Oda Family Marani is a charming family estate located just a five-minute drive from the historic Martvili Monastery in the Samegrelo region of Georgia. This enchanting destination invites visitors to experience authentic natural wines, savor traditional Megrelian cuisine, and engage in delightful activities for children.
Before we delve into the exquisite wines produced at Oda, let’s explore the meaning behind its name. Oda refers to a traditional type of house commonly found in western Georgia, particularly in the Guria region. These square-shaped wooden log houses, characterized by their windows, wooden floors, and ceilings, became prevalent in the latter half of the 19th century. The history of Oda Family Marani dates back to 1933, when Parten Gagua and Olga Gegia constructed the original Oda in Martvili Municipality. In 2016, Parten Gagua’s grandson, Zaza Gagua, relocated from Tbilisi to his great-grandparents’ Oda with his family. Upon their arrival, Zaza and his wife Keto transformed the hazelnut orchards on the property into vineyards, invested in new qvevris (large earthenware vessels essential for the fermentation, storage, and aging of wine), and established a cellar for winemaking. Today, Oda wines are not only cherished in Georgia but are also distributed in the United States, Japan, Israel, Germany, and even Australia.
At Oda Family Marani, a commitment to natural winemaking is paramount. The estate produces wines from rare grape varieties endemic to the Samegrelo, Lechkhumia, and Racha regions of Georgia. The family adheres to principles of minimal intervention, avoiding artificial fertilizers to ensure an organic and environmentally-friendly farming approach. Their dedication to conserving natural resources, managing soil health, and protecting ecosystem biodiversity remains a top priority. Among the old Megrelian and Abkhazian vines cultivated in their vineyards are Chvitiluri, Kolo, Dudgushi, Lakvazhi, and Ashugazi.
When you visit Oda Family Marani, you can partake in a variety of enriching experiences:
Vineyard and Marani Tour: During this immersive tour, your hosts will guide you through the estate, sharing the rich history of Samegrelo’s vineyards and winemaking traditions.
Cooking Masterclass: Held in the restaurant’s yard or in a patskha (a traditional covered wooden hut) with an open fire, this masterclass allows you to learn how to prepare an array of traditional Megrelian delicacies, including Elarji, Sulguni, Gebzhalia, Megrelian Khachapuri, and Ajika.
Tabaka Menu: This delightful menu features three types of snacks paired with a glass of wine. Enjoy grilled seasonal vegetables, khachapuri with mint yogurt, and fried chicken with walnut sauce, served alongside mchadi (cornbread) and a glass of Orbeluri Ojaleshi wine, a dry red qvevri wine.
Dinner Menu: Prepare for a sumptuous meal featuring two types of wines: Tsolikouri-Orbeluri Ojaleshi 2019 (amber wine) and Ojaleshi 2020 (red wine). Highlights of this delightful dinner include Gebzhalia (a soft cheese dish), Megrelian Kharcho (a traditional soup made with beef, rice, chopped walnuts, and garden spices), and delectable desserts like a homemade tart with seasonal fruit.
Wine Menu: For those who wish to focus solely on wine, this menu offers a sampling of five exquisite wines:
Oda Family Marani is also a fantastic place for children. The hosts have a variety of domestic animals, including piglets, chickens, ducks, geese, and sheep, which they joyfully introduce to young visitors and their families, explaining their roles in the ecosystem. Kids can enjoy interacting with the animals, feeding them, and capturing memorable photos. Additionally, children can engage in gardening activities, learning how to prepare soil and plant seeds. At the end of the class, they’ll have the opportunity to harvest fresh vegetables from the garden and help prepare a healthy dinner, making for a truly educational and fun experience.
Please note that family-run wineries like Oda Family Marani typically require prior booking for visits and may not accommodate walk-in travelers. To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend arranging your visit in advance. At Shahina Travel, we have established exclusive relationships with the finest family wineries in Georgia, allowing you to easily organize your wine visit. You’ll enjoy a personalized tour and tasting experience in the cellar, ensuring that your time at Oda Family Marani is both memorable and enriching.