Wine Travel Hit List: Georgia

There are 3 wine regions that are high on our wine travel list these days: Douro, Sardinia, and both Racha-Lechkhumi and Imereti in Georgia.

Picture this: you’re walking through the sun-dappled vineyards of a charming, family-run winery, a glass of exquisite local wine in hand. Around you, people are speaking different languages, the air you breathe has a different quality than the one you experience at home, and you know that as you sip, you’re not just tasting the wine; you’re savoring the essence of the land. This is the magic of wine travel— new, unexpected varietals to try in places that seem like they’re pulled from a novel.

Taste, smell, sight and feel fused into your memory, when you pour a glass of wine from that region you visited over the summer, you’re automatically transported back - and even though you’re sitting on your own patio or your fire escape ‘balcony’ in New York City, the experience is just as exquisite.

It’s Summer, i.e. wine travel season, and we’ve got three regions at the top of our list. With all the incredible places to taste wine around the world, it can be hard to narrow it down. Instead of trying to hit all the grape growing regions in one country, focus on one area. We promise that it will offer enough to keep you busy and oftentimes, will truly surprise you.

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Georgia

Laura is about to embark on another trip to Georgia, which is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. She will be visiting most of the country as she’s putting together a wine retreat for 2025 (she’ll be there from July 10-30 and will be reporting back on Belle & Bottle Insta, so be sure to follow along), but the regions we’re focused on this week are Racha-Lechkhumi and Imereti.

Racha-Lechkhumi: A Hidden Gem

Racha-Lechkhumi, one of Georgia’s smallest but most significant wine regions, lies between the Imreti region and the Greater Caucasus mountains. Covering nearly 5,000 square kilometers in northern Georgia, this picturesque area is located about 160 kilometers north of Tbilisi. It encompasses the historic provinces of Racham, Lechkhumi, and Kvemo Svaneti, with Ambroulari as its viticultural heart, closely followed by Tsageri.

The region’s vineyards are nestled in the highlands formed by the Tskhenis-Tsqali and Rioni rivers, benefiting from a unique climate. The proximity to the Black Sea results in higher precipitation levels compared to the drier Kakheti region to the east. The vineyards thrive on the undulating slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, which bring moderately cold winters and hot, dry summers. Due to high humidity, vines are planted at low densities with thin canopies to prevent fungal diseases.

Racha-Lechkhumi is known for its sweet wines, made possible by the high sugar levels produced by the sunny climate. White wines in this region feature Tetra, Tsitska, and Tsolikouri (Bazaleturi), while reds are crafted from Alexandrouli, Mujuretuli (Keduretuli), Usakhelauri, Orbeluri Odzhaleshi, and Saperavi grapes. Notably, the microregion of Khvanchakara is famed for its semi-sweet Khvanchakara wines, which have a raspberry aroma and have been produced since the early 20th century.

We really like the drier wines from this region and you can taste them at Tchrebalo Wine Cellar, which is also woman-owned, Japaridze Winery, and Didgori Wines.

Imereti: A Blend of Tradition and Diversity

Imereti, situated in western Georgia, is another vital wine region, known for its diverse climate and rich winemaking traditions. This area, south of Racha-Lechkhumi, features a mix of mild maritime and continental climates, providing ideal conditions for growing a variety of grape types. The region’s fertile valleys and rolling hills create a picturesque landscape perfect for viticulture.

Imereti's vineyards benefit from a moderate climate with adequate rainfall and warm summers, allowing for the cultivation of numerous indigenous grape varieties. The region is particularly noted for its white wines, which include Tsitska, Tsolikouri, and Krakhuna grapes. These wines are typically light, fresh, and aromatic, embodying the essence of the region’s terroir. Red wines from Imereti are made from Otskhanuri Sapere, Dzelshavi, and Shavkapito grapes, offering a range of flavors from robust and tannic to soft and fruity.

This region produces beautiful white wines because the winemaking process is deeply rooted in the use of qvevri, large clay vessels buried underground for fermentation and aging. This ancient technique, combined with modern practices, gives complex flavors and great mouthfeel. A more rounded profile, similar to concrete aging. 

Both Racha-Lechkhumi and Imereti showcase the rich diversity and deep-rooted traditions of Georgian winemaking. Each region offers unique wine experiences, from the sweet, sun-drenched wines of Racha-Lechkhumi to the fresh, aromatic whites and robust reds of Imereti. Here, you can explore the depth and complexity of Georgia's viticultural heritage which is unlike any other in the world.

These wineries can be hard to find and difficult to access, which is partly what makes them so interesting and appealing, and we are here for it. We can also help you navigate through Georgia wine country, get you connected to the winemakers and local culture should you decide to travel to the region. And if you don’t go this summer, stay tuned to learn more about the retreat that Laura is planning for 2025!

Coming up next: Douro and Sardinia…