Kakheti, in eastern Georgia, is the country's principal wine region and the heartland of its millennia-old viticultural tradition. Centered on the fertile Alazani Valley and the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, Kakheti combines large-scale vineyards and many small family estates. The region is known both for qvevri-made amber wines and for robust varietal reds and whites that reflect local grape types and ancient winemaking methods. Following decades of Soviet-era consolidation, Kakheti experienced a revival after Georgian independence, with renewed interest in indigenous varieties, traditional techniques and modern cellar practices. Producers range from traditional families to boutique cellars, making Kakheti a diverse and dynamic wine landscape.
Kakheti has a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters; precipitation is moderate and unevenly distributed. Vineyards sit on Alazani Valley alluvial terraces and on rolling foothills of the Greater Caucasus at roughly 250–800 m elevation. Soils range from fertile loams and alluvium in the valley to stonier, calcareous and gravelly substrates on slopes, offering varietal differentiation and good drainage that suit both qvevri and modern viticulture.
Discover the grapes that define Kakheti.
