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Step into Kartli, a hidden treasure nestled in the heart of Georgia, where travelers and wine enthusiasts are warmly welcomed to explore its rich oenological heritage. Though Kartli may not have the fame of some other wine regions, it holds a special place in Georgia's winemaking history, inviting visitors to embark on a captivating journey through its vineyard-adorned landscapes and cherished traditions. This wine region shares borders with Kakheti to the north-east, Imereti to the west and Meskheti to the south.
Central to Kartli's winemaking identity are its esteemed grape varieties: Tavkveri, Chinuri, and Goruli Mtsvane. These indigenous grapes have thrived in Kartli's unique terroir for generations, shaping the character of the wines that emerge from this fertile land.
Tavkveri represents a symbol of Kartli's winemaking legacy, while Chinuri adds its own enchanting allure to the region's viticultural narrative. Goruli Mtsvane, with its distinctive profile, further enriches Kartli's wine spectrum.
As you venture through Kartli's picturesque landscapes, you will encounter vineyards meticulously cared for by passionate winemakers. These vintners, deeply rooted in their land and ancestral traditions, continue to craft wines that eloquently express Kartli's essence, where each bottle tells a compelling story.
We extend a heartfelt invitation to embark on an unforgettable journey to Kartli, where history, tradition, and innovation harmoniously converge in every glass of wine. Explore the rolling hills adorned with vineyards, savor the unique flavors of the region, and immerse yourself in the distinctive character of Kartli's wines—an embodiment of Georgia's enduring winemaking heritage.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
The Kartli wine region in Georgia boasts a diverse and picturesque landscape that is as varied as it is enchanting. Picture rolling hills adorned with vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see, their lush green vines soaking in the ample sunlight. Imagine fertile valleys cradling rivers and streams, providing essential water sources for the thriving vineyards.
As you explore Kartli, envision the beauty of its landscapes transforming with the changing seasons. In spring, the vineyards come alive with vibrant foliage, painting the region with shades of green and delicate blossoms. During the scorching summer months, the grapes bask in the intense sun, ripening to perfection under the clear, azure skies.
Autumn brings a breathtaking spectacle as the leaves on the vines turn fiery red and golden, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of colors across the rolling hills. Kartli's landscape becomes a living canvas, inspiring not only winemakers but also those who are fortunate enough to behold its natural beauty.
Throughout the region, you'll encounter small villages nestled amid the vine-clad hills, where winemaking has been a way of life for generations. Imagine charming wineries and cellars tucked away in these idyllic settings, where ancient traditions meet modern winemaking expertise.
In Kartli, the landscape is not just a backdrop; it's an integral part of the winemaking journey, shaping the character and flavors of the wines that originate from this enchanting region.
The Kartli wine region in Georgia offers a rich tapestry of climate variations that significantly impact the art of viticulture in the area. Spanning a vast geographical expanse of 21,333 km², this region is nestled in the heart of eastern Georgia and encompasses sub-regions like Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Shida Kartli.
Vineyards in Kartli are strategically positioned at elevations ranging from 450 to 700 meters above sea level. This elevated terrain, combined with its strategic location along the river basins of the Kura (Mtkvari) and its tributaries such as Liakhvi and Ksani, crafts a unique and dynamic set of climatic conditions.
Kartli's climate is best described as transitional, encompassing a spectrum from moderately warm steppe to moderately humid conditions. Summers here tend to be hot, characterized by a range of temperature fluctuations. The average annual temperature hovers around 10.6°C, with the coldest months experiencing temperatures of approximately -1.0°C in January, while July marks the zenith with its scorching warmth.
Notably, the region's capital, Tbilisi, nestled within Kartli's embrace, boasts a humid subtropical climate with prominent continental influences. The city, ensconced amidst mountains on three sides, resembles a grand amphitheater. These encircling mountains serve as guardians, thwarting the intrusion of chilly Russian air, thus fostering a milder microclimate compared to cities at similar latitudes. Tbilisi is known for its moderately cold winters and sultry summers, occasionally punctuated by abrupt temperature fluctuations. July claims the title of the hottest month, gracing the city with an average temperature of 24.9°C. Annual precipitation in Tbilisi hovers around 500 mm, with January registering as a relatively drier month and May as the zenith of rainfall.
These diverse and intriguing climatic conditions prevailing in the Kartli region create a nurturing environment for the cultivation of an array of grape varieties, both indigenous and international, leaving an indelible mark on the distinctive characteristics of wines crafted in this region.
The Kartli wine region in Georgia boasts an intriguing diversity of soils, each contributing to the distinctive character of the wines produced here. In the Ateni sub-region, a focal point within Kartli, two primary soil types take center stage: brown and alluvial soils.
Both brown and alluvial soils in the Kartli wine region serve as essential elements in the intricate mosaic of terroirs, playing their part in nurturing grapevines and influencing the flavors and characteristics of the wines that grace this captivating Georgian landscape.
The Kartli wine region in Georgia is experiencing a resurgence in sustainable and organic winemaking practices, particularly in Shida Kartli. This region, with a rich history dating back to antiquity, is witnessing a blend of traditional Georgian and modern winemaking techniques. The introduction of new small cellars in recent years has played a pivotal role in reviving the local wine culture, focusing on the use of indigenous grape varieties and the traditional Qvevri wine-making method.
The cellars in Shida Kartli, many of which are members of the Natural Wine Association, adhere to strict organic rules set by the Association. They emphasize natural wine production without the use of industrial additives, contributing to the region's sustainability efforts. These wineries are gaining international recognition for their quality wines made from local grape varieties such as Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane, Shavkapito, Tavkveri, and Buza.
Notable among these is "Iago’s Wine," produced by Iago Bitarishvili, who has been instrumental in introducing Kartli and Georgian natural wine to the global market. His wines, including the natural Chinuri, are sold worldwide. The "Nebi Winery," owned by Beka Aslanishvili, and "Bua Wines," managed by a father-son duo, are other examples of cellars that combine traditional and European winemaking methods.
Other small cellars, like Niabi Winery, Samtavisi’s Marani, and Khidistauri Wine Cellar, are also contributing to the sustainable wine movement in Kartli. These wineries are not only producing wines but also engaging in wine tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich wine culture and sustainable practices.
These developments in Kartli's wine region reflect a growing trend towards sustainability and organic practices in Georgian viticulture, with a focus on preserving local grape varieties and traditional winemaking methods. This sustainable approach is helping to redefine Kartli's wine industry and position it as an important part of Georgia's rich vinicultural heritage
In the picturesque Kartli region of Georgia, a trio of exceptional grape varieties flourishes, shaping the essence of the region's winemaking tradition. Tavkveri, Chinuri, and Goruli Mtsvane have discovered their ideal habitat in Kartli's distinctive terroir, each possessing unique agricultural and climatic requirements that contribute to their resilience and prominence.
These grape varieties, each with distinct agricultural and climatic preferences, encapsulate the essence of Kartli's winemaking heritage. Their adaptability to the local terroir underscores the region's commitment to preserving its oenological legacy and crafting wines that authentically capture Kartli's character.
Nestled in the heart of Georgia, the Kartli wine region introduces a trio of wines that offer a delightful glimpse into the region's rich winemaking heritage. Tavkveri, Chinuri, and Goruli Mtsvane take center stage in Kartli, each presenting a unique and captivating expression of the land.
These wines from Kartli, each with its distinct aromatic and flavor profile, provide a glimpse into the region's diverse terroir and winemaking expertise. Whether you savor the robust Tavkveri, the graceful Chinuri, or the captivating Goruli Mtsvane, you're immersing yourself in the essence of Kartli—a land where tradition and innovation harmoniously converge in every bottle.
The history of viticulture in the Kartli region of Georgia, particularly in Shida Kartli, is intertwined with the region's geographical features and its role in Georgian statehood. Shida Kartli, historically known as Zena village, was divided into Upper, Middle (or Inner), and Lower Kartli based on its location and the Mtkvari River. This region, stretching from east to Aragvi and Tbilisi, north to the Central Caucasus Range, west to the Likha Range, and south to the Trialeti Range and Lake Paravani, has played a significant role in the history of Georgian viticulture.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the northwestern part of Shida Kartli was known as Zemo Kartli. After the Ottoman conquest of Samtskhe-Saatabago in the early 17th century, historical Zemo Kartli was separated from the Kingdom of Kartli for a considerable time. The northern part of historic Shida Kartli is now part of the provisional administrative-territorial unit of South Ossetia and Dusheti municipality.
The natural conditions and location of Shida Kartli have significantly influenced its development in fruit growing, including apples, pears, quinces, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, and various nuts and berries. Shavkapito, a native red grape variety, is widespread in Shida Kartli and is used to produce high-quality table red wine, known for its beautiful color, pleasant varietal aroma, and balanced alcohol and acid content..
The Soviet era had a detrimental impact on grape growing and winemaking in Shida Kartli, reducing varietal diversity and abandoning old traditions. However, recent years have seen a resurgence in the region's viticulture, with new small cellars revitalizing the vine growing and winemaking culture, particularly the Qvevri wine tradition. These cellars, often members of the Natural Wine Association, follow strict organic rules and produce natural wines without industrial additives, gaining international recognition for their quality.
Shida Kartli's resurgence in natural winemaking is exemplified by cellars like "Iago's wine," "Nebi Winery," "Bua Wines," "Niabi Winery," "Samtavisi’s Marani," and "TDWinery." These cellars focus on traditional and European winemaking methods, producing wines from local grape varieties like Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane, Shavkapito, Tavkveri, and Buza.
This revival of Kartli's winemaking tradition reflects a blend of ancient practices and modern organic standards, contributing significantly to Georgia's rich viticultural heritage.
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