Wine Tour to Kakheti
Georgia has over 800 years of wine making tradition and unique wine processing technology added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The earliest evidences of wine making were found in Neolithic settlements (Dangreuli Cora, Shulaveri Hill, Cut Hill, Khrami Hill, Arukhlo Hill). There are 18 appellations of origin of wines registered in Georgia: Tsinandali – dry white; Gurjaani – dry white; Vazisubani – dry white; Manavi — dry white wine; Kardenakhi — fortified white; Tibaani – dry white; Napareuli – dry white and dry red wines; Tvishi – a dry to semi-sweet; Atenuri – a white sparkling wine; Kindzmarauli – naturally semi-sweet red; Akhasheni – naturally semi-sweet red; Kvareli – red white; Mukuzani – a dry red wine; Teliani – dry red; Khvanchkara – naturally semi-sweet red; Kakheti – dry white.
Day to day itinerary
Village of Tsinandali is a source of a famous white wine and site of the Chavchavadze family estate — the 19th-century poet, public figure, and Kakhetian prince Alexander Chavchavadze (1786-1846). Have excursion with a guide and one glass of wine. See the house which is nowadays a museum and a wonderful garden. Take a short trip to Shumi Winery to see small museum of collection of vines and ethnographic exhibits. Have wine tasting.
Continue our tour to see Gremi –it was Kakhetian Royal family residence in 15th century, the fortress has several inbuilt facilities including a Church of Archangels (1565 )
After Gremi we drive to Necresi Monastery — one of the most important cultural centers of Georgia. Beautifully set on the hilltop in the woods the monastery includes several structures built in different periods (4th.5th, 6th, 9th, 16th centuries).
Next site to visit is Nunisi old winery in the village of Velistsikhe. It is represented by 16th century vine storage with old limestone wine presser and 33 big wine jars (kvevri) sunk underneath the ground. The place has a rather rich expositions of old household items, pottery, utensils, jewelries, and other staff related to different ages.
