Most people who travel to Georgia, the small country on the edge of the Greater Caucasus, do so for the hiking—or the wine. Or both. Nicknamed “Little Tuscany,” Kakheti, just a two-hour drive from the capital Tbilisi, is not only one of Georgia’s most beautiful regions, with endless views of mountains and vineyards, but also its most famous wine region, responsible for 70% of Georgia’s wine production. As one of the oldest wine-producing territories in the world, its ancient wine-making technique of using Qvevri—aging wine in large clay vessels—dates back over 8000 years and has gained worldwide recognition in recent years. (It has even been declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.) Orange wines, also known as amber wines, are long-macerated white wines and are one of the wine styles for which Kakheti is most famous. They have the freshness of a white with the depth of a red, making them very versatile for cuisines like Georgian, where many contrasting flavors and textures are served at the same time.
Even more so, Georgia boasts some 500 endemic grape varieties, only seven of which were cultivated during the Soviet era. The most common varieties in Kakheti are Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli, and Saperavi. Thanks to its climate—an abundance of sunshine and fertile soil—it’s also home to some of Georgia’s most delicious produce. Think succulent tomatoes, juicy peaches, and nutty toasted sunflower seed oil.
The best time to visit is late summer, when the grapes and produce are at their peak. Kakheti’s vast valleys and vineyards make it ideal for a road trip, with sun-dabbled roads leading from the capital town of Telavi, with its typical stone houses, to the sweeping hills of Sighnaghi.
Here’s how to explore the best of Kakheti.
Where to Stay
Photo: Courtesy of Nekresi Estate