Alaverdi Cathedral in Alzani valley.

Andrew Montgomery

Kakheti

The eastern region of Kakheti is Georgia’s premier wine-producing area. Almost everywhere you go, you’ll be invited to drink a glass of traditional qvevri brew, and it’s easy to find yourself wandering around in a semipermanent mellow haze. Kakheti is also rich in history: here you’ll find the incredible monastery cave complex of Davit Gareja in a desolate spot overlooking the Azerbaijan border; the vaguely Tuscan-looking hilltop town of Sighnaghi; and many extraordinarily located churches and castles – both ruined and restored – around the charming regional capital, Telavi.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Chavchavadze House Museum in Tsinandali. Georgia; Shutterstock ID 633216923; Your name (First / Last): Gemma Graham; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Georgia destination page masthead and POI images

    Chavchavadze Estate

    Kakheti

    Prince Alexander Chavchavadze (1786–1846) was one of the most colourful and influential characters in Georgian history, and the palace and gardens he…

  • Alaverdi Cathedral

    Alaverdi Cathedral

    Kakheti

    At the beginning of the 11th century, when Georgia was entering its cultural and political golden age, King Kvirike of Kakheti had this majestic cathedral…

  • Sighnaghi Museum

    Sighnaghi Museum

    Sighnaghi

    This well-displayed, modern museum has good exhibits on Kakheti archaeology and history downstairs, and a room of 13 paintings by Kakheti-born artist Niko…

  • Walls

    Walls

    Sighnaghi

    Most of Erekle II’s 4km defensive wall still stands, with 23 towers and each of its six gates named after a local village. Part of the wall runs along…

  • Schuchmann

    Schuchmann

    Kakheti

    A very professional modern operation 7km southeast of central Telavi, producing 1.5 million bottles a year – 30% is qvevri wine (under the Vinoterra label…

  • Lagodekhi Protected Areas

    Lagodekhi Protected Areas

    Kakheti

    This remote, 244-sq-km nature reserve climbs to heights of over 3000m in the Caucasus above the small town of Lagodekhi in eastern Kakheti near the…

  • Twins Old Cellar

    Twins Old Cellar

    Kakheti

    A family-run operation making qvevri and European wine, 23km north of Telavi. Visits include its comprehensive qvevri wine museum and a tasting of three…

  • Shumi

    Shumi

    Kakheti

    This interesting smallish winery produces wines of numerous appellations under the Shumi and Iberiuli labels, and has a vineyard of 432 vine varieties,…

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Go Beyond

Kakheti and beyond

Beyond Kakheti
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