Discovering Ancient Kakheti Wines
Updated: 45 minutes ago
In eastern Georgia, Kakheti is the country’s most famous wine region, with a winemaking history spanning over 8,000 years. Often called the cradle of wine, this area is known for its traditional qvevri method—fermenting and aging wine in clay vessels buried underground. Winemakers also use modern winemaking methods.
Kakheti’s diverse climate and rich soil produce unique, full-bodied wines that highlight Georgia’s deep connection to viticulture. The region is mainly celebrated for its Saperavi and Rkatsiteli grape varieties, which made exploring the world’s oldest wine traditions especially tasty.
We booked our incredible Georgian wine journey in Kakheti through Daria (Dariko) Kholodilina (WSET Level 3 Wine Expert and Travel Company Owner). Our private guide, Georgi, made it an experience of a lifetime. The wineries we visited are as follows.
Winery Options
Giuaani Winery: Many tasting options, a guided tour, and an excellent sommelier. You can also stay at this beautiful resort and enjoy the superb pool and restaurant.
Pheasant' Tears: We had dinner and an extensive tasting on the patio at this restaurant in Sighnahghi, owned by the American winemaker John Wurdeman.
Lost Ridge Inn: Also owned by John Wurdeman, you can stay at the inn, do a craft beer tasting flight, and go horseback riding. It also has a great restaurant and cooking classes.
Okro's Wine Restaurant & Cellar: This excellent Sighnaghi spot topped our list of best experiences! The food and expansive tasting were terrific.
Nekresi Estate: Another inn, restaurant, and wine estate, Nekresi has a unique location near an ancient monastery and excellent wines.
Orgo Wine House: We had these wines in the States and couldn't pass up the chance to visit the location while in Georgia.
Tsinandali Estate: While this was the least favorite tasting experience and wines of our trip, some people might enjoy the massive estate, restaurants, and pool - the Russians sure do!
Notes:
Georgians usually only taste wine with food, so our tastings were paired with various local dishes.
Many locations use only social media, not websites; in those cases, we list the websites.
Hillary Tucker is a WSET Level 2 wine professional currently working toward Level 3, and the founder of Grape Curious, where she makes learning about wine approachable, practical, and fun. She helps curious people understand what they’re tasting, discover what they like and why, so they can trust their own taste.
Through the Grape Curious blog, Hillary also shares wine tips and travel experiences, often highlighting smaller wineries she visits with her family, where relaxed settings, personal conversations, and casual learning make discovering wine even more enjoyable.
Want to learn more about wine in person? Explore Grape Curious’ private wine classes.