The heart of Georgian wine culture
Facts Telavi
Telavi
Region: Kakheti
The name of 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. Because in Telavi and the surrounding area there are numerous wineries, shops and restaurants where you can taste and buy Kakhetian wines.
Telavi is located in the fertile Alazani Valley, where the climate and soils are virtually predestined for wine growing.
Telavi is famous for varieties of grapes
The uniqueness of the city lies in the winemaking tradition and wineries. The most widespread variety of grapes are Kindzmarauli, Tsinandali, Saperavi. The grape harvest process starts in the mid 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, grape skins into the Qvevri, which is buried in the ground so that the wine can ferment for five to six months.
In our blog about Georgia, you find interesting articles like «A day in the life of a winemaking woman» or the «Zaodoba celebration in Kakheti» which is about the production of Chacha, a spirit made of the grapes' skins.
In 2019, around 15,4 thousand tonnes of Rkatsiteli and 9,000 tonnes of Saperavi have been produced in Kakheti.
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 it 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.
Private tour to Telavi
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How to get to Telavi
By car
The 96 km from Tbilisi to Telavi takes a bit more than two hours. From Sighnaghi to Telavi it takes approximately 1.5 hours.
By minibus
There are regular Marshutka connections from Tbilisi. The minibusses depart from the Isani metro station. You pay 7 GEL (2.50 EUR).
By plane
There is no airport in Telavi. The nearest airport is Tbilisi.
By train
There is no train connection between Tbilisi and Telavi.
Guided tours to Telavi
