Regions
Kakheti - Georgia's wine heartland
2 min
Key facts
- Over 60 % of Georgia's vineyards are in Kakheti
- Elevation ranges ~250-800 m above sea level
- Soil types: alluvial, chernozem, cinnamonic, forest grey, and more
- Major rivers: Alazani and Iori basins shape microclimates
- Hosts many of Georgia's best-known PDOs: Tsinandali, Mukuzani, Kvareli, Kindzmarauli, Napareuli, etc
Landscape & climate
Nestled in eastern Georgia, Kakheti stretches across valley floors and foothills under the Greater and Lesser Caucasus ranges. Alazani and Iori rivers traverse the region, supplying essential moisture to vineyards.
Rainfall is moderated by the Likhi Ridge, which blocks excessive moist air from the west. As a result, Kakheti is drier than western Georgia. Summers are warm, winters cold, and spring/fall sees medium rainfall.
Vineyards lie mainly between 250 m and 800 m altitude. Soil is complex - alluvial in valley bottoms, cinnamonic or forest soils upslope, and pockets of chernozem.
Those conditions give growers flexibility: warm exposures for reds, cooler niches for whites, but also risk (drought, late frosts, uneven ripening).
Grape varieties & styles
Kakheti's signature grapes are: Kakhuri Mtsvane, Budeshuri Saperavi, Khikhvi, Mtsvivani Kakhuri, Kisi, Saperavi.
Wine styles found here:
- Dry reds - bold, dark, ageworthy (especially under PDOs like Mukuzani)
- Amber / skin-contact whites - using qvevri, especially in more traditional cellars
- Semi-sweet reds - e.g. Kindzmarauli in Kvareli zone
- Dry whites - from Rkatsiteli + Mtsvane blends (Tsinandali, Vazisubani)
PDOs & appellations in Kakheti
Many of Georgia's prestigious PDOs sit inside Kakheti. Some to highlight: Tsinandali, Mukuzani, Kvareli, Kindzmarauli, Napareuli, Akhasheni.
Tasting & character
Wines from Kakheti often combine strength and elegance.
- Reds (Saperavi): deep color, dark fruit (black cherry, plum, cassis), spice, earthy or oak notes. Good aging potential
- Amber / skin-contact whites: tannic backbone, dried fruit, nuts, tea, herbal notes, orange peel
- Dry whites (blends): floral, green apple, citrus, herbal lift, light structure
- Semi-sweet reds: sweet berry, ripe fruit, soft tannins, gentle finish
Serving temperature, glassware, and decanting may sharpen or soften these profiles.
Wine tourism & cellars
Kakheti is very visitor-friendly, with many wineries welcoming guests, especially around Telavi, Kvareli, and Gurjaani districts.
Highlights include wine tunnels and caves like Khareba's, and ancient monasteries set among vineyard landscapes such as Alaverdi and Nekresi.
You can walk freely along vineyard roads and visit local maranis to see small producers crafting traditional qvevri wines.
