Nestled in the heart of Georgia’s Kakheti region, Kachreti town is a charming little town that is known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. The town is surrounded by vast expanses of rolling hills and lush vineyards that produce some of the best wines in the region. In this blog post, we will explore the wine-growing vineyards around Kachreti town and what makes them so unique.
Kakheti is known as the wine capital of Georgia, and for good reason. The region has been producing wine for over 8,000 years and is home to over 500 different grape varieties. The warm climate, fertile soil, and abundance of sunlight make Kakheti an ideal location for growing grapes.
One of the most popular grape varieties grown in Kakheti is Saperavi. This dark-skinned grape produces full-bodied, tannic wines that are perfect for aging. Other popular grape varieties grown in the region include Rkatsiteli, Kisi, and Mtsvane.
The vineyards around Kachreti town are particularly renowned for their high-quality wines. Many of the vineyards in the area are family-owned and have been passed down through generations. These vineyards take great pride in their winemaking traditions and use age-old techniques to produce wines that are both unique and delicious.
One such vineyard is the Orgo Winery. Founded by twin brothers, Temur and Zurab Kurdgelashvili, the Orgo Winery is known for its natural winemaking techniques. The brothers use organic methods to grow their grapes and use traditional Georgian qvevri to ferment and age their wines. Qvevri are large earthenware vessels that are buried in the ground, and the wine is fermented and aged inside them. The use of qvevri is a traditional Georgian winemaking technique that dates back over 8,000 years.
Another popular vineyard in the Kachreti region is the Schuchmann Wines Chateau & Spa. The Schuchmann family has been making wine for generations and opened their first winery in 2008. The family now operates several vineyards throughout Georgia and has won numerous awards for their wines. The Schuchmann Wines Chateau & Spa is a popular destination for tourists, as it offers not only wine tastings but also a spa and luxury accommodations.
The Lagvinari Winery is another family-owned vineyard in the Kachreti region that is known for its exceptional wines. The winery was founded by Gogi Dakishvili, a renowned winemaker who has worked at some of the most famous wineries in France and California. Gogi returned to Georgia in 2008 to start his own winery and has since won numerous awards for his wines. The Lagvinari Winery specializes in natural winemaking and uses traditional Georgian qvevri to ferment and age their wines.
Kachreti town vineyards
In addition to producing exceptional wines, the vineyards around Kachreti town offer visitors a chance to experience Georgian winemaking traditions first hand. Many of the vineyards offer tours and wine tastings, where visitors can learn about the winemaking process and taste some of the region’s best wines. Some vineyards also offer traditional Georgian feasts, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and traditional music.
The Kachreti region is also home to several wine festivals throughout the year. One of the most popular festivals is the Rtveli Harvest Festival, which takes place in late September or early October. During the festival, locals and visitors alike gather to celebrate the harvest and participate in traditional winemaking activities. The festival also features traditional Georgian food, music, and dancing.
The vineyards around Kachreti town are truly a treasure of the Kakheti region. The region’s fertile soil, warm climate, and abundance of sunlight make it an ideal location for growing grapes, and the family-owned vineyards in the area take great pride in their winemaking traditions. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just someone who appreciates good wine, a visit to the vineyards around Kachreti town is a must-see experience.
The traditional winemaking techniques used in the region, such as fermenting and ageing wines in qvevri, add a unique and distinctive flavour to the wines that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Additionally, the opportunity to participate in wine tastings, tours, and traditional Georgian feasts offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Georgian culture and traditions.
Overall, the Kachreti region and Kachreti town are excellent destinations for wine enthusiasts and travellers who are looking for an authentic experience of Georgian winemaking traditions. The region’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional wines make it an unforgettable destination.