The 29 designations of origin of Georgian wine
In Georgia, there are 29 protected designations of origin for wine, also known as PDO. In this article, we highlight this diversity and all the different wine regions and microzones of Georgian viticulture.
Nearly 70% of the protected designations of origin are in Georgia’s most important wine region, Kakheti. Nearly 75% of all wine grapes are also cultivated there. And that’s the region we begin with.
Kakheti (კახეთი)
View over the Alazani Valley to the southeast. There are more vineyards and microzones with protected designation of origin in this valley than in any other region of Georgia.
Akhasheni (ახაშენი)
This Kakhetian microzone is located in the Alazani Valley, south of the river of the same name. It is one of the top growing areas of the Saperavi grape variety.
- Grape variety: Saperavi
- Color: red
- Type: semi-sweet
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2005
- Microzone: Akhasheni, Chumlaki, Zegaani, partly Gurjaani
- Altitude: 350 – 700 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,150 – 2,200 per year
- Precipitation: 860 mm per year
Akhmeta (ახმეტა)
The Akhmeta region is located in the northwestern part of the Alazani Valley and stretches along the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. White and amber wines are produced in the Akhmeta region.
- Grape varieties: Kakhuri Mtsvane, partly Kisi and Khikhvi
- Color: amber, white
- Type: dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2020
- Microzone: Akhmeta, Akhshnisvelebi, Argokhi, Arashenda, Akhshani, Babaneuli, Sakobiano, Matani, Kistauri, Ingeti, Kogori, Osiauri, Sachale, Ozhio, Alaverdi, Koghoti, Chabinaani, Khorkheli, Zemo Khodasheni, Atskuri, Akhaldaba, Charekauli, Khorbalo, Kvemo Alvani, Maghraani, Pichkhovani, Zemo Alvani
- Altitude: 400 – 800 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: –
- Precipitation: –
- Recommended winemaker: Lagazi Wine Cellar
Akhoebi (ახოები)
Among the protected designations of origin of Kakheti, Akhoebi is one of the more recent examples.
- Grape varieties: Saperavi, Budeshuri Saperavi
- Color: red
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2020
- Microzone: between Bakurtsikhe and Kardenakhi
- Altitude: 350 – 750 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,154 per year
- Precipitation: 770 mm per year
Gurjaani (გურჯაანი)
The Gurjaani denomination of protected origin stands for excellent wines of the Rkatsiteli variety, which may be enriched with a maximum of 15% Kakhuri Mtsvane (green Kakhetian).
- Grape varieties: Rkatsiteli, up to 15% Kakhuri Mtsvane
- Color: white, straw-colored
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2005
- Microzone: Kardenakhi, Bakurtsikhe, Kolagi, Vejini, Dzirkoki, Chandari, Gurjaani, Kotekhi, Chumlaki, Akhasheni, Zegaani, Velistsikhe, Mukuzani, Vazisubani, Shashiani, Kalauri, Vachnadziani, Kakhipari.
- Altitude: 350 – 700 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,150 – 2,200 per year
- Precipitation: 804 mm per year
- Recommended winemaker: Kolagis Winery
Kakheti (კახეთი)
The Kakheti appellation of origin covers a large part of both Inner and Outer Kakheti, as well as various indigenous grape varieties.
- Grape varieties: Rkatsiteli, Rose Rkatsiteli, Kakhuri Mtsvane, Kisi, Khikhvi, Mtsvivani Kakhuri, Chitistvala, Saperavi, Budeshuri Saperavi, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Color: white, amber, rose, red
- Type: dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2007
- Microzone: Regions of Gurjaani, Akhmeta, Kvareli, partly Sighnaghi, Tsiteltskaro and Lagodekhi as well as Outer Kakheti including the regions Sagarejo, Gurjaani and Gardabani
- Altitude: 200 – 750 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,100 – 2,300 per year
- Precipitation: 400 – 800 mm per year
- Recommended winemaker: OKRO’s Wines
The Alazani Valley in Kakheti: view from Telavi to the northern side with the mountains of the Caucasus.
Kardenakhi (კარდენახი)
Like the Gurjaani microzone, nearby Kardenakhi, from the southeastern part of the Alazani Valley, is known for its Rkatsiteli wines (white to amber).
- Grape varieties: Rkatsiteli, up to 15% Khikhvi and Kakhuri Mtsvane
- Color: white, straw-colored, amber
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: mandatory
- PDO since: 2007
- Microzone: Kardenakhi
- Altitude: 350 – 750 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,154 per year
- Precipitation: 770 mm per year
- Recommended winemaker: Nika Winery
Kindzmarauli (ქინძმარაული)
The Kindzmarauli microzone is very suitable for producing semi-sweet wines from Saperavi grapes, so-called Kindzmarauli wines. Although our vineyard is located in this zone, we do not produce such wines. On our Saperavi grapes we produce only dry wines out of conviction.
- Grape varieties: Saperavi, Budeshuri Saperavi
- Color: red
- Type: semi-sweet
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2006
- Microzone: Kvareli, Shilda, Eniseli, Sabue, Almati, Gremi, Shakriani, Patmasuri, Sanavardo, Kuchatani, Tsitskaantseri, Chantliskure, Zinobiani, Akhalsopeli, Tkhilistskaro, Mtisdziri, Chikaani, partly Gavazi and Baglojiani
- Altitude: 250 – 550 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2’050 per year
- Precipitation: 1’070 mm per year
Maghraani Kisi (მაღრაანის ქისი)
We also produce Kisi at Inavarde Wines, but we do not get the protected designation of origin Kisi Maghraani. This microzone is located about 40 km west of us.
- Grape variety: Kisi
- Color: white, straw-colored, amber
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: mandatory
- PDO since: 2021
- Microzone: Maghraani, Pichkhovani, Argokhi, Babaneuri
- Altitude: 450 – 520 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,050 per year
- Precipitation: 750 – 850 mm per year
Kotekhi (კოტეხი)
Saperavi and Rkatsiteli are the two most widespread grape varieties of Kakheti. When their origin is this small region between the Alazani River and the slopes of the Gombori Range, they are allowed to bear the Kotekhi Protected Designation of Origin.
- Grape varieties: Rkatsiteli, Saperavi
- Color: white, red
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2007
- Microzone: from the river Alazani till the slopes of the Tsiv-Gombori mountain
- Altitude: 250 – 750 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,150 – 2,200 per year
- Precipitation: 804 mm per year
Kvareli (ყვარელი)
Not only do we belong to this microzone, we also produce this type of wine.
- Grape variety: Saperavi
- Color: red
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2007
- Microzone: Gremi, Eniseli, Shilda, partly Shakriani, Sanavardo, Kuchatani, Seri, Chantliskure, Zinobiani, Akhalsopeli, Tkhilistskaro, Mtisdziri, most of Gavazi, Balghojiani and Chikaani
- Altitude: 250 – 550 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,050 per year
- Precipitation: 1,070 mm per year
Typical landscape in the area of Kvareli, driving northward from the Alazani Valley towards the mountains.
Manavi (მანავი)
Manavi stands for white to straw yellow wines with greenish shades of the Kakhuri Mtsvane (green Kachetier) variety. The wines from this microzone are fruity and have a pleasant acidity. Manavi wines are therefore excellent with fish and seafood, but also with grilled vegetables.
- Grape variety: Kakhuri Mtsvane
- Color: white, straw-colored
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2006
- Microzone: Tokhliauri, Manavi, Burdiani, Giorgitsminda, Antoki, Mariamjvari, Didi Chailuri, Patara Chailuri, Kakabeti, Verkhviani
- Altitude: 450 – 800 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,100 – 2,200 per year
- Precipitation: –
- Recommended winemakers: Antadze Wines, Vellino Wines
View from Manavi Fortress of Manavi microzone and the region of outer Kakheti.
Mukuzani (მუკუზანი)
As for Saperavi, the Mukuzani microzone is without any doubt one of the best regions.
- Grape variety: Saperavi
- Color: red
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2005
- Microzone: Chumlaki, Akhasheni, Zegaani, Mukuzani, Velistsikhe, Vazisubani, Shashiani, Kalaura, Vachnadziani, Kakhipari
- Altitude: 350 – 700 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,150 – 2,200 per year
- Precipitation: 870 mm per year
Napareuli (ნაფარეული)
The Napareuli microzone is located north-west of our wine cellar.
- Grape varieties: Rkatsiteli and up to 15% Kakhuri Mtsvane (white), Saperavi and Budeshuri Saperavi (red)
- Color: white, straw-colored, red
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2007
- Microzone: Napareuli, Saniore, Jughaani, Artana, Pshaveli, Laliskuri
- Altitude: 400 – 500 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,050 per year
- Precipitation: 845 mm per year
- Recommended winemaker: Artana Wines
Khashmi Saperavi (ხაშმის საფერავი)
Khashmi is the highest protected designation of origin wine region in Kakheti. The microzone known for Saperavi is even higher than the wine regions in the mountainous region of Rakha-Lechkhumi.
- Grape variety: Saperavi
- Color: red
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2018
- Microzone: Khashmi
- Altitude: 770 – 800 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,100 – 2,200 per year
- Precipitation: 769 mm per year
Teliani (თელიანი)
Teliani is the only microzone in Georgia where a non-Georgian grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon, is grown exclusively.
- Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
- Color: red
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2007
- Microzone: Tsinandali, Kondoli
- Altitude: 350 – 600 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,300 per year
- Precipitation: 845 mm per year
Tibaani (ტიბაანი)
Tibaani microzone is located in the southeastern part of Kakheti, between Sighnaghi and Dedoplistskaro. From there come beautiful, amber-colored Rkatsiteli wines.
- Grape varieties: Rkatsiteli, up to 15% Khikhvi and Kakhuri Mtsvane
- Color: straw-colored, amber
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: mandatory
- PDO since: 2007
- Microzone: Tibaani, Kvemo Machkhaani, Jugaani, Dzveli Anagi
- Altitude: 350 – 550 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,200 – 2,300 per year
- Precipitation: 636 mm per year
Tsarapi (წარაფი)
Very small microzone, situated within the Kardenakhi microzone.
- Grape varieties: Rkatsiteli, up to 15% Khikhvi and Kakhuri Mtsvane
- Color: amber
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: mandatory
- PDO since: 2020
- Microzone: within the Kardenakhi microzone
- Altitude: 400 – 700 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,100 – 2,200 per year
- Precipitation: 770 mm per year
Tsinandali (წინანდალი)
The Tsinandali microzone covers about 650 hectares of vineyards, where grapes of the varieties Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane are grown. Tsinandali wines are white to straw colored and always dry. Rkatsiteli grapes give the wines their full body, while Kakhuri Mtsvane (maximum 15%) give them their refreshing acidity. Tsinandali wines go wonderfully with fish and vegetables.
- Grape varieties: Rkatsiteli, up to 15% Kakhuri Mtsvane
- Color: white, straw-colored
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2005
- Microzone: Akura, Vanta, Busheti, Kvemo Khodasheni, Tsinandali, Kisiskhevi, Kondoli, Nasamkhrali, Shalaura, Kurdghelauri, Vardisubani, Ruispiri, Karajala, Gulgula, Ikalto
- Altitude: 350 – 700 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,300 per year
- Precipitation: 845 mm per year
- Recommended winemakers: Ghvardzelashvili’s Marani, 525 Wines
Vazisubani (ვაზისუბანი)
Small microzone between Telavi and Gurjaani, famous for dry Rkatsiteli white wines.
- Grape varieties: Rkatsiteli, up to 15% Kakhuri Mtsvane
- Color: white
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2007
- Microzone: Vazisubani, Kalauri, Shashiani, Vachnadziani
- Altitude: 500 – 600 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,150 – 2,200 per year
- Precipitation: 884 mm per year
Zegaani (ზეგაანი)
One of the newest microzones, it was launched in 2022. Wines of DPO Zegaani are always dry Saperavi wines from the Kvevri.
- Grape variety: Saperavi
- Color: red
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: mandatory
- PDO since: 2022
- Microzone: Zegaani
- Altitude: 400 – 550 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,150 – 2,200 per year
- Precipitation: –
Kvemo Kartli (ქვემო ქართლი)
Asuretuli Shala (ასურეთული შალა)
We have not yet had the pleasure of enjoying a wine from Asureti. Hopefully this will change soon. Asuretuli has been a protected designation of origin since 2022.
- Grape varieties: Asuretuli Shavi, up to 15% Tavkveri and/or Shavkapito
- Color: red
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2022
- Microzone: Asureti
- Altitude: 400 – 750 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: –
- Precipitation: 450 – 500 mm per year
Bolnisi (ბოლნისი)
The Bolnisi region has an ancient tradition of winemaking. Provided from the appropriate microzone, different wines – white, amber and red – may call themselves so.
- Grape varieties: Rkatsiteli, Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane (white) and Tavkveri, Shavkapito, Asuretuli Shavi (red)
- Color: white, amber, rose, red
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2018
- Microzone: Bolnisi, Ratevani, Khatisopeli, Rachisubani, Savaneti, Talaveri, Kvemo Arkevani, Samtredo, Chapala, Zvareti, Kveshi, Mushevani, Akaurta, Disveli, Samtsevrisi, Nakhiduri, Tsurtavi, Parizi, Tamarisi, Vanati, Kianeti, Mamkhuti
- Altitude: 500 – 800 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: –
- Precipitation: 650 – 750 mm per year
Vineyard outside the town of Bolnisi in the homonymous microzone of Kvemo Kartli.
Shida Kartli (შიდა ქართლი)
Atenuri (ატენური)
Atenuri is known not only for its white and amber wines, but also for Sparkling Wines. The microzone stretches along the Ateni Valley and offers a unique nature.
- Grape varieties: Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane, Aligote
- Color: white, straw-colored amber
- Type: dry (can be sparkling)
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2007
- Microzone: Jebiri, Gardateni, Patara Ateni, Didi Ateni, Degeula, Chechelaantubani, Pukhaantubani
- Altitude: 580 – 750 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,200 – 2,300 per year
- Precipitation: 550 – 700 mm per year
- Recommended winemakers: Wine Artisans, Nika Vacheishvili
Okami (ოკამი)
In 2022, Shida Kartli launched Okami, the second protected designation of origin. Both white and red wines may call themselves so.
- Grape varieties: Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane (white), Shavkapito (red)
- Color: white, red
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2022
- Microzone: Kodistskaro, Kvemotchala, Lamiskana, Samtavisi, Okami, Aghaiani, Akhalkalaki, Teliani, Kvemo Gomi, Metekhi, Khovle, Zemo Khandaki, Akhaltsikhe, Doesi, Kaspi, Tsinarekhi, Kavtiskhevi
- Altitude: 500 – 800 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,250 – 2,400 per year
- Precipitation: 500 mm per year
- Recommended winemakers: Samtavisi Marani
Imereti (იმერეთი)
Sviri (სვირი)
Sviri is the only wine of West Georgia that must be produced in the Kvevri to obtain the Protected Designation of Origin. The dry white wine comes from Imereti.
- Grape varieties: Tsolikouri, Tsitska and/or Krakhuna
- Color: straw-colored, yellowish
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: mandatory
- PDO since: 2007
- Microzone: Pirveli Sviri, Meore Sviri, Rodinauli
- Altitude: 200 – 250 a.s.l
- Sunshine hours: 2,100 – 2,300 per year
- Precipitation: 884 mm per year
Samegrelo (სამეგრელო)
Salkhino Ojaleshi (სალხინოს ოჯალეში)
Wines of the Ojaleshi grape variety that come from this microzone are so designated. It is the only protected appellation of origin of Samegrelo and one of only five from West Georgia.
- Grape variety: Ojaleshi
- Color: red
- Type: dry
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2020
- Microzone: between Gachedili, Balda, and Nobulevi
- Altitude: 200 – 300 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 2,000 – 2,050 per year
- Precipitation: 1,810 mm per year
Racha-Lechkhumi (რაჭა-ლეჩხუმი)
Khvanchkara (ხვანჭკარა)
Khvanchkara is not a grape variety, but a semi-sweet red wine made from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes Its microzone is located in Racha.
- Grape varieties: Aleksandrouli, Mujuretuli
- Color: red
- Type: semi-sweet
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2005
- Microzone: Khvanchkara, Tsesi, Kvatskhuti, Sadmeli, Ghviara, Bostana, Didi Chorjo, Patara Chorjo, Meore Tola, Pirveli Tola, Chrebalo, Chkvishi, Zhoshkha, Kvishari, Ghvardia, Bareuli, Ghadishi, Baji, Bugeuli, Saketsia, Jvarisa, Itsa, Krikhi, Akhalsopeli, Gori, Khimshi, Abanoeti, Dzirageuli, Alpana, Orbeli
- Altitude: 450 – 650 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 1,900 – 2,000 per year
- Precipitation: 1,050 – 1,100 mm per year
Okureshis Usakhelouri (ოყურეშის უსახელოური)
Usakhelouri, which translates as nameless, is an exclusive, rather expensive red wine from the western Georgian region of Racha.
- Grape variety: Usakhelouri
- Color: red
- Type: dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2022
- Microzone: Tskhenistskali, Zubi, Isunderi, Okureshi, Opitara, Ladzgveria, Makhura
- Altitude: 350 – 650 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 1,900 – 2,000 per year
- Precipitation: 1,095 mm per year
Tvishi (ტვიში)
Tvishi is always produced from the grape variety Tsolikouri, in one of the two villages Tvishi or Alpana.
- Grape variety: Tsolikouri
- Color: straw-colored, golden, amber
- Type: semi-dry, semi-sweet
- Kvevri: not mandatory
- PDO since: 2007
- Microzone: Tvishi, Alpana
- Altitude: 400 – 600 a.s.l.
- Sunshine hours: 1,900 – 2,000 per year
- Precipitation: 1,095 mm per year
