Ambrolauri

The gate to the Racha-Lechkhumi region in Georgia

Ambrolauri, which was almost completely destroyed by a terrible earthquake in 1991, is primarily known for the red wine Khvanchkara, which has been produced in the town 12 kilometers away since 1907.

Ambrolauri, founded in the 17th century, is located in the northwest of Georgia in the region of Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, whose capital it is. Ambrolauri is famous above all for its Khvanchkara wine, which is produced in the village of the same name 12 kilometers away. The village lies on the Rioni, the third-longest river in Georgia with 327 kilometers.

Earthquake and destruction in 1991

In 1991, the same year as the Georgian Independence from the Soviet occupation finally ended, the most severe earthquake ever struck Georgia occurred in and around Amrolauri. The quake had a magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale and caused 270 deaths. The city of Ambrolauri was largely destroyed.

Khvanchkara, a sweet and famous wine

The area around Ambrolauri is ideal for viticulture because of its protected climate and soil conditions. The most famous wine of the region is undoubtedly the Khvanchkara, which is produced in the village of the same name 12 kilometers away. Khvanchkara is not produced according to the Qvevri method but in stainless steel tanks. The Khvanchkara is a blend of the Mujuretuli and Alexandruli grape varieties, which gives it a strong bouquet and a smooth, sweet taste.

In the center of Ambrolauri, in the middle of a roundabout, there is a monument in the shape of a meter-high Khvanchkara wine bottle. Apart from that, there is not much to see in Ambrolauri – apart from the remains of the Imeretian royal residence, a theatre, and an art museum. Nevertheless, there are several guesthouses in the village in which it is always worth spending the night. Because the region is not particularly developed for tourism, guests experience a high degree of hospitality and authenticity.

Trips to Ambrolauri