Georgia is sometimes referred to as “the cradle of winemaking.” And it is not a coincidence: this delightful radiant country is the oldest cultural center of viticulture, and this is evidenced by various archaeological discoveries.  Today we would like to give you a greater insight on the unique process of the wine production in Georgia, as well as tell you about the most famous wines, wineries, and wine shops.

The history of winemaking in Georgia, according to some archaeologists, is about 8000 years old. Due to its diverse and unique microclimate, there are about 500 grape varieties in modern Georgia. On the territory of the country during various excavations were found ancient jugs called “kvevri” with the remnants of grape seeds and skins, indicating that the people who lived in these lands, had knowledge of the cultivation of grape and making wine long before our era. Up to the present days, the culture of wine production by aging in kvevris has been well preserved and is widely used in private and small wineries.

Today, kvevri jugs and the process of winemaking by aging in kvevri is on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

The wine for the Georgians is not just a drink. It is a piece of Georgian culture, national identity and heritage. Georgian oral and musical folklore is replete with masterpieces dedicated to the grapevine and wine. According to the chroniclers, Georgia adopted Christianity with a cross made of vine. In Georgia, the “tree of life” is traditionally represented as a grapevine, because without of this wonderful drink no Georgian hearth is possible.

After breakfast we will visit Tsinandali- palace of the princely family of Chavchavadze. There are many amazing, beautiful and tragic events in the history of Georgia are connected with this family.

The history of the Chavchavadze family and their ancestral estate is closely tied with the history of Georgia. Today there is a museum in Tsinandali, visited by tourists from all over the world. The interior of the 19h century has almost been fully restored, though the palace today only has 7 rooms of the original 20. It was also possible to collect touching material evidences from the relatives of the bygone period: embroideries made by the daughters of Chavchavadze, books owned by the family, clothing, and the picture of Imam Shamil painted by Anna when she was held in captivity. The museum has the working desk of Alexander Chavchavadze, the first grand piano, and personal things and books. There are regular art exhibitions held in the museum, and the basement of the palace hosts Kakhetian wine tasting ceremonies.

After an excursion we will go to the Georgian winery for wine tasting, as well as to workshops on making the famous Georgian shoti bread, churchkhela and khinkali.

The Georgian town of Sighnaghi is located in the eastern part of Kakheti, and is known as the City of Love. Sighnaghi was also one of Georgia’s many stops along the ancient Silk Road.

The town has recently undergone significant restoration and infrastructural improvement, rendering Sighnaghi a must-see destination in Georgia. Casino gambling, high end hotels and dining, fine wines and a stunning view of the Alazani Valley make Sighnaghi one of Georgia’s most attractive small towns.

The town sits atop a bluff overlooking the Alazani Valley, which is one of Georgia’s most famous wine-producing regions.

As is typical of Georgia, Sighnaghi is endowed with significant historic and cultural heritage sites. Its charming cobblestone streets and alleys, restored original nouveau woodwork, and detailed facades give the town a romantic mystique. Billed the City of Love, Sighnaghi is a popular wedding venue. The wedding chapel here was the first to operate around the clock, and put Sighnaghi on the map as a destination. Its marriage chapel now hosts ceremonies taking place all hours of the day and night. It is also a frequent venue for traditional Georgian dance recitals, music and craft festivals.

The St. George’s Monastery of St. Nino, sometimes also called the Bodbe Monastery, is one of the most important religious sites in Georgia. Today, there is a nunnery where the monastery used to be, and the St. George Cathedral, part of the monastery, holds the remains of St. Nino, Equal to the Apostles, who brought Christianity to Georgia.

According to legends, St. Nino died at the age of 60 in Bodbe in the year 335 CE. During her lifetime, she had crossed the entire country, healing people and preaching Christianity. She asked to be buried in this region, where she had spent her life. Later, King Mirian decided to move her body to Mtskheta, but all efforts were in vain: the coffin couldn’t be moved. 

Route:

* Moving to Kakheti

* Tsinandali 

* Wine tasting and workshops at the winery
* Lunch

* Sighnaghi

* Bodbe

* Return to Tbilisi