Regions
Racha-Lechkhumi - rugged peaks, rare sweetness
2 min
Key facts
- Located in northwestern Georgia, within the mountainous zone of the Greater Caucasus
- Vineyards are concentrated between roughly 450 and 750 meters, often on steep slopes above the Rioni Valley
- Climate is cool and humid, with mild summers, cold winters, and significant precipitation
- Soils include humus-rich carbonate soils, loams, and mixed alluvial and colluvial deposits
- Home to two iconic PDOs: Khvanchkara (semi-sweet red) and Tvishi (semi-sweet white)
Landscape & climate
Racha-Lechkhumi is one of Georgia's most dramatic wine landscapes, where vineyards cling to narrow terraces carved into mountain slopes above deep river gorges.
The region sits at the intersection of western Georgia's humid influence and the cooler conditions of higher altitude.
Summers are relatively mild, with frequent cloud cover and rainfall that slow ripening. Winters are long and cold, bringing snow and frost risks. High humidity requires careful vineyard work, while steep terrain limits vineyard size and mechanization.
Soils are diverse, ranging from humus-rich carbonate layers to loams and stony colluvial deposits. This mix provides good drainage, mineral complexity, and natural balance in the wines.
Grape varieties & styles
Racha-Lechkhumi is sparsely planted but distinguished by rare local grapes and distinctive styles: Aleksandrouli, Mujuretuli, Saperavi, Tsolikouri, Orbeluri.
Wine styles found here:
- Naturally semi-sweet red (Khvanchkara) - the region's signature style, combining ripe fruit, softness, and high natural acidity
- Semi-sweet white (Tvishi) - aromatic, balanced, and fresh, with gentle sweetness and lift
- Dry and skin-contact wines - emerging in small quantities, often made with native yeast and minimal intervention
- Village and micro-lot wines - small-scale bottlings that reflect specific slopes, exposures, and family traditions
PDOs & appellations
Despite its small size, Racha-Lechkhumi is home to some of Georgia's most recognizable and tightly defined PDOs: Khvanchkara, Tvishi.
Tasting & character
Wines from Racha-Lechkhumi are shaped by altitude and cool air, resulting in aromatic clarity, freshness, and balance.
- Khvanchkara (semi-sweet red): deep ruby color, aromas of raspberry, cherry, and plum, with hints of cocoa and spice. The palate is velvety, gently sweet, and lifted by bright acidity
- Tvishi (semi-sweet white): pale gold hue, showing peach, apricot, and wildflower honey, with a fresh, harmonious finish
- Skin-contact whites: herbal and nutty nuances, subtle tannin, and crisp mineral structure
- Dry reds: lighter-bodied, with red berry fruit, mountain herbs, and restrained earthiness
Overall, the wines are expressive yet balanced, offering sweetness without heaviness and freshness without sharpness.
Wine tourism & cellars
Racha-Lechkhumi's remote setting and mountain scenery make wine travel here both challenging and rewarding.
Most wineries are family-run, producing small quantities in traditional cellars and qvevri, often alongside modern techniques.
Key villages and towns such as Ambrolauri, Tvishi, and Barakoni offer a close connection to vineyard life, where steep slopes, narrow roads, and mountain air define the experience.
