Kakheti travel guide won’t be complete without mentioning that it is also the cradle of wine. Wine-making tradition here dates back to 6000 BC. The traditional method of making wine – in clay pots called qvevri – is still used and makes very unique flavored wines. The art of making qvevri is passed down generations and is UNESCO heritage. Today Kakheti wine-makers use both the traditional and European methods of making wine and have a fascinating variety which is getting noticed on the international wine market – Georgian orange wines have been recommended by the Washington Post and many wines have won international competitions.

There are 45 varieties of grape grown in Kakheti, including 14 Protected Designations of Origin, which means the name can only be used for the wine produced in that specific area.

The main red variety is Saperavi – a grape variety grown in different regions, and in some of them, like Napareuli, Mukuzani and Kindzmarauli the name is protected according to the area in which the wine is made (i.e. a wine can be called Napareuli only if it was made in Napareuli).

The main white varieties are Rkatsiteli, which, like Saperavi is grown in some areas which protect the name, like Tsinandali,  and other grape varieties such as Mtsvane, Kisi and Tsitska.

A glass (or a few) of local wine will make any type of Kakheti experience and even more enjoyable one. And with the variety of activities and sights, Kakheti has something to offer for anyone.