Shumi Winery stands as a prominent tourist destination in the charming village of Tsinandali, Georgia, where it has played a pivotal role in local viticulture since its establishment in 1997. The winery is situated on a historic estate that once belonged to Georgian and Kakhetian royalty and served as the summer residence for Russian Emperor Alexander III. This rich heritage adds a unique charm to the winery, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a blend of history and winemaking tradition.
Spanning 300 hectares, Shumi’s vineyards encompass nearly every micro-zone in Georgia, resulting in an impressive variety of wines that reflect the country’s diverse terroir. When you visit Shumi Winery, you’ll have the opportunity to experience ancient winemaking techniques firsthand, sample high-quality local wines, and learn to prepare a range of iconic Georgian dishes—all while surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Greater Caucasus.
The logo of Shumi Winery features Paskunji, a mythical phoenix-like creature from Georgian folklore, revered for assisting heroes in their noble deeds. According to legend, Paskunji brought the very first grapes to Georgia, marking the beginning of the country’s winemaking journey. At Shumi Winery, you’ll find a statue of Paskunji in the garden, and it is said that if you touch the figure and make a wish, it will come true.
At Shumi Winery, a blend of classical and traditional Georgian winemaking techniques is employed to create an extensive array of grape-based alcoholic beverages. This includes red and white wines, dry, semi-dry, and semi-sweet varieties, as well as bio wines, brandy, chacha (Georgian vodka), and a unique drink known as Zigu. Every stage of the winemaking process, from planting and cultivating the vines to bottling and distribution, takes place on-site, ensuring the utmost quality and authenticity.
We highly recommend trying some of the award-winning wines during your visit:
Bio Saperavi: Crafted using classic techniques and aged in new French oak barrels for six months, this wine represents a groundbreaking step in organic viticulture, as Shumi Winery introduced the first bio wines in Georgian history on July 17, 2005.
Saperavi Bio Vinobiza 2016: This exceptional Georgian wine earned the prestigious Bordeaux gold medal at the 2020 Citadelles du Vin, one of the world’s most respected wine competitions.
Zigu: An exclusive fortified beverage that has gained popularity in recent years, Zigu is made from premium brandy spirits, herbal supplements sourced from alpine and subalpine zones, and rare Georgian grapes harvested from Shumi’s vineyards. Aged in oak barrels, this dark garnet drink boasts a high alcohol content (19%) and features enticing aromas of almond, wild berries, floral notes, and caramel, making it a delightful dessert beverage.
You don’t have to be a wine expert to enjoy all that Shumi Winery has to offer. The winery’s beautiful grounds are home to numerous non-alcoholic activities, ensuring a delightful experience for every visitor. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a stunning garden adorned with sculptures crafted by renowned Georgian and international artists. Additional attractions include the Vazioni Wine Museum, a restaurant, wine cellar, ethnographic corner, chacha distillery, production facility, and an enoteca. Guided tours are available in Georgian, English, and Russian, and a variety of wine tasting packages, along with wines by the glass, can be enjoyed throughout the complex.
For those interested in culinary experiences, Shumi Winery offers cooking classes where you can learn to:
If you visit during September or early October, you can participate in Rtveli, the major grape harvest celebration in Georgia. Engage in grape picking, stomp grapes in a traditional wooden wine press (satsnakheli), and learn to distill chacha using time-honored methods.
Shumi Winery proudly opened the first winery museum in Georgia, the Vazioni Wine Museum. Here, experts have curated a remarkable collection of 432 unique grape varieties, with 325 of them endemic to Georgia. The museum’s collection continues to grow as efforts to discover rare grape varieties persist. Visitors can explore an exhibition hall featuring artifacts from Georgian winemaking history, including a remarkable 6000-year-old exhibit that showcases the deep roots of viticulture in this ancient land. The museum not only highlights the diversity of Georgian grapes but also serves as a testament to the country’s rich winemaking heritage.
One of the highlights of Shumi Winery is its exquisite restaurant, which offers breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley and the towering Caucasus Mountains. Here, you can indulge in a variety of signature dishes that embody the essence of Georgian cuisine. From khinkali (savory dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) to mtsvadi (Georgian barbecue) and tender beef stewed in tomato sauce, each dish is crafted from organic ingredients sourced directly from the winery’s grounds. Dining at Shumi Restaurant is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Georgia, enhanced by the stunning natural surroundings.
For those wishing to take a taste of Shumi Winery home, there are several wine shops and bars located throughout Tbilisi. The shop at 9 Shardeni Street offers a cozy atmosphere, where visitors can browse an extensive selection of wines, local foods, and other alcoholic beverages. Another location at 18 Sulkhan Tsintsadze Street features a diverse array of Shumi wines, making it an ideal spot to pick up a special gift for family and friends back home.