The Kakheti Wine Region

Kakheti, the lush wine region in the east of Georgia, is nothing less than the cradle of wine, where archaeologists have found evidence of winemaking stretching back some eight thousand years, making it the birthplace of viticulture. Its rolling vineyards, hilltop towns and monasteries produce distinctive wines by an ancient UNESCO-recognised method, fermenting the grapes, skins and all, in large egg-shaped clay vessels called qvevri buried underground, which give its famous amber, or orange, wines their unique character.

What you actually see

• The qvevri wineries - the wine made in buried clay vessels.
• The amber wines - the tasting of the unique skin-contact wines.
• Sighnaghi - the pretty hilltop 'town of love' and its walls.
• The monasteries - the wine-making monasteries like Alaverdi.

When to go

May to October for the vineyards in leaf and the best weather; September and October bring the rtveli, the grape harvest, a joyful and festive time to visit, with families and wineries celebrating the vintage. Plan a driver or tour, as tastings and driving do not mix.

Honest expectations

The region is spread across the eastern valleys, so a driver, tour or a few days are needed to visit several wineries, from tiny family cellars to larger estates. The famous amber, or orange, qvevri wines are an acquired taste, tannic and unlike conventional white wine, which surprises some. Georgian wine culture and hospitality, and the ancient method, though, are a genuine highlight.

Nearby

The town of Telavi, the hilltop town of Sighnaghi and Tbilisi are within reach.