Telavi

The capital of the Kakheti region in Georgia

Besides being one of the most popular tourist destinations because of its delicious and traditional Georgian wine and exquisite Kakhetian cuisine, Telavi is the historical center of the Kakheti region with amazing mountain landscapes, stunning architecture, and ancient cultural heritages, old churches or monasteries.

The name Telavi derives from the plant «Telas» and it is the oldest city and the capital of the Kakheti region. As in the whole of Kakheti, Telavi, and the surrounding area is also very much about wine. The city is a must for wine lovers. In Telavi and the surrounding area, there are numerous wineries, shops, and restaurants where you can taste and buy Kakhetian wines.

Telavi is famous for varieties of grapes

The uniqueness of the city lies in the winemaking tradition and wineries. The most widespread varieties of grapes are Kindzmarauli, Tsinandali, and Saperavi. The grape harvest process starts in the middle of autumn, mostly in September or October, and is called Rtveli. To participate in Rtveli (grape harvest) is a huge pleasure and experience for guests. It involves pressing the grapes and pouring the juice, and grape skins into the Qvevri, which is buried in the ground so that the wine can ferment for five to six months.

Palace-museum of King Erekle II

The Batonis Tsikhe is one of the best-preserved medieval royal palaces in Georgia. The museum is dedicated to King Erekle II. The complex is a remarkable monument of cultural heritage with its architectural-historical features. Built by King Archil in 1667-1675, it was the residence of Kakhetian kings during the 17th and 18th centuries.

There is a big pier that reaches 14 meters and it absolutely unique in Georgia. It was built by Queen Darejan and until the 40s of the XIX century, there was an 8-meter-long cannon that was always ready to repel the enemy.

Trips to Telavi