Travel Guide to Kartli Wine Region

Kartli wine region is one of the main wine regions in Georgia with a rich historical background.  It is located in the central part of the country, between the Kakheti wine region and the Imereti wine region. The traditional Georgian and European techniques of winemaking are applied in a very successful way in the Kartli wine region but we can easily say that the Kartli wine region mostly is associated with classic European-style wines. Kartli wine region is also famous for sparkling wines, it is one of the leading contributors to sparkling wine production in Georgia. Even if you feel the bubbles’ soft touch in still wine, trust yourself, it’s true and very characteristic of some local grape varieties. Just enjoy this surprise.

Find out about Wine Tasting & Tours in Kartli Wine Region to enjoy if you visit the region.

Follow our travel guide to the Kartli wine region to discover more about:

Bubbles wines of Kartli Wine Region

Cultural places to discover in Kartli Wine Region

Outdoors to explore in Kartli Wine Region

Food to try in Kartli Wine Region

Let’s Meet Bubbly Kartli Wine Region and its Varied Terroirs

Kartli Wine Region, together with Kakheti and Imereti, forms the main profile of Georgian winemaking. Kartli wine region is not just a wine region geographically located between Kakheti and Imereti, we can easily say that stylistically Kartli wines are transitional between those two regions. If you take the intensity of the wines of the Kartli wine region and the freshness of Imereti wines and add boundless elegance and a few bubbles on top, then you get the true character of the Kartli wine region.

Things to know before visiting Kartli Wine Region

Kartli wine region is in the central region of Georgia. Kartli wine region is surrounded on all sides by mountain ranges, which plays an important role in the formation of the Kartli wine region terroir. The territory of the Kartli wine region itself is quite mountainous, and the vineyards are found mainly in the valleys between the mountains, mostly in the basins of the rivers Mtkvari, Liakhvi, and Ksani. The valley of Mukhrani, Gori, and Tsitelkalaki create the most favourable terroir for the Kartli wine region.

Kartli wine region is divided into three zones, both geographically and in terms of winemaking: Kvemo, Shua, and Zemo Kartli. The vineyards are mainly cultivated at an altitude of 450-700 meters above sea level. Kartli wine region soils are quite diversified, but mainly we can find meadow-cinnamonic and humus-carbonate soils.

Kartli wine region has continental, warm, and humid climates. But it should be mentioned that some areas are very dry because of very typical winds which are the reason for drying the soil. That is why it is necessary to irrigate the vineyard in that range. The annual sum of atmospheric precipitation is 370-700 mm. The duration of sunlight is 2100-2500 hours.

What to Expect from a Visit to Kartli Wine Region

The peculiarity of the Kartli wine region terroirs and the grape varieties leads to the production of very high-quality still and sparkling wines. The Kartli wine region actively uses both the classic technology of winemaking, as well as the methods typical for Georgia, be it the fermentation of white grape juice with grape must, or using Qvevri winemaking technology. Qvevri is a specially shaped clay vessel, which is buried under the ground. Qvevri provides unique structures, aromas, and colours to wines. It should be noted the ancient tradition of Qvevri winemaking is on the list of intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO since 2013. There still exists a very curious practice in the winemaking of the Kartli wine region; sometimes they ferment white grape juice on red grapes must produce rose wine.

It is interesting to note that the Kartli wine region terroirs show excellent results in the cultivation of both endemic grape varieties and various French grape varieties too. In general, Kartli wines really remind you of French sophisticated, super harmonious, and elegant wines.

Kartli Wines Variety to Discover

The Kartli wine region is famous for white, red, and sparkling wines with a strong characteristic profile. The Kartli wine region has very diversified local grape wine varieties, as well as international ones.

What to expect from Kartli wines

Goruli Mtsvane

The white grape variety Mtsvane is widely spread throughout many wine regions of Georgia. However, under the influence of different terroirs, this variety offers quite different profiles of wines, even in terms of ampelography. Goruli Mtsvane, which indicates the place of its production, is widespread in the Kartli wine region. "Mtsvane" itself means green in Georgian and indicates the colour of the grape bunch which has a green tint and the same colour can be observed in the wines as well.  Goruli Mtsvane is associated with the production of high-quality wine.

The color of Goruli Mtsvane wine varies from light straw to dark amber and depends on the wine-making technology. The wine-making process is very often run using steel tanks or Qvevri. The method of aging in oak is also practiced.

From the aromas of this wine we can choose the following:

• Wildflowers
• Yellow fruit
• Honey
• Citrus fruit
• Tropical fruit

Shavkapito

Shavkapito is a red grape variety, which is indigenous to the Kartli wine region. It is mainly spread in Shida Kartli. If you want to taste a meaningful and complex, but at the same time light and easy-drinking wine, then Shavkapito is a really good choice. The wine’s silky and soft structure will fascinate you easily, but you can never say that it is a simple wine. Shavkapito is often used in blends with other grape varieties.

Both classic and Georgian traditional wine-making methods are used to produce Shavkapito wines. Ruby colour and berry aromas are very typical for its wine but these aromas can vary on the winemaking techniques used in the production process.

Characteristic aromas of Shavkapito grape variety are the following:

• Ripe fennel
• Berries
• Plum
• Cherries
• Floral aromas

Tavkveri

Tavkveri is a red grape variety, which is indigenous to the Kartli wine region. It is particularly light in colour and for this reason, is often used to make rose wine. Tavkveri wine is characterized by a light body. Usually, Tavkveri wines have a low level of alcohol and high acidity, which adds freshness to it. All these make Tavkveri an excellent wine for hot summer days.

Characteristic aromas of this Kartlian grape variety are following:

• Red fruit
• Wild roses
• Berries
• Cherry
• Strawberries

Wineries to Visit in Kartli Wine Region

Château Mukhrani

Château Mukhrani is based on the historical tradition of wine-making in the Mukhrani region in the Kartli wine region. With a combination of 4 components: vineyards, winery, castle, and tradition it stands as one of the first and only true Georgian Royal Chateau. Mukhrani (“decorated with oak trees“) is one of the most beautiful Georgian villages, on the strip of lowland between the Caucasus and Trialeti mountain ranges.

Marani Sevsamora

Marani Sevsamora was founded in 2015 as an educational and scientific research facility. Since its establishment, it has worked towards the development of organic viticulture and winemaking in the Kartli wine region in Georgia. The vines in the vineyards are tended organically. Which involves using organically pure, bio-preparations and fertilization of the land with bio-nutrients. The wines are made using traditional Georgian wine-making methods.

Wine Artisans

The Wine Artisans is a truly natural Georgian winery in the Shida Kartli wine region of Georgia. The vines are planted on the Trialeti terroirs in the center of Georgia. The vineyards are planted at 800 meters above sea level alongside the Trialeti Mountain Range and next to the village of Akhaltsikhe. Wine Artisans produce 100% natural dry red and orange wines. No artificial yeasts, additives, sulfur, or filters are added in the wine production process.

Read more about Wineries in Kartli Wine Region to visit.

PDOs in Kartli Wine Region

There are only two PDOs in the Kartli wine region – Ateni and Bolnisi. Both of them provide very interesting wine profiles you should know and try.

PDO Ateni

Ateni is located in the central part of the Kartli wine region. The vineyards are cultivated at an altitude of 580-750 meters above sea level. We can observe a moderately humid subtropical climate. Brown and alluvial soils are found in this PDO. "Atenuri" (wine from Ateni) can be white dry, sparkling, and lightly sparkling wine. "Atenuri" can be made only from Chinuri,  Goruli Mtsvane, and Aligote grapes. Atenuri wine is straw-coloured and has a delicate structure. The invigorating acidity and fullness make the wine very harmonious.

PDO Bolnisi

Bolnisi PDO is located in Kvemo Kartli in the Kartli wine region. The vineyards are cultivated at an altitude of 500-800 m above sea level. Bolnisi is a dry wine that can be either white, red or rose. Bolnisi white wine is made from Rkatsiteli, Chinuri and Goruli Mtsvane grapes. Bolnisi red wine is made from Saperavi, Tavkveri, Shavkapito, and Asuretuli Shavi grapes. Bolnisi rose wine is made from different grape varieties from this microzone by fermenting white grape sweet on red grape must, or by mixing white and red wines directly. Very sophisticated, harmonious, soft, and at the same time fresh and aromatic wines can be tasted in the Bolnisi PDO.

Top-3 places to visit in Kartli Wine Region

Jvris monastery – Symbol of Christianity

While visiting the Kartli wine region, Jvris Monastery is one of the must-see places. Soon after Georgia became a Christian country, the King ordered a wooden Cross (Jvari -  Cross) to be raised on the top of the hill, and it became the symbol of Christianity for Georgians and the rest of the Caucasian nations. Two centuries later Georgian Eristavis (dukes) used their combined wealth to build the monastery. This wondrous work of art is built in an amazing place Overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers. Jvris Monastery is a part of the Historical Monuments of Mtskheta World Heritage site. With its traditional Georgian architecture, Mtskheta is a truly mesmerizing place.

Uplistsikhe – An ancient rock-hewn town

Uplistsikhe is one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus in the Kartli wine region. It's an ancient city carved into the rock. it is believed that the building of the complex had begun in the early bronze age, while some parts of the city date to the middle ages. The inner part of the city is better preserved, and is around 4 ha. in 2006 the whole complex was recognized as a Cultural Monument of National Importance.

Dmanisi – Archeological site where first Europeans lived

This historical site is archaeologically significant not just to Georgia but we can also proudly say to the world. Archaeological excavations began in the mid-1930s, the first findings revealed the site of the former city, part of which dated to the middle ages and a part to the early bronze age. Further findings revealed stone tools, which demonstrated signs of earlier habitation. In the 1980s, the remains of an extinct Dicerorhinus Etruscans were found. It is believed that this two-horned rhinoceros existed from the Pliocene to the Late Pleistocene. Soon after this finding, archaeologists from all around the world were involved in excavations.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, several skulls and lower jaws were found that were recognized as subspecies of Homo Erectus, those remains now are considered Homo Erectus Georgicus. Interestingly enough, they are dated 1 600 000 years old and are the oldest findings outside of Africa. Homo Erectus Georgicus is considered as oldest European.

If you want to see how the oldest Europeans used to look, and what their everyday life was like, for sure Dmanisi is the right place to visit.

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia also belongs to Kartli region. The city is a popular destination for wine tourism and offers a plethora of wine-related activities. Likewise, you can explore the best wineries near Tbilisi.

Discover and explore top Guided Wine Tours in Kartli, Georgia.

Natural places to explore

Tsalka Canyon – The majestic place of waterfalls

Tsalka Canyon a.k.a Dashbashi Canyon is worth visiting for nature and outdoors lovers. This mesmerizing place is located in a mountain gorge in Tsalka municipality in the Kartli wine region, the beautiful sight of the terrace-like landscape covered with rapid vegetation and the river Khrami that runs at its foot might leave you speechless and with a huge smile on your face, but the true gem of the canyon is a cluster of cascading waterfalls that in the summer create a beautiful sight while running down on foliage and in winter if frozen, take the whole place to majestic levels.

Arsena's Cave – Breathtaking hideout of Georgian Robin Hood

The name of Arsena's Cave is linked to the 19th-century Georgian outlaw, Arsena Marabdeli, that couldn't resist the social constructions of his time. He was a rebellious worker who, while fighting against inequality, eventually became a Georgian Robin Hood. He was distributing money that he was taking from the rich, among the poor. It is believed that Arsena's cave was his hideout, located in the gorgeous National Park of Algeti, the site is only accessible by foot and it's a great opportunity to experience the marvellous landscape and touch a part of history.

Birtvisis Canyon – Beauty from many thousand years ago

Birtvisi Canyon, this amazing place, was formed many thousands of years ago, back when this place was the centre of volcanic activities, and through the centuries time and nature shaped this volcanic mountain, into a mesmerizing natural wonder. The Birtvisi canyon is a hidden gem for extreme lovers, to fully experience it, you will have to climb rocks, swim in the river, and go through many obstacles, but boy oh boy, the beauty of nature that you experience is totally worth it.

Top-3 foods to try in Kartli Wine Region

Chakhrakina – cheese bread with beetroot leaves

As you might already know, Khachapuri is one of the central pieces of Georgian cuisine, and every region of Georgia has its own variation, surely Kartly is no exception, here you can try a simple but surely very tasty variation - Chakhrakina, which takes traditional khachapuri and adds beetroot leaves in the filling before the baking, in some cases a spoonful of sour cream is added to enrich the taste profile. With or without sour cream this is the dish that is worth trying and surely you will ask for more.

Lobio – Stew of kidney bean

Lobio is a widely spread name in Georgia used for dishes made from kidney beans, it is so popular that it even has a folk song. This is heartwarming comfort food, after tasting it you would feel that you grew up eating it. One of the best combinations for this dish is brined/pickled sour vegetables, for which the Kartli wine region is famous.

Shindis Shechamandi – Soups of cornelian cherries

Kartli wine region as a whole, among other things, is very famous for its soups and their variations which are called Shechamandi. One can argue that the Shechamandi made out of cornelian cherries is one of the best ones, simple yet refreshing, seasoned with seasonal greens and veggies, a great accompaniment on a hot summer day.

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