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Tsinandali is a famous wine sub-region in Telavi municipality, Georgia. This place holds traditions of old winemaking and produces amazing Georgian wines. Another interesting fact about the Tsinandali wine region is that you can see the unique Aleksandre Chavchavadze (Georgian poet, public benefactor and military figure) House-Museum and a wine cellar of the 19th century. By visiting this beautiful wine region, you get the chance to visit this old cellar, which holds unique wines from Europe and taste some distinguished local Georgian wines.

Where is Tsinandali Wine Region?

Tsinandali is a village in Telavi Municipality, Georgia. It is located at the foot of the northeastern slope of the Gombor ridge. 560 m above sea level. 10 km from Telavi city. According to the 2014 census, 2675 people live in the village. The village is known for the fact that the house museum of Aleksandre Chavchavadze and the unique wine cellar of the 19th century are located here.

History of Tsinandali Wine Region

The Tsinandali estate has been the property of the Chavchavadze family since 1680 when Erekle the First (1675-1709) gave Tsinandali and its surrounding villages to the Chavchavadze family in exchange for royal service. This place gained special importance in the 19th century, during the life of Alexander Chavchavadze (1786-1846).

In the 30s of the 19th century, Aleksandre Chavchavadze held a wine warehouse in Tsinandali, where he collected a unique European wine collection along with his wines. The value of this warehouse is the ideal climate and humidity conditions for wine ageing and storage. At the end of the 80s of the 19th century (1888), after the transfer of the Tsinandali estate to the ownership of the royal estates, a large wine factory was built here, and the aforementioned storage area increased significantly. Today, the collection kept in the wine storage includes about 16,500 bottles. Among them are kept unique bottles of 1814 "Polish honey" and 1861 Chateau D'Yquem. The collection also contains the "Saferavi" wine bottled by Alexander for the first time in 1841.

Tsinandali Wine Characteristics

The flagship white wine of Georgia is the name of this most famous white appellation wine. White wine, Tsinandali, has been produced since the 30s of the 19th century, although the wine with a label was released on the market for the first time in 1886. Throughout this time, the style of wine has changed many times. Tsinandali was made by mixing Rkatsiteli and green Kakhuri. Tsinandali is a characterful, fragrant and at the same time energetic white wine.

They pick selected bunches of grapes at 18-22% sugar content and 7.5-8 titer acidity. After clearing and pressing, the sweet is transferred to a storage tank, where it is kept at a low temperature for 15-18 hours. After that, they remove the pure sweet from the liquid and transfer it to the boiling reservoirs. Fermentation takes place at low temperature - 12-15°C.

The Colour is like pale straw colour. As for the aroma, vegetal tones blend with floral and white fruit aromas. It is full-bodied, elegant and complex, opening with tropical fruit flavours that are well-balanced by a citrusy finish and oaky undertones.

Food to Pair with Tsinandali Wine

Khinkali

Khinkali is a popular dish in Georgia, made of twisted knobs of dough and stuffed with meat and spices. The fillings in khinkali vary depending on the region. The original recipe, called "khevsuruli", consisted of only minced meat, onions, chilli pepper, salt and cumin. However, the modern version of the dish is typically made with herbs such as parsley and cilantro. Mushrooms, potatoes, or cheese may be used in place of meat.

Khashlama

Khashlama is a popular beef dish from Georgian cuisine. Originating from the Kakheti region, Khashlama is served during a Georgian feast and may be made with lamb in eastern areas, such as Tusheti.

Kaurma

The dish originates in the mountains of Georgia and uses traditional methods and utensils that shepherds would have used in old days. This dish might be underrated but it is one of the most popular dishes from the Georgian mountains. So if you’re planning on visiting Georgia and its mountains make sure you try this dish and see for yourself.

Places to Visit in Tsinandali

Tsinandali Palace

The complex in Tsinandali embraces the memorial house, a landscape garden, a historical winery, a wine cellar, a hotel and a café. The vineyards have been restored and wine production has resumed. Your time there is valuable, you will have the chance to learn about Georgia's illustrious nobility such as the Chavchavadze family while taking in the splendid views of our garden and winery.

House-museum of Chavchavadze

The manor in the village of Tsinandali is an ancestral estate, a palace of the princely family of Chavchavadze. There are many amazing, beautiful and tragic events in the history of Georgia that are connected with this family. Garsevan Chavchavadze was the original owner of the estate. He was sent by Heraclius II to negotiate with Russia at the time, and we can see his signature on the 1783 Treaty of Georgievsk. The history of the Chavchavadze family and their ancestral estate is closely tied with that of Georgia. There's now a museum on the estate, attracting tourists from all over the world. Almost 20 rooms have been restored in the interior of the 19th-century palace, with only 7 left to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tsinandali Wine Region

What kind of wine is Tsinandali?

Tsinandali wine is made from Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grape varieties. It is a famous Georgian white wine with rich aromas and flavours.

Where is Tsinandali wine region?

Tsinandali is located in Kakheti wine region of Georgia. It is part of the Telavi municipality.

Map of Wineries in Tsinandali

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Wineries in Tsinandali