Embracing the Warmth of Telavi’s Vineyards

As the sun rises over the picturesque landscapes of Telavi, the heart of Georgia’s Kakheti region, the air is filled with the promise of a day steeped in tradition and indulgence. On December 7th, the weather is warm, with temperatures reaching a balmy 43.4°C, perfect for those who revel in the heat. The day begins with a journey through the lush vineyards that define this region, where the art of winemaking is as ancient as the hills themselves.

Start your day with the Full Day Wine Tour(Full Day Wine Tour), a private exploration of Kakheti’s finest wineries. This tour, available from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, offers a deep dive into the world of Georgian wine, where you’ll taste the rich flavors of wines crafted in the traditional ‘Qvevri’ method. The journey begins in the quaint village of Badiauri, where the aroma of freshly baked Georgian bread mingles with the tang of local cheese, setting the stage for a day of culinary delight.

As you wander through the cobbled streets of Sighnaghi, known as the ‘City of Love,’ the views of the Alazani Valley and the majestic Caucasus Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop. Here, at the Okros organic winery, you’ll savor three varieties of wine and the potent Chacha, a Georgian grape vodka, all while learning the secrets of ancient winemaking traditions. A review from September 2024 captures the essence of this experience:

Fascinating background to Georgia and its people. Our guide had an encyclopedic knowledge of Georgian wine and history. Fabulous wine tasting locations and a full ten-hour, 300 km trip. (Reviewed at: 2024-09-22)

Culinary Delights and Scenic Beauty

As the afternoon sun casts a golden hue over the vineyards, the tour continues to the Vaxo Oqruashvili’s Wine Cellar in the village of Velistiskhe. Here, the winemaker himself welcomes you into his home, offering a traditional Georgian lunch paired with his own wine creations. This intimate setting allows you to experience the warmth of Georgian hospitality, where every meal is a celebration of local flavors and traditions.

The journey then takes you to the Tunnel Winery Khareba, nestled within an underground tunnel that once served as a Soviet bomb shelter. This unique setting is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Georgian winemakers, who have transformed this space into a haven for wine aging. As you sample two types of traditional Qvevri wines, the cool air of the tunnel provides a refreshing contrast to the day’s heat.

A review from July 2024 highlights the authenticity of this tour:

If you want to discover the real essence of Georgia, this is the tour for you! From having bread and cheese next to the road to stopping at a beautiful vantage point, this was a trip worth taking. (Reviewed at: 2024-07-29)

A Day of Organic Exploration

On December 8th, as the skies clear and the temperature cools to a comfortable 47°F, the Organic Wine Tour(Organic Wine Tour) offers a different perspective on Kakheti’s winemaking heritage. This private day trip, available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, focuses on the organic wines that are gaining international acclaim.

The tour begins with a visit to the Gvardzelashvili Wine Cellar, where the passion for organic winemaking is evident in every sip. As you travel through the scenic Gombori Pass, the views of the mountain range are nothing short of spectacular, providing a serene backdrop for your journey.

At the Vellino Winery, the young winemaker’s enthusiasm is infectious, and his wines are a testament to the potential of organic viticulture. The day concludes at Okros Wines, where a traditional lunch is served with a view of the Signagi city walls and the Alazani Valley. A review from March 2024 captures the spirit of this tour:

A truly wonderful and fascinating experience. The wine and food were delicious, and everyone was friendly and accommodating. I definitely recommend to visit. (Reviewed at: 2024-03-10)

As the sun sets over Telavi, the memories of these two days linger, a testament to the region’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, creating experiences that are as warm and inviting as the Georgian people themselves.