Kvareli (Georgia) is a small town in the east of the country. Its main symbol is the vineyards and the old winery, which even today makes a delicious drink. Due to the fact that the city is located in the Alazani Valley, Kvareli is a great place for those who want to relax from the noisy megacities and cars. Here you can spend hours walking in the mountains and drink delicious wine. We suggest you take a short trip around the wine capital of Georgia.
General information
In ancient times, the city of Kvareli, located in the Kvareli municipality, was the center of the state of Kakheti. It was here that the first domed church was built, and it was here that the main state issues were resolved. But as time passed, people gradually began to leave the city in search of a better life.
Kvareli was almost empty for several centuries, but at the end of the 20th century, the situation changed for the better: Georgia began to develop the tourism industry and made Kvareli one of the centers of winemakers.
Today, about 10,000 people live in Kvareli. These are mostly people who work in the tourism industry or in a winery. The city is located in the east of Georgia, near the border with Dagestan. Kvareli is 150 km from Tbilisi.
Attractions in Kvareli
The town of the writer Chavchavadze is a small but very cozy and picturesque place. There are few attractions in Kvareli, but each one deserves the attention of tourists.
Gremi Fortress and Museum
The Gremi Fortress and Museum are among the most popular tourist attractions in Kakheti. They were built on the mountain by Tsar Levan in 1471, and his wife Titanin founded the New Shuamta monastery next to the castle. For almost 50 years, they sat on the throne and peace and order reigned in the country. But everything changed in 1615, when the city was captured, and then destroyed, by the army of Shah Abbas. Only some temples, castles and fortresses were able to withstand the pressure of the Eastern warriors-Shah Abbas tried not to touch the sacred places. The ruins of the city for many millennia reminded the locals of the misfortune that had befallen Gremi.
Like most Georgian fortresses, Gremi is built of stone, and inside the building you can find a variety of frescoes that tell about the life of people at that time. Today, this building serves as a museum: here you will learn a lot about ceramic products and see ancient exhibits. By the way, quite recently a new exhibition of paintings was opened here, which, however, is not particularly interesting.
If you are not a big fan of art, but love nature, go to the very top of the castle tower-from here you can enjoy a picturesque view of the surrounding city.
Now the area around historical monuments is cultivated: there is a Parking lot, there are tents with souvenirs and food. The restoration was carried out in 2012.
- Where the attraction is located: 16 km from Kvareli.
- Ticket price to the museum: GEL 3.
- Open: 11.00-18.00 every day, except Monday.
Chavchavadze Museum
Perhaps it is the Chavchavadze Museum that is the symbol and main attraction of Kvareli. The famous Georgian writer and publicist was born and raised in this city and made a huge contribution to the cultural development of the country.
The Museum of Ilya Chavchavadze was opened in 1987, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the poet’s birth. The literary memorial complex consists of three parts, each of which tells about the life of Chavchavadze and his activities in different countries: Russia, Spain, Adjara.
The museum’s exposition includes manuscripts, personal belongings, literary achievements of the writer and photos taken in Georgian Kvareli. One of the most interesting rooms is the living room, which still retains the atmosphere of Ilya Chavchavadze’s home.
If you want to get better acquainted with the literary activity of the Georgian publicist, be sure to visit this attraction.
- Location: Rustaveli str., 2.
- Price: 2 GEL, guide services – 5 GEL.
- Opening hours: 10: 00-17: 00.
House of Justice
The House of Justice is the most modern landmark in Kvareli, Georgia. It stands out strongly from the general background of the city and it is impossible not to notice it: round, white, with large air wings. The building was built very recently, in 2013. In this short period of time, the house has managed to become a real city center and unite about 300 government agencies. The Houses of Justice are an exclusively Georgian development that attracts the attention of many governments around the world.
There are seven Houses of Justice in Georgia, and their main task is to create conditions where people can directly contact the state without any bureaucratic delays. In such buildings, you can get a passport, apply for a visa, apply for a place of residence, register a business, get a certificate of marriage, and so on.
If you want to see a futuristic building in the center of a small provincial town and learn about the service of Georgian state structures, visit the House of Justice.
- Address: Kvareli, Kudigora 3.
- Entrance to the attraction is free of charge.
- Opening hours: 09: 00-19: 00.
Kindzmarauli Corporation
Kindzmarauli Corporation is the largest winery in Kvareli and one of the largest and most famous in Kakheti. The first mention of the manufactory dates back to 1533, when the first cellars were built and vineyards were planted. More than 400 years have passed since then, and the corporation is still thriving.
The winery has a museum, a restaurant and a cellar. Here you can learn the secrets of making good wine and taste some varieties. During the tour, you will learn about the history of Kindzmaraulia Corporation and the difficult fate of the enterprise. An important advantage of this institution is that everything can be touched and photographed here.
Due to the abundance of tourists, in 2015 the factory completed two large tasting rooms, where today guests are treated to wine and traditional Georgian snacks. You will be offered to taste the following types of wine: “Kindzmarauli”, “Mukuzani”, “Kvareli”, “Kindzmarauli”, “Kisi”, “Twishi”, “16×16”, etc.
Also on the territory of the factory there is a small shop where you can buy your favorite drinks.
- Location: 55 Chavchavadze Street.
- Admission: GEL 12, the price includes tasting.
- Opening hours: 09: 00-18: 00.
Kvareli Lake
Kvareli is a freshwater lake located at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. It is 200 meters higher than the adjacent Alazani Valley, so this place offers an impressive view of the lowland.
Today, Lake Kvareli is an expensive resort with English lawns, a five-star hotel and a small pier. Despite the fact that the cost of a hotel room starts from $ 115, the water in the Georgian lake Kvareli Lake is not very clean, and swimming here is not recommended. There is also no beach – just a lot of wooden gazebos and tables.
However, there are plenty of entertainment options! Water skiing, speedboating or kite riding are offered by the hotel’s administrators. Hiking in the mountains and forests is also possible.
However, the main advantage of this place is its privacy, lack of fuss and the opportunity to relax away from the metropolis and active activities. What could be better than holding a glass of good wine and watching the sun go down? I think nothing!
- Where to find the lake: in the east of Kvareli.
- Cost: free of charge, but since Kvareli Lake is located on a private territory, it is better to inform about your arrival in advance.
Climate and weather
The climate in Kvareli is arid: the average number of days with precipitation is only 5 per year! The city is surrounded by mountains, so there are no strong winds here. The number of sunny days in a year is 310. Such geographical and climatic conditions are ideal for growing grapes, which is what the inhabitants of Kvareli enjoy.
Summers here are quite warm, but thanks to cool nights – not very hot. The thermometer does not often rise above +29 °C, and in the evening the temperature drops to +9…+11°C. If you decide to go to Kvareli in the summer, be sure to wear a headdress — the sun burns mercilessly, despite the uncritically high temperature.
The best time to travel to Kvareli and the entire Kakheti region is in the second half of September-early October. In addition to the comfortable temperature, the grape harvest takes place during this period – a significant event for Georgians, and for tourists – a great way to get acquainted with the country’s culture.
In winter, the average temperature in this region of Georgia is kept within – 0…+3°C during the day and -7…-8°C at night.
How to get
The city is located 150 km from the capital of Georgia. You can get from Tbilisi (Kutaisi, Mtskheta, etc.) to Kvareli in the following ways.
By train
15 km from Kvareli there is a large railway station Mukuzani, through which almost all important routes pass. Therefore, it is necessary to take any train going east and get off at Mukuzani station. Then take a taxi. The train fare is GEL 10.
By taxi
A taxi ride is more comfortable, so it will cost more – about 180-200 GEL (from Tbilisi).
By minibus and bus
Get to Kvareli (Georgia) from Tbilisi (Ortachala bus station) it is possible for 10 GEL, and from Telavi (Central Station) – for 5 GEL.
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