Obene Winery is a charming vineyard nestled in the picturesque village of Mukhuri, just a scenic 45-minute drive from Zugdidi, Georgia. As a family-owned establishment, Obene Winery specializes in crafting high-quality wines from rare grape varieties, including the unique white Chvitiluri and the flavorful red Koloshi grapes. The winery also produces Guda cheese and freshly baked bread from homegrown wheat, both of which make perfect accompaniments to their exquisite wines. During your visit, the warm and welcoming hosts will guide you through the serene estate and wine cellar, sharing local winemaking traditions while treating you to delightful Obene wines paired with mouthwatering Megrelian cuisine.
The journey of Obene Winery began when future winemaker Misha Tsirdava decided to leave behind the chaos of city life for the tranquility of the countryside. Driven by a passion for reviving endemic grape varieties, Misha embarked on a mission to produce exceptional wines and even export them to markets in the United States, Spain, and France. After settling in Mukhuri, he explored the Samegrelo Region in search of rare indigenous grape varieties. His diligent efforts paid off when he discovered the Chvitiluri and Koloshi vines, which he planted on his vineyard spanning approximately one hectare. In 2017, Misha officially launched Obene Winery, welcoming its first visitors that same year. Today, the winery boasts four hectares of vineyards and produces around 4,000 bottles of wine annually.
When you visit the winery, you’ll encounter a striking statue of a woman on horseback, holding a child in her left hand and a jug of wine in her right. This captivating figure, featured prominently in the company logo and on wine labels, is a replica of a Bronze Age statue of a Colchis woman discovered in the village of Tsaishi. It beautifully embodies the spirit of the Colchis woman, who, even while riding a horse and nurturing a child, is ready to extend a warm welcome to guests with a jug of wine!
The discovery of this statue in Samegrelo is seen as a significant milestone, and locals hope it heralds a revival of the region’s rich wine culture. Obene Winery is proud to be among the pioneers in promoting the ancient winemaking heritage of the Samegrelo Region.
At Obene Winery, wines are crafted using traditional qvevri—large earthenware vessels essential for the fermentation, storage, and aging of Georgian wine. The wines are made from both rediscovered Megrelian grapes and other varieties, resulting in delightful offerings such as Ojaleshi, Ojaleshi Orbeluri, Otskhanuri Sapere, Krakhuna, and Tsolikauri. Notably, when French wine experts visited Georgia to assist in restoring extinct international vine varieties, they were introduced to the Chvitiluri grape right here.
Chvitiluri: This amber wine showcases a dark straw yellow hue and a robust, fruity aroma. It pairs wonderfully with fresh Guda cheese and fish, boasting an alcohol content of 13.5%.
Ojaleshi: A dark red, velvety wine with a rich bouquet, Ojaleshi features notes of cherry and caramel, complemented by a hint of vanilla. This aromatic wine is versatile enough to accompany various dishes, including meats (beef, lamb, veal, pork), pasta, spicy foods, and goat cheese, with an alcohol content of 11%.
Tsolikauri: This lively white wine is characterized by vibrant aromas of peach, rose, and citrus. Tsolikauri pairs beautifully with cheese and leek salad, poultry, and eggplant with walnuts, and has an alcohol content of 13.5%.
In Georgia, you can savor Obene wines at local bars like Wine Library and 8000 Vintages, or visit the winery in Samegrelo, where Mikheil Tsirdava will gladly share insights about his unique wines and the winery’s story.
Please note that family-owned wineries often require prior booking for visits and may not accommodate walk-in travelers. At Shahina Travel, we maintain exclusive relationships with the finest family wineries in Georgia, allowing you to easily arrange your visit and enjoy a personalized tour with tastings in the cellar. Come and experience the warmth and hospitality of Obene Winery, where tradition and quality come together in every bottle!