Lobio – A comforting bean stew served in clay pots.
Pair these with wines like Saperavi (a bold red) or Rkatsiteli (a crisp white), and you’ll understand why Georgians believe wine is not just a drink—but a divine connection.
How to Get There
From Tbilisi, Kakheti is just a 1.5 to 2-hour drive away.
Hire a local guide or take a wine tour to visit multiple vineyards in a day, taste the best selections, and avoid the stress of navigating rural roads on your own.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your visit between September and October for the Rtveli harvest festival. During this time, vineyards buzz with activity, and every village celebrates with music, feasting, and, of course, plenty of wine.
In Georgia, wine isn’t just something you drink—it’s something you feel. From the ancient qvevris to the sun-drenched slopes of Kakheti, this is more than a destination—it’s a soulful journey through history, taste, and time.