Elizbar Talakvadze Winery: A Dream Realized

Founded in 2008, Elizbar Talakvadze Winery is located in the picturesque village of Kardenakhi, Georgia. The winery is housed in a historic tower that has served dual purposes throughout its existence: as a defensive fort and a wine production site. Utilizing ancient winemaking techniques that date back over 8,000 years, the winery crafts its wines in Qvevri—traditional earthenware vessels buried underground.

With 64 Qvevri, each capable of holding 2 tons, Elizbar Talakvadze Winery produces approximately 100 tons of premium wine annually.

Reviving Old Vineyards for Authentic Kakhetian Wines

Since its inception, the winery has focused on restoring old vineyards in the region, some of which are 30-40 years old. The first harvest in 2008 marked the beginning of a legacy dedicated to producing high-quality Kakhetian wines. Notable offerings include Qvevri “Tsarapi” and “Ahoebi,” both of which are recognized for their exceptional qualities and registered as an appellation of origin.

A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

At Elizbar Talakvadze Winery, winemaking combines ancient traditions with modern technology. The red wines are known for their long maceration process, which enhances flavor and stability through extended contact with the grape pulp. Harvesting, known as Rtveli, typically occurs in September, followed by a month of fermentation in Qvevri. The vessels are then sealed until spring, allowing for a maceration period of six months. Once unsealed, the wine is transferred to another vessel, and the remaining grape pomace is used to distill Kakhetian chacha. After aging for about six months, the wine is ready for bottling, showcasing the unique characteristics of Kakheti's terroir.

Experiences to book at Elizbar Talakvadze Winery

Top reviews

Кирилл Слушный
July 25, 2024
Wow. A family estate, not a guest house!) Very cool. Tasty, interesting, cozy and inexpensive. The owner is a very interesting person, he speaks Russian very well, as do his children, and he talks entertainingly about life and winemaking.
Kirill “Iwios” Denisov
July 24, 2024
Overnight stay. Large castle with a wonderful view of the mountains and vineyards. Cozy rooms and terraces offer enough space even for a large group. The owner produces wine and food himself. You should familiarize yourself with the kitchen
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Location

Location Near Railway Station, Kardenakhi, Gurjaani, 1500, Georgia

Region

Kakheti, Georgia

Spoken Languages

Services

Restaurant
Accommodation
Pets Allowed
Bus Parking

Visiting Hours

Monday - Sunday
09:00 - 18:00

Wine types

Red Wine
White Wine
Rose Wine
Orange Wine
Sparkling Wine
Sweet Wine
Fortified Wine
Spirits

Grape varieties

Rkatsiteli
Saperavi

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Visitor reviews

What our community thinks about Elizbar Talakvadze Winery

Check out verified reviews from visitors who've enjoyed their time at Elizbar Talakvadze Winery.

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Reviews (7)

Paula Morales
Reviewed on August 17, 2024

Elizbar and his family made us feel like home! Food is absolutely delicious (homemade) and the house is really beautiful with incredible views of the valley

Review provided by Google

Lola Barré
Reviewed on August 9, 2024

Our stay at Elizbar’s was absolutely amazing. The location is beautiful, overlooking his vineyards. Rooms are spacious and common spaces very cozy. Above all, we really appreciated Elizbar’s generosity and care. We felt completely at home in his place. He was very flexible and arranging even with out last minute requests. I highly recommend the “program”: winery tour and cooking class followed by dinner and wine degustation. Both his European style wines and traditional Georgian wines are delicious. The Qvevri amber wine was my favourite. We learnt a lot and enjoyed sharing this moment with him and the other guests. Thanks again for these great 3 days : )

Review provided by Google

Кирилл Слушный
Reviewed on July 25, 2024

Wow. A family estate, not a guest house!) Very cool. Tasty, interesting, cozy and inexpensive. The owner is a very interesting person, he speaks Russian very well, as do his children, and he talks entertainingly about life and winemaking.

Review provided by Google

Kirill “Iwios” Denisov
Reviewed on July 24, 2024

Overnight stay. Large castle with a wonderful view of the mountains and vineyards. Cozy rooms and terraces offer enough space even for a large group. The owner produces wine and food himself. You should familiarize yourself with the kitchen

Review provided by Google

Maria Balyakina
Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Beautiful winery to stay overnight! You can order dinner beforehand or ask for a complex program with presentation about the winery, the wine making process, cooking masterclass and dinner. The rooms are spacious and affordable. The location is perfect with idyllic rustic atmosphere. The owner and his family are welcoming and ready to tell you lots about everything wine-related. A great experience!

Review provided by Google

Frequently Asked Questions about Elizbar Talakvadze Winery

What type of wines does Elizbar Talakvadze Winery produce?

Elizbar Talakvadze Winery produces Red Wine, White Wine, Rose Wine, Orange Wine, Sparkling Wine, Sweet Wine, Fortified Wine, Spirits.

What grape varieties do they plant at Elizbar Talakvadze Winery?

At Elizbar Talakvadze Winery, they cultivate Rkatsiteli, Saperavi.

What languages do they speak at the Elizbar Talakvadze Winery?

At Elizbar Talakvadze Winery they speak English, Russian.

Do they produce organic wines at Elizbar Talakvadze Winery?

No, Elizbar Talakvadze Winery is not an organic wine producer.