Kakheti is home to the most numerous, renowned, and frequently visited wineries in Georgia. Here, you can find a diverse array of wines produced from both local Kakhetian grapes and imported varieties. Almost every winery crafts Saperavi, yet each has its unique take on this beloved varietal, resulting in subtle differences that delight the palate. Additionally, these wineries also produce non-Kakhetian wines, such as Khvanchkara and Ojaleshi, which exhibit distinct characteristics from their counterparts made in the western regions of the country.
Despite its ancient winemaking heritage, the Georgian wine industry faced significant challenges after the 1990s. However, over the past 10 to 15 years, the landscape has transformed dramatically, with the government actively supporting the sector’s development. The number of wine producers has surged, and the quality of the wines has notably improved. Today, Georgian winemakers can be broadly categorized into three groups. The first includes large wineries producing millions of bottles, the third comprises small family-run farms producing around 5,000 bottles annually, and the second lies in between, producing between 20,000 and 100,000 bottles.
One of the defining features of these wineries is their capacity for large-scale production while maintaining a consistent level of quality, whether good or mediocre. These establishments thrive on bulk sales but also craft small batches of high-quality boutique wines. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to ascertain which wines are superior, as a single winery may fluctuate in quality from year to year.
Nevertheless, winery tours offer invaluable experiences. Visitors can observe the winemaking process firsthand, from bottling to storage, as seen at facilities like Khareba or Gruzvinprom. You can also explore the vineyards, such as those at Shumi or Kindzmarauli. And, of course, there’s the opportunity to simply enjoy the wines themselves, with personal preferences guiding your choices. For a convenient tasting experience, the tasting room at the Chavchavadze Museum is particularly accessible.
Below, you’ll find a selection of both well-known and lesser-known wineries in Kakheti.
Nestled among the verdant mountains in the charming village of Babaneuris, Babaneuris Marani offers a luxurious retreat steeped in the rich traditions of Kakhetian wine culture. This cozy hotel features sprawling vineyards and an on-site winery, where guests can immerse themselves in the traditional Georgian technique of aging grape must in kvevri, all while enjoying exquisite wines and breathtaking views of the landscape.
Each room in this castle-like hotel provides panoramic vistas of the Alazan Valley, ensuring a picturesque backdrop for your stay. Beyond the accommodations, the property boasts a swimming pool, jacuzzi, ample parking, and, of course, expansive vineyards that invite exploration. The generous hosts are eager to guide you through a tour of the winery, sharing fascinating insights about the kvevri, their usage, and offering tastings of locally produced wines.
Additionally, Babaneuris Marani features a delightful restaurant where you can savor freshly prepared Georgian dishes, rounding out your comprehensive exploration of winemaking in Kakheti. This enchanting destination is perfect for those looking to indulge in the region’s rich wine heritage while enjoying the comforts of a warm and welcoming environment.
Tucked away in the picturesque village of Sabue in Kakheti, Begaso is a charming winery where gracious hosts will enthusiastically guide you through their winemaking methods while serving delectable Georgian dishes. Guests are welcome to stay at their cozy guest house, where you can relish fine wines, enjoy outstanding cuisine, and soak in the breathtaking mountain views.
Begaso specializes in crafting wines in qvevri and typically offers visitors a chance to taste unique varieties such as Rkatsiteli (both amber and rosé), Kisi, Khikhvi, and Mtsvane. Established in 2018, this winery remains relatively undiscovered in the tourist realm, providing an intimate introduction to the Kakhetian method of winemaking without the crowds.
Begaso is truly a splendid place to experience the warmth of Georgian hospitality while immersing yourself in the local wine culture. Don’t miss this charming hideaway!
Gogi Dakishvili, known formally as Giorgi, is a masterful winemaker dedicated to preserving his family’s rich viticultural legacy. Having learned the craft from his grandfather, Gogi has devoted his life to refining his skills and gaining insights from various wineries and family vineyards. This journey culminated in the establishment of Dakishvili Winery, a testament to his lifelong passion and dedication to winemaking.
Located in the quaint village of Shalauri, near Telavi, Dakishvili Winery is at the heart of the family’s vineyards and wine production. The winery produces wines using both European and traditional Georgian methods, but Gogi’s true passion lies in the ancient technique of aging wine in kvevri, which he believes is the most natural and environmentally sustainable approach.
Among their unique offerings is “Dakishvili’s Cuvee,” a harmonious blend of three grape varieties: Kisi (70%), Mtsvane (20%), and Rkatsiteli (10%). Additionally, the winery crafts exceptional wines from Saperavi and Cabernet Sauvignon, producing up to 150,000 bottles annually.
The winery features an impressive and aesthetically pleasing wine cellar filled with operational kvevris, alongside a restaurant, terrace, and sprawling vineyards that stretch into the horizon. To experience a wine tour and tasting, be sure to book your visit in advance. Dakishvili Winery is a place where heritage and passion flow into every bottle, inviting guests to explore the rich tapestry of Georgian winemaking.
Located near Telavi, Kbilashvili Winery offers an immersive wine experience that goes far beyond standard tastings and vineyard tours. As professional clay amphora makers, the Kbilashvili family invites you to discover the intricate art of creating kvevri—an experience rarely seen up close. Typically, you would only glimpse the necks of these vessels protruding from the ground at wineries, but here, you can appreciate their true size and volume. You’ll gain insight into the vast quantities of wine produced in Kakheti’s villages and learn about the meticulous, multi-step hand-making process of each kvevri. This unique opportunity allows you to truly understand the craftsmanship involved in traditional Georgian winemaking.
During your visit, wine tasting is an integral part of the experience, allowing you to sample the fruits of their labor. As you sip on their carefully crafted wines, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and traditions that underpin Kakheti’s winemaking culture. The Kbilashvili family is passionate about sharing their knowledge and love for wine, making every guest feel like part of their extended family.
With its combination of hands-on experiences and delicious wines, Kbilashvili Winery and Kvevri Workshop promises to be a memorable highlight of your journey through Kakheti. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this winery offers a warm welcome and a unique insight into the art of Georgian winemaking. Don’t miss this chance to explore the fascinating world of kvevri and indulge in the rich flavors that make Kakheti a true wine lover’s paradise!
As one of the largest wine producers in Kakheti, Winery Khareba invites all to sample their wines and embark on a journey through their underground tunnel, now transformed into an exhibition hall and wine-tasting venue. Your adventure through this tunnel is complemented by a delightful wine tasting session that awaits you at the end.
Khareba is renowned for its impressive selection, producing up to 50 unique wines. The Kakheti branch typically offers a variety of celebrated wines, including Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, Rkatsiteli, and Kisi. Additionally, guests can partake in Chacha tastings, enhancing their experience with a taste of this traditional Georgian spirit. Each beverage is thoughtfully paired with light snacks, such as fresh bread with butter and an assortment of cheeses, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
For those eager to delve deeper into Georgian culture, Khareba also provides opportunities to participate in cooking masterclasses, allowing you to bring home a tangible piece of your Georgian adventure.
Jakeli Wines is a distinguished winery that seamlessly combines a delightful restaurant, vibrant vineyards, and exceptional wines. At the helm is head winemaker Zaza Jakeli, who takes immense pride in crafting his signature wine, aptly named “Jakeli.” This wine has quickly become a favorite among visitors to this family-run establishment. The warm and inviting atmosphere, nurtured by Zaza’s wife, Hatuna, encourages guests to unwind, engage in heartfelt conversations, and, of course, savor a glass of their exquisite wine.
Hatuna’s kitchen offers a diverse menu featuring dishes lovingly prepared with the freshest local ingredients. Her culinary creations are so delectable that they alone warrant a visit. The elegantly set tables and tastefully designed interiors provide a perfect backdrop for those with a passion for photography or videography.
Moreover, the winery boasts a charming veranda that offers breathtaking views, creating an ideal setting to leisurely enjoy wine and delicious meals while soaking in the stunning scenery and fresh air. A visit to Jakeli Wines is an essential stop when exploring the beautiful region of Kakheti!
Nestled among lush, vine-covered fields in the stunning Kvareli region, the Javakhishvili Wine Cellar is an intimate winery that captures the essence of Georgian winemaking. Surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking views, this venue features dedicated production and tasting rooms, an expansive wine cellar, and a luxurious restaurant. Here, guests can indulge in exquisite meals and host significant events, including weddings, with ample space for outdoor ceremonies and banquets.
The estate’s atmosphere is thoughtfully designed to evoke the charm of a traditional Georgian village, with meticulous attention to detail that immerses visitors in the region’s rich winemaking heritage. Guests frequently rave about the locally produced wines and the authentic Georgian dishes available for tasting.
But the warm hospitality extends beyond mere sampling; the enthusiastic hosts invite visitors to participate in Rtveli, the traditional grape harvest, and offer hands-on lessons in preparing classic Georgian delicacies such as khinkali, churkkhela, and traditional puri bread, all baked in a special tonneh oven.
As the sun sets, guests can retreat to the winery’s cozy restaurant, curling up by the fireplace to enjoy the serene ambiance and comfort that only the Javakhishvili Wine Cellar can provide. This enchanting setting promises a memorable experience steeped in the warmth of Georgian culture and the joy of fine wine.
Located in the village of Zemo Alvani in Kakheti, Lagazi Wine Cellar, led by its founder Shalva, showcases an innovative approach to winemaking that diverges from traditional methods. Renowned for setting remarkable records in wine aging, the processes employed at this winery are both impressive and intriguing. Uniquely, one of their cellars is situated at ground level, cleverly concealed by an outhouse.
Shalva, who previously explored opportunities in the tourism sector before dedicating himself to the art of winemaking, emphasizes the importance of allowing the juice to naturally evolve into exceptional wine. He adheres to natural winemaking principles, minimizing interference during fermentation and aging. The local terroir, characterized by its arid climate and distinct soil mineralization, plays a vital role in shaping the wines produced here.
A visit to Lagazi Wine Cellar offers more than just a wine tasting; it promises an immersive dining experience centered around a beautifully arranged table. For those curious about the culinary arts, there is also the opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional Georgian cuisine. Dive into this captivating experience that brings you closer to the heart of Georgian winemaking and the rich flavors it has to offer.
A fresh wave of winemaking has entered the Georgian market—biodynamic winemaking. Ruispiri Winery, a pioneer in this innovative approach, adheres to the principles of natural vine cultivation and wine aging in qvevri, all without the use of chemical additives. Under the thoughtful guidance of Giorgi Adalashvili, this winery has created a space that seamlessly integrates the complexities of wine production into a transparent and comprehensible process.
At Ruispiri, you’re invited to stroll through the vineyards, absorb captivating stories about Georgian winemaking traditions, savor traditional cuisine, and, if you wish, even stay overnight. All the amenities for a comfortable stay are thoughtfully provided.
The winery’s stunning setting encourages a leisurely retreat and offers a genuine introduction to traditional Georgian viticulture and winemaking. From the comfort of the restaurant-veranda, take in sweeping views of the Alazani Valley and the historic Alaverdi Monastery. This experience promises to be as enriching as it is enchanting.
Nestled in the heart of the Alazan Valley and surrounded by a stunning backdrop of mysterious blue mountains, Schuchmann is a magnificent winery and hotel destination. Equipped with a gym, game room, swimming pool, spa, sauna, and ample spaces to soak in the breathtaking views, this property offers an immersive experience that blends luxury with winemaking tradition.
The architecture of the hotel resembles a medieval castle, complete with wine processing tanks located right in the courtyard. Wine is crafted in qvevri, a sight you will surely encounter during your stay. The welcoming proprietors will greet you with warmth and gladly share the secrets of their traditional winemaking practices.
In addition to the main building, several stunning villas are available on the premises, providing a comfortable home away from home. The accompanying chic boutique hotel features a restaurant where you can enjoy exquisite Georgian cuisine paired with exceptional wine tastings, offering an unforgettable introduction to the world of traditional winemaking and the unique local culinary scene.
Situated just a few kilometers from Telavi, the capital of Kakheti, in the quaint village of Kisiskhevi, Chateau Schuchmann boasts an excellent location. This prime positioning ensures easy access to the surrounding attractions, making it an unmissable stop on your journey through the region.
The quaint Shaloshvili Winery, paired with its comfortable accommodations, offers a peaceful retreat where you can spend blissful days savoring local wines. Established in 2013 with the planting of its first vineyards, this venue has rapidly developed a robust infrastructure for wine production and guest services. Equipped with state-of-the-art storage and bottling facilities, Shaloshvili nurtures its wines in traditional qvevri and oak barrels.
Founder Alex Shaloshvili shares a lifelong passion for viticulture, approaching each batch of wine with expert knowledge and stringent quality control. Guests can enjoy vineyard walks and wine tastings, as well as engage in culinary masterclasses, participate in the autumn grape harvest, or explore the scenic valleys of Kakheti on horseback.
Welcome to Shilda Winery, where stunning vineyard vistas, proprietary wine production, and a romantically decorated restaurant await you! This destination is highly sought after for its relaxed wine tasting experience in a serene and inviting atmosphere. Shilda Winery employs both traditional Georgian methods (matured in qvevri) and European techniques, ensuring that their wine selection will leave a lasting impression.
In addition to their exceptional wines, the creators of Shilda Winery offer a generous array of appetizers, cheeses, and hearty dishes. Here, you can indulge in traditional Georgian favorites such as mtsvadi, khachapuri, khinkali, and many other delightful offerings that are integral to a true Georgian feast. Each dish is thoughtfully presented and crafted with care.
This local gem produces a variety of renowned wines, including Mukuzani, Akhasheni, Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, Manavi, Khvanchkara, Tsinandali, and Rkatsiteli. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this extraordinary Georgian winery firsthand!
Located in the vibrant city of Sighnaghi, Tears of a Pheasant Winery and Restaurant is a prominent venue where you can indulge in exceptional local wines. This beloved establishment is the creation of American artist John Wurdeman, who fell in love with Georgia and decided to make it his permanent home.
At Tears of a Pheasant, you are invited to sample a variety of Kvevri wines, among others, all produced with a steadfast commitment to natural methods. From vine to bottle, the winemaking process here is free from chemicals, favoring an organic and eco-friendly approach. The winery primarily produces Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, and Kisi wines, but the selection does not stop there.
The restaurant boasts an extensive array of wines sourced from across Georgia, housed in an impressive cellar. Here, you can taste wines before making a purchase, ensuring you find the perfect selection to suit your palate.
However, the restaurant’s allure extends beyond its wine offerings. Committed to the same organic philosophy, the chef sources fresh, local ingredients from the daily market to craft authentic Georgian dishes. This dedication to pure, natural produce permeates every aspect of the establishment.
Adorned with paintings by the founder and works by local artists, the restaurant exudes a cozy yet creative ambiance. Tears of a Pheasant is undoubtedly a must-visit destination when exploring Sighnaghi, providing an immersive and authentic Georgian experience that will linger in your memory.
Twins Wine House, a captivating winery with sprawling vineyards and a generous swimming pool, is the result of the combined efforts of twin brothers Gela and Gia Gamtsikulashvili. This cherished land, inherited from their father and grandfather, has been a site of winemaking for generations. Their grandfather, a talented winemaker, created enchanting beverages for family and friends until the onset of Soviet rule. His refusal to relinquish his land, house, and winery led to his exile to the Gulag, leaving his young son Valiko to manage the family estate under challenging circumstances. After years of dormancy, Gela and Gia embarked on a mission to restore the family legacy in the early 2000s. Today, Twins Wine House stands as a stunning winery, beautifully situated amidst the picturesque mountain valleys of Kakheti in the village of Napareuli.
The estate offers everything needed for a fulfilling getaway and an insightful introduction to local winemaking culture. It features a 22-room hotel, a restaurant specializing in authentic Georgian cuisine, and a certified wine museum that houses artifacts from the region’s rich winemaking history. This extensive collection alone makes the visit worthwhile. The serene location is truly breathtaking, inviting guests to stroll through the vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, or savor hearty meals of delicious Georgian fare. As a guest, you can also take a refreshing dip in the spacious pool, basking in the sun while listening to the soothing sounds of nature.
At the welcoming Demetrashvili House, you can indulge in delicious homemade dishes, learn to prepare them yourself, sample local wines and chacha, and participate in the Rtveli Grape Harvest Festival. This family not only established their own wine production but also serves as a guide to the rich world of winemaking for many visitors to Georgia. The name “Vakirelebi” comes from a quaint Kakhetian village, Vakiri, which houses a charming winery just 10 kilometers from Sighnaghi, often referred to as the “city of love.”
Here, you can immerse yourself in every aspect of winemaking, from grape harvesting and pressing to understanding how the must is stored in large clay vessels buried underground for several months. The hospitable hosts will prepare a sumptuous table brimming with local delicacies. Naturally, at “Vakirelebi’s House of Kakheti,” you will sample a variety of wines, including renowned varieties like Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, and the unique Varikula biovino. No feast would be complete without a taste of the famous locally-produced Georgian chacha. Especially curious guests will have the opportunity to learn how to make khinkali, khachapuri, churchkhela, mtsvadi (kebab), and many other traditional dishes. This combination of activities offers the perfect immersion into the rich wine culture of Kakheti! Don’t miss out!
Kakheti is a diverse and expansive region of Georgia, and no matter which winery you choose to explore, you are sure to be delighted. Here, you will be welcomed with warmth and generosity, and the secrets of crafting natural and exquisite wines will be shared with enthusiasm.