Regions
Imereti - Georgia's western wine crossroads
2 min
Key facts
- Located in western-central Georgia, stretching from the Likhi Range toward the Kolkheti lowlands
- Vineyard elevations range from roughly 50 to 500 meters above sea level
- Soils vary widely, including clay, marl, alluvial deposits, and mixed hillside sediments
- Key grape varieties include Tsolikouri, Tsitska, Krakhuna, Otskhanuri Sapere, Argvetuli Sapere, and others
- Home to the Sviri PDO, focused on dry white wines made from local varieties
Landscape & climate
Imereti's landscape is diverse, shaped by rolling hills, river valleys, and transitional zones that gradually open toward the western lowlands.
Vineyards are often planted along river gorges formed by the Rioni and its tributaries, including the Kvirila, Chkherimela, Dzirula, and Khanistskali.
The climate reflects western Georgia's humid influence, with higher rainfall and humidity than in the east. Cloud cover and cooler nights help moderate summer heat, while varied slopes and soils create a mosaic of microclimates.
Because of these conditions, careful drainage, canopy management, and disease control are essential. Many growers favor organic or low-intervention approaches to maintain vineyard health and balance.
Grape varieties & styles
Imereti is especially known for its white grapes, including: Tsolikouri, Tsitska, Krakhuna, Otskhanuri Sapere.
Typical wine styles:
- Dry white wines - fresh, clear, mineral-driven, with moderate body and expressive fruit
- Skin-contact / amber whites - traditionally made with shorter maceration, resulting in softer tannins and greater subtlety than eastern styles
- Light reds and rosés - increasingly explored, often delicate and aromatic
- Blended whites - combining local varieties to balance aromatics, acidity, and texture
PDOs & appellations
Sviri is the principal PDO of Imereti, producing dry white wines from regional grapes such as Tsolikouri, Tsitska, and Krakhuna in and around the village of Sviri.
Tasting & character
Wines from Imereti are typically defined by freshness, elegance, and restraint.
- Dry whites: citrus, green apple, white flowers, mineral notes; moderate body and clean, refreshing finish
- Skin-contact / amber wines: gentle tannins, dried herbs, tea, nutty tones, and subtle spice
- Light reds and rosés: red berry fruit, floral hints, low tannin, and soft earthy nuances
- Blended wines: often especially harmonious, combining lift with quiet structure
Overall, Imeretian wines tend to show higher natural acidity and lower tannin than many eastern Georgian styles.
Wine tourism & cellars
Imereti has a dynamic, grassroots wine culture, with many small producers restoring old vineyards and reviving regional traditions.
Wineries such as Baia's Wine and Tchrebalo have helped draw attention to the region's refined, natural style of winemaking.
Visitors can explore vineyard roads, traditional buried churi cellars, and enjoy local cuisine in villages around Vani, Baghdati, Zestaponi, and Terjola.
