Wine & drink in Georgia
Including Imereti Wine Region, Kakheti Wine Region, and Racha Wine Region. On the map.
The vibe
Drinking here is defined by an ancient, earth-bound tradition where amber-hued wines are aged in clay vessels buried deep underground, offering a flavor profile entirely distinct from modern industrial bottles. Autumn is the quintessential season to visit, coinciding with the harvest celebrations when the air is thick with the scent of crushed grapes. The experience is refreshingly unpretentious, moving from casual, everyday wine bars in the capital to intimate, family-run cellars where the winemaker pours directly from the jug.
Imereti Wine Region
Imereti
otogeo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Imereti is celebrated for its distinct style of qvevri wine, which typically uses less skin contact than the Kakhetian method, resulting in lighter, more approachable amber wines. The region is characterized by lush landscapes and a warm, hospitable tasting culture centered around Kutaisi.
Access. Centrally located around Kutaisi; easily accessible by train or car from Tbilisi or Batumi.
Kakheti Wine Region
Kakheti
Yasuhiro Kojima / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The heart of Georgian winemaking, Kakheti is famous for its ancient qvevri method of fermenting wine in buried clay vessels. Visitors explore historic estates and family-run cellars in the Alazani Valley to taste unique amber wines and robust Saperavi reds.
Access. Accessible via a 2-hour drive from Tbilisi; most travelers hire a private driver or join guided wine tours to navigate the rural vineyards.
Notes. Best visited during the Rtveli harvest season in September and October.
Racha Wine Region
Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
Yasuhiro Kojima / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Nestled in the high mountains, Racha is the exclusive home of the rare and semi-sweet Khvanchkara wine. The rugged alpine landscape provides a dramatic backdrop for tasting tours that focus on small-batch, high-altitude viticulture.
Access. Requires a scenic drive through mountain passes; best accessed via private transport from Kutaisi.
Notes. Roads can be challenging in winter; late spring to early autumn is the ideal visiting window.