Kakheti Region


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Kakheti - Wine Homeland

Georgia is the ancient cradle of winemaking. First cultural species of grapes came out here; unique geographic whereabouts and a diverse ground provide ideal conditions for winegrowing and winemaking.

History of Kakheti winegrowing takes a start from VI millennium BC. Grape leftovers, discovered by the archeologists, date back to the mentioned period and they are the oldest around the globe, that proves once again that

Georgia

is a homeland of vine. Scientists believe that the word Ghvino (wine, vin, vine), has Georgian origin. 500 out of world-known 2.000 grape species, are Georgian.

During the archeological excavations, there were unearthed bronze period goods, the oldest winepresses and wine-cellars, clay and metal wineglasses and others. There is also discovered a statue of a wine-drinking man, dating back to IX-VII centuries BC. The statue is also considered a symbol of fecundity. Attention is grabbed by golden, silver and bronze wineglasses, decorated with precious stones and engraved with vine reflections.

There were primitive wineries in

Georgia

s churches and monasteries, where one can see some wine-cellars and winepresses even today. Nekresi wine-cellar of IV century, also remains of the winery at Ikalto Monastery Complex are highly noteworthy. There is the oldest 40-pitcher wine-cellar, where wine-making tradition still persists. There is also a unique wine store in Kvareli district, kept in a tunnel engraved in rock. The tunnel length is 13, 5 kilometers. The store maintains permanent temperature at any season of year, hovering between 14 and 16 Celsius, ideal for maturing wine; the store is still keeping Georgian brand wines.

Enoteca situated in Alexandre Chavchavadzes land, that is built with bricks, is historically, as well as architecturally remarkable for its precious collection of wines. The oldest wine of the collection is "Polish Honey", which dates back to 1814.

Welcome to Kakheti!