If you’ve ever dreamed of travelling to a place which feels like stepping back in time – where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with jaw-dropping landscapes – then Kakheti, Georgia, is calling your name. Nestled between the mighty Caucasus Mountains and the sun-drenched Alazani River Valley, Kakheti is Georgia’s not-so-secret wine paradise, brimming with ancient history, mouth-watering cuisine, and a rich tapestry of culture waiting to be uncovered.
Here are just five compelling reasons why this enchanting corner of Georgia should be at the top of your travel wish list.
The World’s Oldest Wine Traditions in Kakheti
Harvest time at a winery
In Kakheti, wine has been made for over 8,000 years. Yes, you read that right. Georgia is the birthplace of wine. The ancient art of winemaking is so embedded in Kakheti’s identity that it practically runs through the veins of the land itself.
What sets Kakheti apart from the rest of the world’s wine regions is its distinctive production method: qvevri winemaking. Imagine ancient clay vessels, some as large as small rooms, buried deep in the earth, where grapes ferment and mature naturally. The result is wine that’s as rich in flavour as it is in history: deep, complex reds like the iconic Saperavi, and crisp whites like Rkatsiteli, which pair perfectly with the local cuisine.
Wineries here aren’t just places to taste exceptional wines – they’re living museums of tradition. Many vineyards – including that at the Tsinandali Estate, the first winery in Georgia to introduce European wine-making methods 200 years ago — still welcome visitors to step into the old cellars, taste wine straight from the barrel, and learn about their unique wines in expertly guided tastings.
Unveil Stunning Landscapes
Kakheti is a land where nature wears many faces: sun-kissed vineyards, golden fields, dramatic mountains, and peaceful river valleys. This diverse terrain makes it a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. Imagine strolling through miles of lush vineyards, with the imposing Caucasus mountains as your backdrop.
Caucasus mountains, Kakheti
The snow-capped peaks, which seem to touch the sky, are best glimpsed from the terrace of the Radisson Collection Tsinandali Estate: sip a glass of chilled wine while watching the sun dip behind the vineyards, with the mountains on the horizon.
The Alazani River, which weaves through the valley, reflects the light of the setting sun like liquid gold, offering some of the most picturesque sunsets in the country. For those who prefer to explore by foot, the Lagodekhi National Park awaits, offering scenic hiking trails, wild waterfalls, and wildlife that ranges from deer to wild boar.
Wander Through Georgia’s Ancient Past
Kakheti isn’t just about wine and views; it’s also a treasure trove of history. This region is home to some of the oldest and most significant religious and architectural monuments in Georgia. The Alaverdi Cathedral in Telavi, for example, stands as a silent witness to centuries of change. Built in the 6th century, its grandeur still commands the landscape, a perfect juxtaposition against the sweeping valley below.
Alaverdi Cathedral in Telavi
Next, take a short drive to the ancient fortress city of Gremi, which once served as the capital of the Kakheti Kingdom. Today, its crumbling towers and beautiful church stand like a testament to a bygone era. The nearby town of Sighnaghi, perched high on a hilltop, is a well-preserved gem with cobblestone streets, charming houses, and fortified walls which have stood for centuries.
As you wander these ancient sites, you’ll feel like a time traveller, transported to the heart of Georgia’s rich cultural past.
Experience a World-Class Events Calendar
Kakheti doesn’t just shine in natural beauty and history – it also knows how to throw a great party! The region hosts an array of events celebrating everything from wine to music, making it an exciting destination all year round.
The Tsinandali Festival, held every September in the stunning gardens of the Tsinandali Estate, is a highlight for music lovers. The festival attracts some of the world’s finest classical musicians, who perform in an open-air setting which couldn’t be any more magical: you are sitting under the stars, listening to an orchestra, with vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see.
For those interested in the culinary arts, the Rtveli festival – Georgia’s harvest festival – takes place in late summer and autumn. This lively event celebrates the grape harvest with music, dancing, and, of course, lots of wine. Visitors often join in the harvest itself, hands covered in grape juice, as the rhythms of traditional Georgian folk music fill the air.
Savour the Flavours of Kakheti – Don’t Miss Chakapuli
No trip to Georgia is complete without tasting its deliciously rich cuisine. In Kakheti, the ultimate local dish is chakapuli, a hearty lamb stew, brimming with fresh herbs, green plums, garlic, and white wine. Chakapuli really is the gastronomic mirror of Kakheti: fresh, vibrant, and unapologetically bold.
Chakapuli is traditionally eaten in the spring, when the first green plums are harvested, but it’s such a crowd favourite that it appears year-round in local restaurants. Paired with a glass of Kakheti’s finest wine, ideally a dry Saperavi or a Mtsvane, chakapuli will make your taste buds dance.
FACT FILE
Fly: British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital city, four times a week.
Stay: Check in to the stunning Radisson Collection Tsinandali Estate, a luxury hotel on the historic Tsinandali Estate.
The post Why you should visit Kakheti, Georgia – the Caucasus’ most beguiling destination appeared first on The Travel Magazine.
