Nestled in the picturesque village of Obcha, just a 40-minute drive from Kutaisi, Baia’s Wine is a vibrant family estate that is breathing new life into Georgia’s winemaking traditions. Founded by the passionate and talented Baia Abuladze, who has earned recognition as the first organic winemaker in the Baghdati Municipality, this winery is a testament to the power of family, heritage, and sustainable practices.
Baia’s journey into winemaking began during her university years in Tbilisi, where she would return to her family’s estate to gather five liters of homemade wine in unmarked bottles. These precious bottles were taken back to the city for tastings at local wine clubs, where they quickly garnered attention. The name “Baia’s Wine” emerged from these tastings; when asked who crafted the delightful wine, the answer was always, “It’s Baia’s Wine.” This simple yet profound connection to her roots culminated in the formal debut of her winery in 2015, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Georgia’s winemaking narrative.
At Baia’s Wine, visitors are invited to indulge in an authentic Imeretian experience that goes beyond just wine tasting. Guests can savor traditional Imeretian cuisine paired with Baia’s exquisite wines, and the warm hospitality of her family ensures that every visit feels like a homecoming. According to Baia’s sister, Gvantsa, welcoming guests to Imereti typically involves preparing a fresh batch of Mchadi (cornbread), served alongside Imeretian cheese and a selection of the host’s finest wines. When you step into Baia’s world, you can expect to be treated to the very best of Imeretian hospitality.
Baia’s vineyard thrives in the eastern Sairme Mountains, at an elevation of approximately 330 meters above sea level. This unique microclimate, characterized by fertile soil and high solar intensity, creates ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The vineyard is home to several indigenous Imeretian grape varieties, including Tsitska, Tsolikouri, Krakhuna, Aladasturi, and Otskhanuri Sapere. Baia Abuladze and her family are dedicated to rediscovering and categorizing rare Georgian grape varieties, ensuring that the rich heritage of Georgian viticulture is preserved for future generations.
The Abuladze siblings—Baia, Gvantsa, and Giorgi—are hands-on in every aspect of the winemaking process, from nurturing the vines to fermenting and aging the wine in their family cellar. Together, they produce around 8,000 bottles annually, with 30% of their output being exported to European countries such as Germany, Austria, Sweden, and France, as well as the United States. Baia employs traditional qvevri earthenware vessels for fermentation and aging, which imparts a unique character and depth to her wines, setting them apart in the competitive market.
The wines crafted at Baia’s Wine are celebrated for their lively, sparkling character and intriguing finish, perfectly complementing local dishes. Some of the standout offerings include:
2019 Baia’s Wine Tsitska: A dry white wine aged for six months in qvevri, featuring aromas of persimmon, apricot, and citrus. With an alcohol content of 13%, it pairs beautifully with cheese, chicken, salads, and seafood.
Baia’s Wine Tsitska, Tsolikouri, Khrakhuna 2019: This delightful blend of three grape varieties—Tsitska (20%), Tsolikouri (60%), and Khrakhuna (20%)—boasts an alcohol level of 13.6%. Its pleasant hints of persimmon and citrus make it an ideal companion for fish, chicken, cheese, and vegetables.
Baia’s Wine Otskhanuri Sapere 2019: Aged for three months in qvevri, this wine is characterized by flavors of persimmon, apricot, citrus, honeycomb, and sweet spice. It pairs excellently with pork and grilled meats.
Visiting Baia’s Wine
Please note that family wineries like Baia’s Wine often welcome visitors by prior booking only, as they typically do not accommodate walk-in travelers. Shahina Travel maintains exclusive relationships with top family wineries in Georgia, allowing you to arrange a memorable wine visit and enjoy a guided tour with tastings in the cellar.
Location: Village Obcha, Zestaphoni Municipality, Region Imereti, Georgia
Baia’s Wine is situated in the charming village of Obcha, nestled within the Zestaphoni Municipality of the Imereti Region. This western part of Georgia is not only known for its rich winemaking heritage but also for its stunning landscapes, with the Caucasus Mountains to the north trapping the humid air from the nearby Black Sea. This climatic advantage creates a nurturing environment for grape cultivation, contributing to the distinctive flavors found in Baia’s wines.
The Abuladze family’s dedication to winemaking spans over three generations, with Baia at the helm of this legacy. Her passion for organic practices and her innovative spirit have revitalized the family estate, making it a beacon of quality in the Imereti wine scene. The collaborative effort of the Abuladze siblings ensures that every bottle produced is a labor of love, reflecting their shared commitment to excellence and tradition.
For those interested in exploring the exquisite offerings of Baia’s Wine, inquiries can be directed to:
Baia Abuladze
Village Obcha, Zestaphoni Municipality, Region Imereti, Georgia
+995 599 682 822
baiaswine@gmail.com