Regions
Racha-Lechkhumi - rugged peaks, rare sweetness
2 min
Key facts
- Located in northwestern Georgia, in the mountainous belt of Greater Caucasus
- Viticulture concentrated 450-750 m elevation, mostly on steep slopes near Rioni Valley
- Climate: humid, cool summers, cold winters, significant precipitation
- Soils: humus-carbonate, loam, deluvial/proluvial, alluvial mixes
- Famous protected wines: Khvanchkara (semi-sweet red), Tvishi (semi-sweet white) PDOs
Landscape & climate
Racha-Lechkhumi is among Georgia's most mountainous wine zones. The Rioni River cuts deep gorges, and vineyard terraces cling tightly to slopes.
The region straddles the line between western humid influence and the cooler highlands.
Summers are milder than in eastern Georgia, with more cloud cover and rain. Winters are long and cold, with snow and frost risks. The high humidity demands careful vineyard management. The steep terrain forces small plots, intricate terracing, and strong erosion control.
Soils vary: humus-rich carbonate soils, loams, alluvial deposits in valley flanks, and colluvial scree in higher zones. These mixed soils give depth, minerality, and drainage.
Grape varieties & styles
While Racha-Lechkhumi is less vineyard-dense than Kakheti or Imereti, it's unique for its semi-sweet expressions and rare local grapes: Aleksandrouli, Mujuretuli, Saperavi, Tsolikouri, Orbeluri.
Wine styles found here:
- Naturally semi-sweet red (Khvanchkara): the hallmark style here. Deep, velvet, fruit-laden with balanced acidity
- Semi-sweet white (Tvishi): elegant, aromatic white with balanced sugar and refreshing structure
- Dry/skin contact whites or reds: experiments are emerging, especially with local yeast and minimal intervention
- Micro-blend or village style wines using local grapes in small lots
PDOs & appellations
Racha-Lechkhumi may be small in size, but it's home to some of Georgia's most iconic PDOs: Khvanchkara, Tvishi.
Tasting & character
Racha-Lechkhumi wines reflect their highland origin - expressive, aromatic, and shaped by cool mountain air:
- Khvanchkara (semi-sweet red): deep ruby hue, aromas of ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum with hints of chocolate and spice. Soft sweetness balanced by lively acidity and velvety texture
- Tvishi (semi-sweet white): pale gold color, notes of peach, apricot, and wildflower honey. Fresh, harmonious palate with a clean, lingering finish
- White experiments: gentle skin contact gives herbal, nutty undertones with crisp minerality
- Dry reds: leaner structure, mountain herbs, bright red fruit, and subtle earthiness
Wines here are fresh, aromatic, and balanced - capturing the cool-climate finesse of the western highlands.
Wine tourism & cellars
Racha-Lechkhumi's dramatic mountain scenery and winding roads make every visit an adventure.
Family-run wineries craft authentic wines in small cellars and qvevri, preserving ancient methods.
Explore Ambrolauri, Tvishi, and Barakoni - where vineyards cling to steep slopes and tradition meets pure mountain air.
