Kakheti - The Eastern Gem of Georgia

About Attraction

Kakheti

Kakheti is known as the region of wine for a reason – various unique Georgian premium wines and brandies are produced here. It is also believed that the very first wines were made in Georgia thousands of years ago, and now it has been acknowledged worldwide by the scholars that Georgia is a cradle of wine production. Main wine producer towns are Telavi, Sighnaghi, Tsinandali, Gurjaani, Lagodekhi, Kvareli, Akhmeta as well as the villages Manavi, Napareuli and many others that carry the names of local wine types.

Kakheti is situated on the plains of the rivers Alazani and Iori. When visiting the Kakheti region, you can listen to delightful polyphonic Kakhetian songs at jovial and hospitable feast tables. Kakheti is an ancient region rich in historical monuments: the residence of King Levan at Gremi, the monastery from the 4th century Nekresi, a complex of the David Gareji monastery caves (6th c), Shuamta monastery (5th-7th cc.), and Alaverdi, built in the 11th c. There is also Ikalto Monastery and academy that was founded by the King David IV of Georgia (the Builder).

One of the most important towns of Kakheti is Telavi. It was founded in ancient times, and was mentioned by the Greek geographer Claudius in the II c. B.C. There are interesting museums, medieval churches and three castles in Telavi. Another interesting sight in this city is a 900 years old sycamore – 45 meters high and 12.4 meters wide around the trunk.

There is another small, but one of the most beautiful towns of the area – Sighnaghi, with its peculiar architecture and spectacular views of the Greater Caucasus Mountain range and Alazani valley. The Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe is located only 2 km from Sighnaghi. This place is the main pilgrimage site in Georgia, moreover 4th century female evangelist, St. Nino, is buried there.

You will be impressed with the rtveli, i.e. grape harvest, in Kakheti. Rtveli is a Georgian name for the period of grape harvesting and wine producing. Farmers finish every season with feasts and merrymaking. All guests are welcomed with great respect during this period.

There is also a possibility to explore badlands and semi-desert steppe vegetation at Vashlovani National Park in Dedoplistskaro municipality, the very southeastern parts of Kakheti region.

Main highlights to visit in Kakheti: Gareji, Bodbe, Shuamta, Alaverdi, Nekresi, Ikalto, Kvareli Tunnel, Numisi Winery, Pheasants Tears, Twins Wine Cellar, Shumi, Schuchmann Wines, Tsinandali, Gremi.

ONE DAY TRIPS:

GAREJA CAVES, SIGHNAGI AND BODBE

GAREJA DESERT HIKE AND DRIVE

WINE TOUR TO KAKHETI

KAKHETI WINE TOUR