Kakheti (Georgia) is rightfully considered the center of winemaking, where the main vineyards and processing enterprises are located. Given this particular feature of the region, the best time to visit Kakheti is autumn, because it is in autumn that a special festive atmosphere reigns here, some wineries offer tourists to take part in the harvest. If you plan to visit Kakheti at any other time of the year, you will enjoy a fascinating journey through ancient celebrities and picturesque nature reserves.
Kakheti – general information
This is the richest district in Eastern Georgia. The Kakheti region is located 50 km from the capital in a north-easterly direction (along the highway 85 km), a little more than 318 thousand people live here. The capital of Kakheti is Telavi.
The historical events that took place in the Kakheti region are inextricably linked with the formation and development of the Georgian states. Kakheti, as an independent principality, was formed in the 8th century and developed independently until the 11th century. Then Kakheti joined the Georgian kingdom. In the 15th century, the territory was called the Kingdom of Kakheti, from the second half of the 18th century — the Kartli-Kakheti Kingdom, and at the very beginning of the 19th century, Kakheti was incorporated into the Russian Empire, then the USSR. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kakheti has been part of today’s independent Georgia.
The region is famous for its fertile, rich lands, favorable climate, a huge amount of clean spring water and forests. It is not surprising that many centuries ago Kakheti received the status of the main wine-growing region of the country. Vineyards grow along the entire Kakheti highway, and the wines produced here are famous far beyond the borders of Georgia. In total, the region produces approximately 70 varieties of wine.
The heart and soul of Kakheti is the Alazani Valley, which is generously watered by rivers.
Legend. Previously, the territory of Kakheti was covered with water, the population went up into the mountains, but the water did not recede. It was decided to lower an empty basket into the water and cut through the drain at the place where it stops. This place turned out to be the Alazani riverbed. When the water level was restored, life in the region flourished, vineyards spread out here.
It is important! If you want to taste real Georgian wines with a rich taste palette and a luxurious aroma, visit all the cities and villages of the region.
Attractions
Undoubtedly, all the sights of Kakheti are imbued with the spirit and flavor of Georgia. Let’s take a walk through the most interesting of them.
Saint Nino Bodbe Monastery
The shrine is located in Sighnaghi. This is an ancient monastery, which is famous for St. Nino. The righteous woman lived as a recluse for 5 years, in a simple tent, not far from Bodbe. After her death, the saint was buried in the place where the tent stood. Over time, a temple and a whole monastery complex were built here. It was here that some of the monarchs of Kakheti ascended to the throne. Thanks to the efforts of the authorities, the richest diocese of Georgia was destroyed in 1837. Half a century later, Emperor Alexander III ordered the monastery to be restored. Very soon Bodve became the largest temple in Kakheti.
Today the monastery looks majestic and well-groomed, however, tourists and pilgrims come here not to enjoy the architecture, but to visit the burial site of Saint Nino and drink water from a wonderful spring.
It is important! On the territory of the monastery there is a swimming pool where you can take a dip. As a rule, this is done in a white shirt, you can bring it with you or buy it in the temple. Do not squeeze water from your shirt, it is considered healing. Be sure to bring a spare set of dry clothes.
Getting to the monastery is easy – you can walk from Sighnaghi (2 km) or take a taxi. If you go on foot, follow the highway in the direction of Tbilisi and look for the sign “on Bodve”.
Minibuses regularly depart from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi, the main thing is to warn the driver to stop at the turn. The monastery closes at 19: 00.
Sighnaghi City Walls
Believe me, you will immediately fall in love with a small town with bright roofs, which, as if glued to the mountain slopes.
Sighnaghi is an experimental city. In the 18th century, Monarch Heraclius II ordered the resettlement of Armenians to this part of the country and instructed them to transform the village. The settlers completed the task – a city appeared on the site of the village, but after a while it fell into disrepair. Thanks to the efforts of the Georgian authorities, Sighnaghi became one of the tourist centers of the country and turned into a center of winemaking. The city is surrounded by an impressive wall, on which 28 watchtowers are built. They are open to the public and offer stunning views of the entire valley.
It is important! If you are looking for a place to stay in Kakheti, Sighnaghi is a great place to stay. There are luxury hotels of European level and cheap guesthouses here. Restaurants are also designed for any budget. Sighnaghi is the third largest city in terms of the number of hotels after the capital and Batumi.
You can get from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi by minibus, they follow from the Samgori bus station with a break of 1-2 hours until 18-00. The fare is 7 GEL, and the journey time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Davido-Gareji Monastery Complex
This is one of the most famous and revered sights in the country. The shrine is located on the Gareja ridge-on a plateau in an uninhabited area. The entire complex stretches for 25 km in length.
There are 16 temples built between the 4th and 16th centuries. The landmark is located on the border with Azerbaijan, moreover, some parts of the shrine are still considered disputed territory.
The Lavra of St. David enjoys special attention among pilgrims and tourists. The monks ‘ cells here are carved directly into the rock, which, of course, is impressive and memorable. From the height, you can see that the Lavra is built in the form of a cross. Here is the grave of David of Gareja himself. Coordinates of the monastery: 41°26 ‘ 50 “n. 45°22’ 35 ” e.
There are other monasteries in the shrine – Dodos-Rka, Natlismtsemeli, Udabno, Chichkhituri and Bertubani. The monastery was destroyed many times, but each time it was restored. Today it is an active monastery, the walls of which are decorated with frescoes.
You can get to the monastery in the following way: from Tbilisi to Gardabani or Rustavi, and then take a taxi to the complex. Distance from Tbilisi is 60 km.
Nekresi Monastery Complex
This monastic complex is unique for three reasons:
- this is the first place in Georgia to convert to Christianity;
- here is the oldest church of St. John the Baptist;
- the top offers an amazing view of the Alazani Valley.
This landmark of Kakheti was built in the 6th century. The monastery was the home of a Georgian bishop. Despite the fact that only a few buildings have been preserved on the territory of the complex, each of them is a historical and architectural treasure.
The complex also includes a basilica – the Church of the Virgin Mary, its walls are painted with frescoes. Of course, tourists visit the wine vault.
The entrance to all temples of the complex is free, the main thing is to behave properly. The attraction is not only historically and religiously valuable, it will also be interesting for lovers of panoramas — from the observation deck of the monastery there is a wonderful view of the Alazani Valley.
The most convenient way to get to the shrine is by the Telavi – Kvareli minibus, which takes only 30 minutes. Warn the driver to stop at the signpost. Then you will have to walk 2 km. At the entrance, you can buy candles, souvenirs and wine (a bottle will cost an average of 10-12 GEL). A serpentine path leads to the Lavra, you can go up on your own or take a minibus. A round trip is only 2.5 GEL. The attraction is open daily from 10-00 to 19-00.
Chavchavadze House-Museum
The House-Museum is one of the most symbolic places in Georgia. It was here that the Europeanization of the country began, and the first wine was produced here. Garsevan Chavchavadze, the organizer of Georgia’s annexation to Russia, lived in the estate. Pushkin and Griboyedov came here. Near the museum there is a wine storage, a garden with Christmas trees.
The building is a 19th-century building, for several centuries the estate was owned by the Chavchavadze family, today it is the home of diplomat Alexander Chavchavadze. The setting and the guide’s story will take you back to the Golden Age.
The wine cellar contains 16 thousand bottles of collectible wine, which can be tasted. The oldest bottle was bottled in 1814.
- The house-museum is located in the north-eastern part of Tsinandali: M-42, Tsinandali, Georgia. Telavi is only 8 km away.
- Admission costs 5 GEL for school children and 10 GEL for adults, 12 GEL for one type of wine tasting, 35 GEL per person for five types of wine tasting.
- The museum is open from 10-00 to 18-00 daily.
Tushet National Park
The largest in the country and even in Europe – its area exceeds 80 hectares. Almost the entire territory of Tusheti is a national park. You can get here from Ahmeta and Telavi.
The main difference between the park zone is that there are villages where people still live. Admission is free, and tourists often come here with tents.
In the park you can see stands with developed excursion routes, they indicate the mileage of the route. In addition to the national park, Tusheti has very beautiful mountains, rare varieties of roses and rhododendrons grow.
You can only get here by jeep, and the best walk in the park is on horseback. If you rent a Jeep with a group of 5-6 people, the cost will be approximately 60 GEL per person.
Lagodehi National Park
It is located in the east of the country and borders with Azerbaijan and Russia. In 2005, the park was granted national status.
The park area attracts a large number of subtropical and alpine plants, lakes and waterfalls. On its territory there is an ancient abandoned fortress of Machi.
In the park, you can choose to walk one of four routes. If you wish, you can stop by the park for 3 days and visit:
- alpine meadows;
- a former weather station;
- mountain range;
- Black Rock Lake;
- the gorge.
The shortest route is from the main entrance to the Black Grouse Waterfall. In the hot season, you can swim in the waterfall, the cool water refreshes and improves your mood.
All routes of the park are marked on the stands with different colors. One of the trails takes 3 to 6 hours to walk each way.
You can get to the park from Tbilisi-there is a direct minibus from the Isani metro station, the ticket price is GEL 8. The main gate is located in the northern part of the village of Lagodekhi, you can walk along Vashlovanskaya Street. The second gate is located near the village of Ninigori and the third gate is located near the village of Mitsimi.
Admission to the park is free, but you will have to pay for setting up a tent and renting a horse. There are inexpensive guesthouses near the park. In general, Kakheti is a hot and dry region, in the middle of which you will suddenly find tropical greenery and coolness.
Wineries
If you are interested in what to see in Kakheti, be sure to set aside time to visit wineries.
Kvareli Tunnel
Kvareli Tunnel opens our rating of “The best wineries in Kakheti”. A unique wine cellar and tourist complex “Kvarelskaya wine Cave” is built on the edge of the Alazani Valley.
The cave, carved in the Caucasus rock massif, was opened in 1962 specifically for the World Congress of Grapes and Wine. Throughout the year, the temperature in the cave varies between 12-16 °C, which creates ideal conditions for storing and aging wine. Wine bottles in the cave are placed horizontally or vertically, so that the cork is constantly wet during the aging period.
The total length of the Wine Tunnel is 7.7 km, it consists of two main and 13 connecting tunnels. One of the two entrances to the cave is used for tourism, while the other entrances are used for the care and aging of wines stored in metal and oak containers. In this part, the guest can see the bottled wine cellar, where the “Hareb Winery” can hold up to 26,000 bottles of wine. The oldest collectible wine is 17 years old.
Sightseeing buses take tourists directly to the tunnel entrance. The cost of the tour depends on what exactly you are interested in:
- regular tour – GEL 5;
- excursion and tasting of 2 wines – GEL 12;
- excursion, tasting of 4 wines and chacha, cooking class (bread and churchkhela) – 40 GEL;
- excursion, tasting of 6 wines, cooking class and shish kebab – GEL 70.
The wine must be served with nuts, cheese and honey.
Kvareli Tunnel Route-follow from Kvareli in the direction of Lagodekhi, cross the bridge, take the Gurjaani turn and then turn left according to the sign.
It is important! It’s only +14 degrees in the tunnel, so stock up on warm clothes.
- Address: Khareva, winery Road, Kvareli, Georgia.
- Opening hours: daily from 10: 00 to 18: 00. The restaurant is open until 23: 00.
- Website: https://winery-khareba.com/.
Kindzmarauli Corporation
It is one of the largest wine production plants in Kakheti. It is located in the center of the small town of Kvareli. The factory has a huge territory of 300 hectares, where there are wine storage facilities, a store of its own products, tasting rooms, a restaurant and a hotel.
The oldest buildings of the corporation date back to 1533, but the main production facilities are modernized, modern equipment.
It is important! Pay attention to the prices in the store – they are usually an order of magnitude lower than prices in the capital.
If you wish, you can visit the museum, where real clay kvevri, traditional press and oak barrels are displayed as exhibits.
It is important! Wine tasting here is free, 4-5 varieties of wine are poured in the hall. The traditional scheme – go to the restaurant and order food, go on a tour, taste drinks and return to the restaurant, where the prepared food is waiting.
- The main entrance to the plant is located at 55 Chavchavadze Street, Kvareli city.
- The plant is open from 9-00 to 18-00.
Graneli Company
The company was founded at the end of the last century. Today it is one of the most established and largest wineries in the country. Most of the products are focused on the VIP class segment and are exported. In other words, you can only purchase the original product at the factory.
The company is located near the Hareb Tunnel. Famous brands of wines are produced here-Tsinandali, Khvanchkaru, Tsinandali, Ereti, Pirosmani, Mukuzani. The best grape varieties are used in the production – Saperavi, Rkatsiteli and Alexandrouli.
Excursion groups enter the premises once every 30 minutes:
- sightseeing tour – free of charge;
- 7 wine tasting sessions – GEL 10;
- order a feast – GEL 25 per person (the price includes 1 liter of any wine presented at the tasting);
- tasting, feast and master classes – 40 GEL.
It is important! In autumn 2016, the Graneli tour was recognized as the most interesting and informative in the Kakheti region.
Road to Graneli-go south from Kvareli, cross the Bursa River (there is a bridge) and after 400 meters there will be a circle, choose the eastern direction (follow the Wine Route sign). From Tbilisi to Kvaleri there are minibuses from Samgori station, the fare will cost 8 lari.
Shumi Factory
The famous Kakheti winery is located on the outskirts of the small village of Tsinandali, not far from the Chavchavadze House-Museum. Telavi is 8 km away. Tsinandali, Saperavi, Kindzmarauli and Mukuzani wines are produced here. On the territory of the factory there is a museum, an open tasting room, a shop and a grape plantation where special grape varieties are grown. Tasting is free of charge.
On a note! Kindzmarauli wines are especially good here.
Be sure to visit the museum, where there are exhibits on the ground floor, and in the basement there is a wine warehouse. In addition to wine, the tastings offer cognac, chacha and port.
By the way, wine is an obvious gift from Georgia.
Tears of the Pheasant Company
The company, founded in 2007, is located near the village of Tibaani. This is a Georgian-American joint venture that produces 9 brands of wine. John Wiederman, an American co-owner of the company, first visited Georgia in 1995 and has not left it since. Here he met Gela Patalishvili. Together they bought vineyards and started a winery. Today, the plant’s grape plantations are located all over Kakheti.
Sighnaghi has a signature restaurant and a hall where you can taste products. the factory also has a restaurant with original dishes.
- Address: 18 Baratasvili Str. Sighnaghi, Georgia.
- You can find the plant at the following address: 18 Baratashvili Street, Sighnaghi.
- Official website: www.pheasantstears.com.
When is the best time to go
Kakheti in summer
The weather is quite dry, the valleys look bleak, as if burned out. The air temperature is +25 … 30 °C.
Kakheti in autumn
This is the best time to visit the wine country. The weather in September resembles the climate of central Russia in summer. During the day, the air warms up to +25 °C, and in the evenings you can have dinner in the open areas. In October, it gets cooler – the air temperature is +20 °C. In November, the temperature drops to +15 °C, rains begin.
Kakheti in spring
At this time, the sky is often covered with viruses, and the scenery looks dull and boring. If you dare to come, take rubber boots with you, you will not lose.
In March, the air temperature is only +10 °C, in May, the air warms up to +25 °C. If you want to catch the moment of awakening of amazing nature, come to Kakheti in April.
Kakheti in winter
Despite the rather low temperature, Kakheti is an incredibly attractive sight in winter. From the height of the hills, you can enjoy a magnificent view. The air temperature does not fall below -5 °C, while the average temperature is kept at +5 °C. If you get cold, you can always visit the wine cellar.
How to get there
Considering that the distance from Tbilisi to Kakheti is only 85 km, the region is accessible to visitors throughout the year. You can always choose the most profitable route for yourself in terms of price and duration.
First of all, you need to fly to Tbilisi (Shota Rustaveli International Airport). As a rule, tourists choose two cities as their final destination – Sighnaghi or Telavi. Let’s find out how to get from Tbilisi to Kakheti.
How to get to Sighnaghi
In Tbilisi, you need to get to the Samgori bus station (located at the metro station with the same name). Minibuses depart from here from 9-00 to 18-00. Up to 6 flights are scheduled daily, depending on the season. Travel time is 2-2. 5 hours. The ticket costs GEL 7 and can be purchased from the driver or at the ticket office only for cash.
It is important! All minibuses arrive in the city center. Sighnaghi is a small village, all the sights can be reached on foot. Tourists take a taxi when planning a trip to neighboring cities.
You can also get to Kakheti with a tour of the capital of Georgia.
How to get to Telavi
In Tbilisi, you need to get to the Ortachala bus station (address-2 Gulia Street). Minibuses depart from 8 to 17 with a break of 2 hours. The trip will cost 10 GEL, payment to the driver. The minibus arrives in the center of Telavi.
It is important! Urban transport between the cities of Kakheti is poor, so many tourists rent a car.
