Travel Guide to Imereti Wine Region

There is an expression in Georgia that describes something particularly splendid and refreshing - "it will raise the dead”. Wine lovers have also been known to use this expression to tell about a certain wine with a particular refreshing character and high level of acidity. This quote is the best way to describe Imereti wines which are extremely playful, vibrant, fleshy and lively. Imereti wines will frolic and dance with you from the very first moment you meet, they will revive you and give you joy for life.

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

Read our travel guide to the Imereti wine region and discover more about:

Refreshing wines of the Imereti Wine Region

Local traditions of the Imereti Wine Region

Places to visit in Imereti Wine Region

Food to try in the Imereti Wine Region

Let’s Meet Energizing Imereti Wine Region and its Varied Terroirs

Imereti wine region is a historical-geographical part of Georgia with a rich wine culture and heritage. You can even observe historical records about Imereti wines from the XVII-XVIII centuries. Imereti wine region is right behind Kakheti in most of the wine production indicators and it is really necessary to understand the connection between these two wine regions as essential, as they produce two completely different characteristic wines. These two wine regions complement each other incredibly well and together they form a harmonious portrait of Georgian winemaking. Together Kakheti wine region, with its strength and constancy, and, the Imereti wine region, with its elegance and energy, create Georgia’s wine profile.

Diversity of the Imereti Wine Region

Imereti wine region is very diverse, taking into account the geographical characteristics, which in itself is reflected in the varied wines. Imereti wine region is the central part of Georgia and it is bordered by the Likha ridge, the Caucasus ridge, the Meskheti mountains, and the Tskhenistskali river. Vineyards in the Imereti wine region are mainly cultivated in river valleys, from up to 50 to 500 meters above sea level. 70% of the Imereti wine region is mountainous. Due to these geographical circumstances, it is even more interesting to see the vineyards of the Imereti wine region, where you can see the classical training systems of vines, as well as a very traditional training method for the Imereti wine region using low poles.

In the Imereti wine region, the climate is mainly humid subtropical,  while the influence of the Black Sea is quite weak in this area. Winters in the Imereti wine region are mostly cold, and summers are drier and hotter. Precipitation volume varies from 1300-1800 mm.

In terms of winemaking and viticulture, the Imereti wine region is conventionally divided into three zones: Upper, Middle, and Lower zone of the Imereti wine region. Both climatic and soil differences are observed between these zones, although in general, we can say that in the Imereti wine region we find stony and calcareous soils, with limestone and carbonate rocky soils present as well.

What to Expect from the Imereti Wine Region

Imereti wine region is famous for producing white wines. Also, most of the Georgian sparkling wines are produced in the Imereti wine region. The Imereti wine region terroir is excellent for producing high-acid, fresh and vivid wines. In the Imereti wine region, the classic technology (white wine technology) of winemaking is mainly used, however, it is quite relevant to also mention that white wine is made using red wine technology, and also, the Qvevri (a clay vessel) is actively used, which is called Churi in the Imereti wine region. However, unlike Kakheti, the volume of the grape must is significantly lower in the grape juice, which contributes delicate structure and elegance to the Imereti wines.

The Churi (Qvevri), which is a specially shaped clay vessel, is buried in the ground in the open area. The consistent temperature under the ground and the micro-oxidation processes caused by the clay pottery give the wine an amber hue. Also, it significantly affects the structure of tannins and makes them softer and velvety. It should be noted that since 2013 when UNESCO introduced the ancient tradition of Qvevri winemaking to the list of intangible cultural heritage

Imereti Wines Variety will Fascinate You at the First meeting

Imereti wine region is famous for white wine, but the red wines of this region have a very characteristic profile and are a niche for the Georgian market.

Imereti Wine Region Map

You can also check out our interactive map of the Imereti Wine Region to discover wineries with open cellar doors.

Learn More about Imereti Wine Region

Tsitska-Tsolikouri - Let’s Play Together

Tsitska and Tsolikouri are two different varieties of white grapes, although their separation is often unthinkable. The tandem of these two varieties gives excellent results in wine. Tsitska's body structure and the high acidity of Tsolikouri create fresh, playful, aromatic wines. These varieties are often used in the production of sparkling wines too.

The colour of Tsitska-Tsolikouri 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 practice of ageing in oak is also quite relevant.

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

• Citrus fruit
• Tropical fruit
• White plum
• Yellow fruit (mushmula, for example)
• Flowers

Krakhuna - Love at First Sight

Krakhuna looks like a young, ambitious man  He knows his abilities, though a little rigid because of his youthful passions. Over time, along with ageing, it acquires the wisdom and elegance that characterizes the full body and high acidity of this grape. On the very first day of its bottling, Krakhuna is great to taste, and even years later, it surprises with its development.

The colour of Krakhuna wine varies from light straw to dark amber and depends on the wine-making technology. The aromas developed in the wine are mostly described as follows:

• The taste of ripe pear,
• Quince,
• Yellow fruit
• Citrus tones
• Grass tones

Otskhanuri Sapere - Very Romantic Wine for a First Date

Otskhanuri Sapere is one of the oldest grape varieties in Georgia. It is present only in western Georgia. Its name is connected with the village of Otskhana from the Imereti wine region. Otskhanuri Sapere means "Otskhana's colourful". Very interesting wines are made from Otskhanuri Sapere. When you taste it, you will get the feeling that you taste something very familiar, but it is still quite different from the usual profile of Georgian red wine. Otskhanuri Sapere is a wine with which you can spend the whole evening talking. Yes, “talking wines” truly exist. They seem to have many stories to tell and Otskhanuri Sapere is just such a wine.

Due to its intense ruby colour and forest berry aromas, it is easily distinguishable from other red wines. Its gentle body and high acidity give the wine a harmonious structure. Characteristic aromas of this Imereti grape variety are the following:

• Cherries
• Forest fruits
• Plum
• Berries
• Herbs

In the Imereti wine region, Otskhanuri Sapere is usually made with both classic and Qvevri wine-making technology. Its charm reaches its peak after 10-15 years of ageing, but it is also worth waiting for 20-30 years if you want to taste a very elegant, gentle, and flirtatious wine. The first sip of Otskanuri Sapere looks like a perfect first kiss, it will make you dizzy and fill you up with emotion, very robust, yet soft as well, like a partner who knows how to be rough and gentle at the same time. If somebody offers you this wine for a first date you might just fall in love.

PDO Sviri - It's Party Time Wine Lovers

Sviri is the only PDO in the Imereti wine region. It is located on the left bank of river Kvirila. Here, too, we find the humid subtropical climate of the sea. Humus-carbonate and loamy soils are present in the area. PDO Sviri’s wine is made from a blend of Tsitska, Tsolikouri, and Krakhuna and there is really nothing better than to see how these three grape varieties are harmonious with each other. They are like very old friends who can understand each other without words. Like friends who finish each other's jokes at parties. Feel the youth, energy, and joy of life with Sviri wine. High acidity, cheerful wine structure, and citrus and yellow fruit tones make you feel like a newborn.

Get Know Local Imeretian Traditions in Imereti Wine Region

If you want to get to know any wine region better, then only tasting the local wines will not be enough. Wine is often just the result of the lifestyle and cultural practices that characterize that place. And no matter how unbelievable it may sound, the wine develops the same characteristics as the people who make it.

The Tradition of Hospitality and Its Variations

The traditions of hospitality in Georgia are already quite well known, but have you heard that these traditions are quite different in each region of the country? In the Imereti wine region, you truly feel what it means when Georgians say -  "the guest is sent by God". As soon as you set foot at the gate, you will find yourself under very special care, where the host will do everything to make you happy. You should also be warned not to accidentally agree to accept anything at the first offer. Sounds absurd, doesn't it? There is such a tradition in the Imereti wine region, the host offers the same things several times, be it a dish or wine, and it is desirable for the host to agree only after the second or third offer. Most importantly, you should not do the same in Kakheti, unless of course, you want to stay hungry. In western Georgia, and most of all, in the Imereti wine region,  overbearing hospitality for a guest is an expression of respect and it often feels like when you visit a grandparent's house and they go above and beyond to make you happy.

The Fire Frightens the Tails

The tradition of Chiakokonoba is still preserved throughout Georgia, which means lighting a big bonfire. Neighbours competed with each other over who would light the bigger and more beautiful bonfire. Then people have to jump over this bonfire. The roots of this tradition probably date back to the period when the people living on Georgia’s territory were fire-worshippers when this tradition was held to intimidate and persecute demons and evil spirits. In the Imereti wine region, it was believed that evil could harm everything, including the vineyard, which was and still is so important to them. Therefore, Imereti peasants also lit bonfires in the vineyard and fired rifles to frighten the demons and protect the vineyard.

Discover Places to Visit in and around Imereti Wine Region

Kutaisi Botanic Garden

Kutaisi is a wonderful place to stay if you are going to travel to the Imereti wine region, or visit various wineries. This historic city is full of interesting stories and very familiar, friendly relationships. During your stay in Kutaisi, you should definitely visit the beautiful botanical garden, especially if you are travelling with your family. Up to 700 species of plants from different parts of the world are represented in the Botanical Garden of Kutaisi.

Prometheus Cave

Prometheus Cave is a karst cave located in Tskaltubo Municipality in the Imereti wine region. The cave has been forming from a karst massif for centuries. The cave is around 11 km. You will see very beautiful shapes, stalagmites, and stalactites. With special lighting used in this natural monument, there will be nothing more romantic and exciting to see in the Imereti wine region.

Bagrati Cathedral

Bagrati Cathedral is located in Kutaisi in the Imereti wine region and it dates back to the beginning of the eleventh century. The construction of this cathedral is associated with one of the most powerful kings of Georgia, Bagrat III, who is also a symbol of the unity and strength of Georgia. Interestingly, the Bagrati Cathedral was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List until 2017, although it was removed from this list, which can be linked to its controversial restoration process.

Tetra Cave - Discover the traces of the ancient humans

Tetra Cave is located near Tskaltubo in the Imereti wine region. The cave has been under the renovation for last two years and has recently opened for visitors. Here you can discover the traces of ancient humans left 30 000 years ago.

The interesting fact about Tetra cave is that soon it will also take a wine cellar function, where you will be able to taste wine and breath refreshing air that as they say has a positive effect on your lungs.

Find the best Imereti Wine Tour Guides and embark on Guided wine tours in Imereti.

Time to get closer to nature in Imereti Wine Region

Okatse Canyon

Okatse Canyon is located in the Imereti wine region and is rich with lakes, swamps and the first extreme trails in Georgia. The length of the canyon reaches 2 kilometres, and the width varies between 3-6 meters. Glass-floored hanging paths will be a welcome surprise for anyone up for a walk to remember. Enjoy a panoramic view of the canyon after crossing the 780-meter trail and tasting a glass of Imereti wines.

Katskhi Sveti

Katskhi Sveti is one of the amazing sights that will take your breath away. There is a small monastery on a columnar rock, in which a monk lives. The height of this column is 40 meters and includes 131 steps to go up. Seeing this natural-cultural monument causes a feeling of calm and mystery at the same time.

Gabzaruli Lake

Gabzaruli Lake is located in the Imereti wine region at 166 meters above sea level. It does not matter if you are a lake lover or not, this amazing natural monument will fascinate you at first sight regardless. At the bottom of a rather large rock fissure is a 45 m deep siphon lake. If you want to see something different and very exciting, then this place should not be missed in Imereti.

Imeruli Khachapuri - Simple Perfection

Imereti khachapuri is a cheese placed in bread dough. Khachapuri is round in shape and Imereti cheese is specially used in it to make the cheese more integrated and melted. In Imereti, unlike other parts of Georgia, the dough is thinner and the cheese is more sharply positioned. Imereli khachapuri is the form of khachapuri that was most often made by grandmothers in Georgian families, so it has a rather nostalgic load. If Imereti khachapuri starts reminding you of pizza somehow, it is better not to say that aloud. Certain foods in Georgia are such a big part of cultural identity that comparing them with anything else may cause the same emotions in Georgians that pineapple pizza does for most Italians.

Eggplant with Walnuts – Dish that is Never Superfluous

In Georgia and specifically in Imereti, you should definitely try eggplant with walnuts. The eggplant is cut lengthwise and roasted, then it is rubbed with a mass of walnuts seasoned with spices, after which pomegranate seeds are poured. It is perfect with Imeretian Mchadi, which is a bread-like dish made from corn flour. Imereti summer is unimaginable without eggplant with walnut.

Roasted Pullet in Tkemali Sauce - Fireworks of Flavors

If you want to feel the taste of Spring, then you should taste roasted pullet in Tkemali sauce. Tkemali is the main sauce of Georgia made from wild plums that are widely spread in Southeast Europe and Western Asia. Tkemali sauce is full of lively and refreshing aromas and creates the best combination with well-roasted chicken.

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