Wine Tour

Chateau Demi

Begin your journey meeting Georgia’s female winemakers on the outskirts of Tbilisi. Just two 

kilometres from the capital lies the charming settlement of Brotseula, home to Guliko 

Panchulidze's Château Demi. This picturesque village is often referred to as the “filmmakers’ 

village,” as it is a favored retreat for film industry representatives, many of whom own 

summer houses there. 

The name “Brotseula” (of Pomegrenate) is no coincidence—it originates from the abundance 

of pomegranate trees in the area. Indeed, the Château Demi estate is itself surrounded by a 

vibrant pomegranate orchard. 

The Panchulidze family has over 30 years of experience in farming, and has embraced organic 

practices since 2015. Their two-hectare estate, encompassing a vineyard, orchard, and 

vegetable garden, is cultivated using entirely natural methods. Living by the motto “Few, but 

of high quality,” Château Demi exemplifies this philosophy through the services it offers. 

Guliko will warmly welcome you to her farm, guiding you through the vineyard and garden, 

and introducing you to her domestic birds and animals. She will gladly share the intricacies of 

organic farming before helping to set a delightful table laden with natural products, aromatic 

dishes, and wines crafted from the Kartli grape varieties Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane, Tavkveri, 

and Shavkapito—which you will enjoy tasting with a performance of traditional Georgian 

songs.  

Guests are welcome to participate in preparing the dishes, from baking khachapuri or rolling 

khinkali, to cooking dishes like eggplant rolls with walnuts and shkmeruli. At the right time of 

year, you can also help with the pomegranate harvest. 

Château Demi offers overnight accommodation in a cozy house that can comfortably host 10 

to 12 guests. 

Château Demi's convenient location offers easy access to local cultural landmarks, including 

the historic 5th-century St. Anton Martkopeli Cathedral and the remarkable David Gareji 

Monastery Complex, while a nearby lake provides the perfect opportunity for swimming and 

fishing. 

Pongino Wine

The next destination on the women winemakers' route is Gulnara Romanidze's “Pongino 

Wine,” situated 26 kilometres from Tbilisi, in the village of Khashmi. According to Sulkhan-

Saba’s dictionary, “Pongino” means “mother-of-pearl,” which is considered a talisman of love 

in Gulnara's family. 

The story of “Pongino Wine” began in 2017. The first wine in Gulnara's family was made from 

the Khashmi Saperavi variety of grape, for which the village of Khashmi is renowned. The 

wines produced in Gulnara’s cellar are created using grapes grown in their own non-irrigated 

vineyards. 

The growing interest from guests inspired Gulnara to broaden her wine selection and expand 

the cellar and services it offers, allowing visitors the opportunity to savor traditional dishes 

and participate in engaging masterclasses. 

Gulnara, originally from Kobuleti, will guide you through culinary intricacies of the Adjara 

region that complement the Kakhetian cuisine. You’ll end your meal on a delicious, sweet 

note, with homemade Georgian grapefruit-peel jam and a refreshing citrus liqueur. 

The veranda at Pongino Wine offers a stunning view of the Ujarma River. On hot summer 

days, you can cool off in the courtyard, where a pool formed by the Iori River awaits.  

For those planning special events, such as parties or weddings, Pongino Wine provides an 

ideal venue. You can enjoy enchanting performances of Georgian folklore by a choir adorned 

in traditional costume, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. 

If you are camping your way around Georgia, Pongino Wine promises an inviting space to set 

up your tent in. 

The surrounding area is rich in historical landmarks, including 6th–7th century temples, the 

Ujarma Fortress, and the Cholokashvili House-Museum, particularly well-known for its 

unique 40-Qvevri wine cellar (NOTE: A Qvevri is an egg-shaped earthenware vessel used for 

making, ageing and storing wine, inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage 

of Humanity in 2013). The roads leading to the picturesque town of Sighnaghi and the iconic 

David Gareji Monastery Complex are conveniently located nearby. 

Contact Pongino Wine ahead of your visit to make a reservation. 

Ia's Winery

The next stop on the women winemakers route will take you to the heart of Kakheti, to the 

village of Gurjaani, where Ia Imerlishvili will warmly welcome you to "Ia's Winery",

reached by passing a settlement of stone-built Kakhetian houses, which, in clear weather, see 

the sun rays dancing across their surfaces. Ia's Winery is 300 meters from the central 

highway. 

Ia's winemaking journey began with the remarkable discovery of a centuries-old cellar in her 

own yard, where nineteen Qvevris were carefully preserved. This cellar originally belonged to 

the ancestors of Ia's husband, who hailed from Gurjaani. Through a collaborative effort, the 

cellar and the house were beautifully reconstructed. Since 2020, the estate has embraced an 

agro-touristic role, producing not only exceptional wines, but also other artisanal products. 

Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of wines, including traditional Qvevri wine and 

European-style white, rosé, and red dry wines. 

At Ia's Winery, your table will be set in the true tradition of the Georgian feast, and will 

include a toastmaster to guide you on your wine adventure. Before enjoying your meal, you 

are invited to participate in the culinary preparations—roll khinkali, boil tatara, make 

churchkhela, or try your hand at baking bread in the clay oven called a tone. Time your visit 

right, and you can even prune vines to collect the branches for the barbecue yourself. As 

they say in Georgia, “make yourself at home!” The lively atmosphere of a fun-filled harvest at 

Ia’s Winery will ensure you do! 

For those wishing to extend their stay, Ia’s estate offers cozy overnight accommodation in a 

guest house that can comfortably host up to eight. 

Doctor's Bio-Cellar

The next destination on the women winemakers route is “Doctors’ Bio-cellar,” nestled in the 

village of Chumlaki and easily accessible from anywhere in Kakheti. The cellar’s name reflects 

the profession of its hosts, Marieta and her husband, whose winemaking journey began in 

2017. Their vines are cultivated exclusively using natural remedies and bio methods, ensuring 

a truly organic experience. 

At Marieta’s cellar, you can taste natural wines crafted from the grape varieties of Saperavi, 

Rkatsiteli, and Khikhvi, alongside traditional regional dishes lovingly prepared by Marieta 

herself. During warmer months, guests are welcome to dine under the charming Doctors’ 

Bio-cellar alley-grapevines. A dedicated space for culinary masterclasses is ready to get you 

rolling your own khinkali, grilling mtsvadi (barbequed meat), preparing chakapuli, and even 

bottling wine to label with your own personalized etiquette. 

In springtime, visitors are treated to the unique spectacle of the vineyard being plowed with 

an ox-drawn plow.  

The location is ideal for exploring nearby Kakheti landmarks, all within an hour's drive. 

Highlights include the uniquely designed, two-domed Gurjaani Kvelatsminda temple, and the 

balneological resort of Akhtala, situated just three kilometres away. 

Babaneuri Winery

The next stop on your women winemakers journey is Nino Ninua's “Babaneuri Cellar,” 

uniquely situated within the stunning surroundings of the Batsara-Babaneuri Protected Area. 

Breathtaking views of the vast expanse of the Alazani Valley can be enjoyed from the Cellar. 

The village housing Babaneuri Cellar is part of the Alazani Three Biosphere Reserve, a 

destination that draws international visitors. For hiking enthusiasts, the reserve offers 18 

kilometres of eco-educational trails. Thanks to its prime location, the area also serves as a 

frequent stopover for travelers heading to Tusheti. 

At Babaneuri Cellar, wine is crafted using the traditional Georgian winemaking method. The 

selection is impressively varied, featuring Kisi, Akhmeta Mtsvane, Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, 

Khikhvi, Rosé, and Ambori. Guests are warmly welcomed by Nino herself in the tasting room, 

where she shares her expertise and passion for viticulture. 

Babaneuri Cellar offers a combination of 13 guest rooms, a swimming pool, and inviting 

relaxation areas. It also features a large hall, perfect for hosting parties and conferences in. 

The hosts take great care to craft dishes from locally sourced products. Guests can also enjoy 

a diverse array of Kakhetian culinary masterclasses. Every service at Babaneuri Cellar is 

tailored to meet the preferences and needs of each of its guests. 

Marani Lagvani

The women winemakers route takes us next to the “Lagvani Cellar” in Akhmeta municipality. 

The name “Lagvani,” as defined in Sulkhan-Saba's dictionary, translates to "a large Qvevri," a 

traditional Georgian winemaking vessel.  

To visit this destination, simply head to the center of Akhmeta, a location accessible year-

round and easy to navigate even without road signs. 

A phrase often used to describe Lagvani Cellar is, “We came as guests, and found ourselves 

at home.” Here, Sanata Tsitsuashvili enthusiastically welcomes her visitors, sharing the 

touching story of how she founded her bio-winery, fulfilling her father's dying wish to start 

winemaking and build a cellar according to his vision. 

Your experience will begin in a picturesque garden, where the inviting aroma of wine mingles 

with the scents of freshly baked Kakhetian shoti bread and meat sizzling on the grill. The yard 

houses a bakery, a Georgian tone, a hearth, and a barbecue area. 

The masterclasses in the cellar begin with churchkhela-making, and, yes, your creations can 

be taken home once dried!  Khinkali is boiled over a campfire in the courtyard, and Tushetian 

khachapuri is baked on a flat stone. Guests will also have the chance to explore the diverse 

cuisine of Kartl-Kakheti. 

Wine enthusiasts will delight in tasting an array of Qvevri wines, including Rkatsiteli, 

Kakhetian Mtsvane, Kisi, Saperavi, Khikhvi, Orbeluri, Mtsvivani, and Tskriala. 

If you wish to extend your stay, Sanata’s neighbours offer several accommodation options. 

Just a short drive from the cellar lies the landmark Kveteri Fortress, surrounded by the 

stunning scenery of Kakheti. We suggest concluding your wine adventure in eastern Georgia 

by visiting Gombori or Tianeti, where breathtaking landscapes complement the exceptional 

experiences, you've had along the way. 

Marina's Wine

Not far north of Tbilisi, you’ll come to Tserovani, where a turnoff from the highway leads to the village 

of Chardakhi. Look for a gate painted with flowers and wine vessels—it marks the entrance to Marina 

Kurtanidze’s charming yard. 

Marina embarked on her winemaking journey with her husband in 2003. Over time, she expanded 

into wine production, bottling her signature wine at “Iago’s Cellar.” Staying true to tradition, their 

natural wine is aged and bottled in Qvevri. The family cultivates 2.5 hectares of Chinuri grapes and 3 

hectares of Shavkapito.

The atmosphere at Iago’s Cellar is truly something to remember – for proof, look no further than the 

notes guests have dedicated to hosts on the walls of the cellar. You’ll have the chance to explore the 

cellar during a captivating tasting tour, during which you’ll not only learn about the history of 

winemaking, but also the inspiring story of how Marina’s family started natural winemaking with just 

600 bottles. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the dedication and hard work involved in crafting 

organic wine. 

A warm atmosphere has been thoughtfully arranged for your wine tasting experience at Iago’s Cellar. 

When the weather permits, guests can enjoy an open veranda, where Marina will treat you to a 

delightful variety of homemade snacks. In addition to her expertise in winemaking, Marina crafts 

unique liqueurs with a variety of flavours, the most sought-after being the cherry, which is also 

exported to France. Along with wine tasting, guests also have the option to book a dinner for groups 

of 10 to 80 people - please contact Marina in advance for this treat! 

Marina’s vineyard features spaces dedicated to relaxation and discovery: a gazebo, barbecue area, 

tone, and vodka distillery. The family also brews beer on-site, using a recipe passed down from their 

grandmother.   

If you plan your visit for May, you’ll have the chance to attend a special event- Marina’s family hosts 

the lively “Sherekilebi” (Eccentrics) Wine Festival in their yard. 

Miranda’s Wine

The women winemakers route next leads to the hilly village of Tvishi, nestled at the foot of Mount 

Khvamli, just a few kilometres from Khvanchkara, in an area distinguished for being a micro-zone for 

Tvishi winemaking. 

Your host, Miranda Chkhetiani, cultivates her vineyard on the slopes of Tvishi, across half a hectare of 

fertile land. Dedicated to natural winemaking, Miranda's family tends their vines using only organic 

methods. Their signature Tvishi Tsolikouri is crafted with care, following the classic approach of 

fermenting the grapes both with and without the pomace. 

Lechkhumi’s hospitality shines through in the warm, homelike atmosphere of the Chkhetiani family. 

When you visit, Miranda herself will welcome you, guiding you through her vineyard and sharing the 

fascinating story of her journey in winemaking. 

At the winery, Qvevri vessels are buried under the open sky, and stainless-steel tanks are used for 

storing wine in the cellar. Wine tastings are available year-round, but advance reservations are 

required for dinner. The organic ingredients also make their mark on the cuisine, perfectly 

complementing the drinks. If you are looking for some hands-on experience, why not book yourself in 

for a culinary masterclass, where you can learn how to bake tone bread and ketsi mchadi (Georgian 

cornbread baked on earthenware vessel). 

Hiking and horse-riding tours offer you the chance to explore the surroundings of the village (be sure 

to book the horse-riding tour in advance). For those seeking panoramic vistas, a drive to Mount 

Khvamli provides a rewarding adventure, as does a visit to the stunning Gvirishi Waterfall, just 12 

kilometres from Miranda’s Wine.  

Marani Argvani

From Racha-Lechkhumi, your journey through the world of Georgia’s women winemakers takes you 

next to Samegrelo. In the village of Abedati, located just nine kilometres from the center of Martvili, 

stop by the easy-to-find winery “Argvani,” headed by Khatia Jakhua. 

Although the Argvani winery itself was established just a few years ago, the family’s link to viticulture 

spans generations, with grape harvesting and wine pressing being longstanding traditions on the 

estate. Inspired by this heritage, Khatia and her brother together revived an almost forgotten legacy 

by replanting their vineyard and constructing a brand-new cellar. The vineyard primarily features 

Megrelian grape varieties such as Ojaleshi and Chvitiluri, and sees the Argvani duo experimenting 

with blends of both Georgian and European grapes. 

During your wine tasting experience at Argvani, Khatia will delight you with a delicious dinner 

featuring a wide variety of dishes. And, great news for non-meat-eaters: Megrelian cuisine features 

an inspiring selection of plant-based dishes! 

The host—who is also a professional artist—will invite you to take part in a unique workshop on 

drawing Georgian ornaments, not only teaching you the techniques, but also share fascinating 

insights into the historical significance of the intricate ornaments found on nearby historical 

monuments.  

During your visit to the Argvani winery, you should grab the chance to explore the nearby landmarks 

of Martvili. The Abedati Fortress offers breathtaking views of both Imereti and Samegrelo, while the 

Martvili Monastery, adorned with medieval Georgian frescoes, and the protected areas of Martvili, 

are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. What’s more, just 20 kilometres away lies Nokalakevi, a 

historic citadel dating back to the 8th-7th centuries BC. Why not take advantage of one of the many 

thematic excursions your hosts at Argvani have on offer?  

*** 

Your tour of Georgia’s women winemakers promises countless memorable and fascinating moments. 

There truly is no substitute for seeing these tales of hard work, accomplishment and centuries-old 

legacy unfold in person. Travel, and embrace the unforgettable hospitality of some of Georgia’s most 

inspiring women winemakers! 

Lomtadze Family Winery

The next stop on the women winemakers route will take you on a journey into Racha’s mountains. 

There, in the charming village of Khvanchkara, near Ambrolauri, just 12 kilometres from the district 

center, a road sign points the way to the Lomtadze Family Winery. 

Here, Sofio Samteladze and her husband welcome visitors to witness as they continue a cherished 

family legacy. Khvanchkara village is best known for a wine that bears the same name, and that 

beverage has justifiably become the hallmark of the Lomtadze Family’s winemaking. The family 

cultivates several grape varieties, including Tsulukidze Tetra, Alexandrouli, and Mujuretuli—the latter 

two being essential for the authentic Khvanchkara blend. 

During your visit to the winery, you'll sample both classic and Qvevri wines. Sofio’s family is 

passionate about innovating, and you’ll be sure to hear some of their stories of ongoing 

experimentation and innovation in winemaking.  

Sofio, a professional painter, has brought her artistic touch to every detail of the stone-built space 

and courtyard. From the moment you step into their home, you’ll feel the warm and welcoming spirit 

of this Rachan family. 

During dinner, you’ll experience the authentic flavors of the region, with the Lomtadze family’s wine 

perfectly complementing the classic pairing of Rachan ham and lobiani. Adding to the experience, 

you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to paint with wine: everything you need will be provided, 

and you’ll get to leave with your very own hand-painted creation, alongside some exceptional wine to 

drink! 

For those wishing to stay overnight, the winery offers two cosy guest rooms that can accommodate 

up to six people. 

After exploring Khvanchkara, your adventure can extend into Lechkhumi, giving you the chance to 

discover the remarkable Sairme Pillars, the Lajanuri Hydroelectric Power Station, and the distinctive 

architecture of the village of Lailashi, among other captivating sights. 

Kardanakhi Estate

In the heart of Kakheti lies the village of Kardenakhi, home to Nina Kochiashvili’s “Kardanakhi 

Estate,” a stunning embodiment of Kakhetian architecture and ethnoculture. Historically, 

Kardenakhi was a vital part of the trade route, and the building that houses the estate 

originally served as both a wine cellar and a tavern, constructed between 1884 and 1886. 

The Kochiashvili family has preserved the building’s original appearance, restoring it to its 

traditional function as a wine cellar. Upon entering, you’ll be captivated by the sight of the 

wine press, where wine flows directly into the Qvevri—a hallmark of Georgian winemaking. 

Adding to the charm, the old wine vessels display seals crafted by renowned Qvevri masters. 

Kardenakhi stands out as one of the most diverse microzones in Georgian viticulture. The 

local factory has long produced celebrated wines such as Tsarapi, port wine Kardanakhi, and 

vermouth Anaga. Building on this legacy, Nina Kochiashvili’s family uncovered old recipes and 

now crafts 14 distinct beverages in their cellar, blending tradition with modern technology 

through the use of barrel-aging and Qvevri. 

Their Anaga vermouth incorporates a complex mix of 16 different distillates, while their port 

wine Kardanakhi has been revived, made following a traditional blend of the Rkatsiteli, 

Khikhvi, and Mtsvane grapes.  

Kardanakhi Estate is a countryside vacation spot with four houses for guests. Wine cellars are 

located on the first floor of each house, with the second floors boasting guest rooms. Step 

onto their balconies and enjoy a stunning view of the terroirs, the Alazani Valley, and the 

Caucasus mountains.  

Recreation areas for children and rest areas for the grown-ups can be found throughout the 

yard. 

During your visit to Nino's, you’ll not only enjoy exquisite wines, but also have the chance to 

savor a plethora of delicious dishes. Guests can immerse themselves in Georgian culinary 

traditions by baking bread, preparing grape molasses, making churchkhela, rolling khinkali, 

and more. 

For those planning a trip to Kakheti during the grape-picking or wine-pressing season, 

Kardanakhi Estate is ready to welcome you with warmth, inviting you to experience the 

vibrant atmosphere of the harvest firsthand. 

Beyond wine tasting and enjoying the hospitality and hotel services, visitors to Kardanakhi 

Estate can also embark on extended tours to explore Kakheti’s cultural landmarks. Nearby, 

you’ll find the 4th-century Sabatsminda Monastery, the Ioseb Noneshvili House-Museum, 

and historic old towers that reflect the timeless architecture of Sighnaghi. For your 

convenience, the hosts at Kardanakhi Estate can arrange transportation from Tbilisi.