Wines and Traditions

We land in Tbilissi, capital of Géorgie, where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel. End of day free for us to rest.

We visit the Ikalto monastery and academy, founded in the 6th century, where one of the oldest wine schools operated in the Middle Ages. Here, we discover the remnants of the wine culture that once flourished within the walls of this spectacular place.

The next discovery on the wine route is a wine cellar in the village of Zemo Alvani. This is a small winery with an ancient cellar belonging to the winemaker's family. The family's goal is to revive and produce natural wines from rare and ancient grape varieties, according to the traditional Georgian Qvevri method.

The family exports natural wines such as Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, Saperavi, Tsitska, Tsolikauri to more than 8 countries. They also produce Georgian bread from a forgotten indigenous wheat variety called "Tsiteli Doli".

Tasting of distinguished wines accompanied by a special dish of delicacies and "Khavitsi," a traditional and very authentic cheese fondue from the mountainous Tusheti region.

Culinary workshops with a very welcoming owner: cooking traditional bread in an oven called "Toné" and preparing "Churchkhela" (walnuts in a mixture made from grape juice and wheat flour). Lunch at the winemaker's.

Visit of the Alaverdi Cathedral, located at the foot of the Caucasus's highest mountain, with views of the Alazani Valley. The monastery has an 11th-century wine cellar and wines produced by the monks. Here, we see the link between winemaking and Christianity in Géorgie since ancient times.

Departure to vineyards of the family belonging to the winemaker brothers in Sanioré, which produces 100% natural wines, made in Qvevri using traditional technology. The brothers' wines (such as Khikhvi, Tavkveri, Muskati, etc.) have the honor of receiving the highest awards at various famous international exhibitions.

Departure to the village of Kisiskhevi, check-in at the Wine Castle & Spa (hotel with wine spa).

We resume our discovery of Kakheti, appreciated for its wine production and rich in numerous historical sites. Visit of the palace and estate of Tsinandali, which belonged to the poet of the aristocratic family of the 19th century Alexander Chavchavadze - the first Georgian to produce in 1841 and bottle Georgian wine according to European methods. Visit of the park, the museum and its historic wine cellar, pride of the family dynasty. The museum visit will be followed by a wine tasting.

We continue our route towards the far east of Géorgie until the city of Sighnaghi. Perched at 800m altitude, this small city is known for its wine, its carpets and its landscapes and historic monuments. We stroll along its cobbled streets and admire the superb Alazani valley dominated by the majestic Caucasus mountain range.

Here, visit to a private wine cellar belonging to a foreign winemaker who settled in Kakheti many years ago with a passion for Georgian wine and who produces high-quality wines, which will introduce you to the methods of peasant wine-making, with a tasting of his wines.

Breakfast.

This morning we take the road to Mtskheta, capital of the ancient Kingdom of Iberia which ruled for 9 centuries (from -300 to 600) over the southern and eastern regions of present-day Géorgie.

In Mtskheta, we visit the Jvari monastery, one of the most beautiful in the country, built in the 6th-7th centuries on a hill overlooking the meeting point of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, as well as the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built in the 11th century.

Road to the capital.

On the way, stop in the village of Chardakhi, visit a local wine cellar of Georgian winemaker Iago Beritashvili. He explains the history of Georgian wine and shows his organic winemaking methods. Iago owns two hectares of vineyards that are 60 years old and produces 5,000 bottles of dry natural white wines per year that are fermented and aged in Qvevri (Georgian jar). To produce grapes as well as in the winemaking process, traditional and ecological methods are used using chalk. The winemaker produces wine from one of the best Georgian grape varieties called "Chinuri", which receives special attention for its quality and particular aroma. Tasting of his wine with artisanal cheese, Tchacha and natural sparkling recently very popular Pet Nat and craft beer.

We then go to discover the remains of Uplistsikhe, incredible troglodyte city built in the 1st millennium BC, making it one of the oldest human settlements in the Caucasus, where 5,000-year-old grape seeds were found - proof that Georgia is the oldest wine country.

Then, a road to the Ratcha region. Ratcha is the mountainous region known for its beauty and magnificent wine due to its terrain.

Visit of the 10th century church, Nikortsminda Church, a gem of Georgian architecture with its stone sculptures, fascinating frescoes and ornaments of vines and grapes. Visit of Barakoni Church - 18th century.

Visit of a local wine cellar, meeting with the winemaker who continues the winemaking path of his grandfather. He produces natural wines with both classical and traditional technology, among which are distinguished the unique varieties of Aleksandrouli, Otskhanuri Sapere, Shavkapito, Tsolikouri, Rachuli and Bolnuri Rkatsiteli, etc. He will invite you to lunch at his home to taste delicious modernized dishes from the Ratcha region, which pair perfectly with his wines.

We continue our wine route to the local wine cellar, which produces the famous and very pleasant Khvanchkara wine - semi-sweet red wine made from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grape varieties cultivated in this region. It is characterized by a ruby color, a distinctive harmonious and delicious taste, with specific fruity nuances and varietal aroma.

We take the road to Kutaisi via the Nakerala Pass (1218 m), along the way, enjoy the view of the Tkbuli Reservoir and the Lake Shaori. Kutaisi - the 2nd largest city in the country and the administrative center of the Imereti region, which is known for its rich and particularly delicious cuisine. On the way, we visit Gelati Monastery, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Road to Kvaliti village, visit to the wine cellar - here you will be welcomed by a local winemaker, who owns an authentic natural wine cellar. He produces several natural wines: white wines based on local grape varieties Tsiska, Tsolikauri, Krakhuna and red wines - Otskhanuri Saphere and Dondglabi. The winemaker will share his winemaking experience with you and will have you taste his natural wines.

On the way, visit the house of local Qvevri makers in the village of Makatubani, meet with the craftsman, who will explain and show you the process of traditional Qvevri manufacturing methods – Qvevri manufacturing workshop - large clay amphorae, intended to preserve wine in the ground.

Departure towards the capital of Géorgie, passing the Rikoti pass (995m).

We take advantage of our last free time in Tbilisi before heading to the airport for our return flight. Safe travels.