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)
- 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)
- 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
Kardenakhi (კარდენახი)
- 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)
- 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
Manavi (მანავი)
- 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
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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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
Shida Kartli (შიდა ქართლი)
Atenuri (ატენური)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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