Usakhelauri, whose name humorously translates to “Without a Name” or “No Name,” represents a fascinating chapter in the history of Georgian winemaking. Esteemed early 20th-century scholar Ivane Javakhishvili suggested that the name derives from the village of Usakhelo, situated in the Lechkhumi Province of northwestern Georgia.
Despite its intriguing name, the Usakhelauri grape variety is characterized by a notable diversity in shape and size. This variability has led ampelographers to speculate that these grapes may have originated in the wild and were only recently cultivated.
Usakhelauri grapes predominantly flourish in the villages of Okureshi, Opitara, and Zubi, located near the town of Tsageri in Lechkhumi Province. In recent years, vineyards have also been established in Kakheti, although this variety was once more widely grown in the Imereti Region, where it is no longer cultivated.
These grapes typically reach ripeness by late September and are among the most expensive grape varieties in Georgia, commanding an average price of 4-5 USD per kilogram.
A naturally dry, semisweet red wine is crafted from Usakhelauri grapes, bearing the same name. This wine is produced using traditional qvevri vessels as well as modern stainless steel tanks. Due to the limited volume of Usakhelauri grapes available, the production of this wine is equally restricted, making it a rare find for wine enthusiasts.