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The Ultimate Wine Guide to Georgia (country)

Regions, Grapes, and Tastings

Kakheti – Wine region
/08 January, 2026
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Wine Regions of Georgia: Where to Begin Your Journey

1. Kakheti — The Heart of Georgian Winemaking

When it comes to wine tours in Georgia, Kakheti is the first destination for every enthusiast. Producing more than 70% of all Georgian wine, this region is home to iconic wineries such as Kindzmarauli Corporation, Shumi, and Tsinandali Estate.

Must-visit highlights:

  • Telavi — the wine capital of the region.
  • Sighnaghi — the “City of Love” with stunning views over the Alazani Valley.

2. Imereti — The Land of Qvevri Wines

Imereti is known for its wines aged in qvevri, traditional clay vessels buried underground. The result is a softer wine with a distinctive mineral touch.

Try:

  • Tsolikouri — a light and refreshing white.
  • Otskhanuri Sapere — a rare red with deep character.

3. Racha-Lechkhumi — The Exclusive Gem

This small but remarkable region is the birthplace of the legendary Khvanchkara, a semi-sweet red once served to Stalin and Churchill at the Yalta Conference. Each vineyard here feels like a work of art.

In Georgia, wine is never just a drink. It is a heartfelt toast, a song shared at the table, a story told by a winemaker, and a way to see the mountains through the rim of a glass

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Grape Varieties: What to Taste First

Georgia boasts more than 500 indigenous grape varieties. Among them, a few stand out as essentials for your wine tasting in Georgia:

  • Saperavi — the king of reds: bold tannins, depth, and intensity, perfect with grilled meats.
  • Rkatsiteli — a versatile white, crisp and refreshing.
  • Mtsvane — fruity and aromatic, often blended with Rkatsiteli.
  • Kisi — a rare white with notes of apricot and honey.
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Wineries and Winemakers to Know

Modern Georgian winemaking is a mix of ancient traditions and global recognition. Here are some of the best wineries to visit:

  • Shumi Winery
    A respected brand blending tradition and innovation. They offer tastings, workshops, and even an ethnographic complex.
  • Tbilvino
    Exporting to over 30 countries, Tbilvino is known for both mass-market and premium Saperavi wines.
  • Badagoni
    A modern winery built with Italian expertise. Known for high-quality Rkatsiteli and Kisi, plus standout bottle designs.
  • Pheasant’s Tears
    A favorite in the natural wine world. Founded by a US artist and a Georgian winemaker, this qvevri winery uses no additives or filtration.
  • Iago Bitarishvili
    A pioneer of natural qvevri winemaking. His “Iago’s Wine” is a benchmark Rkatsiteli recognized worldwide.
  • Château Mukhrani
    With royal roots dating back to the 19th century, this estate offers elegant wines, a castle, fine dining, and curated tours.
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How to Experience Wine in Georgia

A tour of Georgia’s wineries is much more than tastings — it’s a full cultural immersion with songs, toasts, and feasts.

1. Winery Visits

Top routes include:

  • Kakheti Wine Road — from Telavi to Kvareli, dotted with wineries large and small.
  • Imereti & Racha — best explored with a guide to uncover rare wines.

2. Qvevri Tastings

Don’t miss orange wine — white wine aged in qvevri, resulting in a rich, tannic, and gastronomic profile.

3. Wine & Food Pairings

  • Georgian cuisine is inseparable from wine:
  • Saperavi + beef barbecue
  • Khvanchkara + sulguni cheese khachapuri
  • Rkatsiteli + lobio or walnut salads
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Tips for Wine Travelers
  • Best time for a wine tour in Kakheti: September–October during harvest (rtveli).
  • Take a bottle home — qvevri wines are not always exported.
  • Explore family wineries — often the best hidden gems.

Contents of the article:

  • 1/ Wine Regions of Georgia: Where to Begin Your Journey
  • 2/ Grape Varieties: What to Taste First
  • 3/ Wineries and Winemakers to Know
  • 4/ How to Experience Wine in Georgia
  • 5/ Tips for Wine Travelers

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