The 29 appellations of Georgian wine

Georgia has 29 Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) for wine. In this article, we delve into this diversity, exploring the individual wine regions and micro-zones of Georgian viticulture.

Nearly 70% of the protected designations of origin are in Georgia's most important wine region, Kakheti. Almost 75% of all wine grapes are also cultivated there. And that's where we'll start.

Kakheti Region

Akhasheni

This Kakhetian micro-zone is located in the Alazani Valley, south of the river of the same name. It is one of the top growing areas for the Saperavi grape variety.

• Grape Variety: Saperavi
• Color: red
• Type: semi-sweet
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2005
• Micro-zone: Akhasheni, Chumlaki, Zegaani, partly Gurjaani
• Altitude: 350 – 700 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,150 – 2,200 per year
• Rainfall: 860 mm per year

Akhmeta

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: mandatory
• PDO since: 2020
• Micro-zone: 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 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: –
• Rainfall: –
• Recommended winemakers: Lagazi Wine Cellar

Akhoebi

Among Kakheti's protected designations of origin, Akhoebi is one of the more recent examples.

• Grape Varieties: Saperavi, Budeshuri Saperavi
• Color: red
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2020
• Micro-zone: between Bakurtsikhe and Kardenakhi
• Altitude: 350 – 750 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,154 per year
• Rainfall: 770 mm per year

Gurjaani

Under the Gurjaani appellation, excellent Rkatsiteli wines are found, 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
• Micro-zone: Kardenakhi, Bakurtsikhe, Kolagi, Vejini, Dzirkoki, Chandari, Gurjaani, Kotekhi, Chumlaki, Akhasheni, Zegaani, Velistsikhe, Mukuzani, Vazisubani, Shashiani, Kalauri, Vachnadziani, Kakhipari.
• Altitude: 350 – 700 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,150 – 2,200 per year
• Rainfall: 804 mm per year
• Recommended winemakers: Kolagis Winery

Kakheti

The Kakheti designation of origin covers a large part of both Inner and Outer Kakheti, as well as various indigenous grape varieties.

• Grape Varieties: Rkatsiteli, Rkatsiteli Rose, Kakhuri Mtsvane, Kisi, Khikhvi, Mtsvivani Kakhuri, Chitistvala, Saperavi, Budeshuri Saperavi, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Color: white, amber, rosé, red
• Type: dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2007
• Micro-zone: Regions of Gurjaani, Akhmeta, Kvareli, partly Sighnaghi, Tsiteltskaro and Lagodekhi, as well as Outer Kakheti with the regions of Sagarejo, Gurjaani and Gardabani
• Altitude: 200 – 750 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,100 – 2,300 per year
• Rainfall: 400 – 800 mm per year
• Recommended winemakers: OKRO’s Wines

Kardenakhi

Like the Gurjaani micro-zone, the 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
• Micro-zone: Kardenakhi
• Altitude: 350 – 750 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,154 per year
• Rainfall: 770 mm per year
• Recommended winemakers: Nika Winery

Kindzmarauli

The Kindzmarauli micro-zone is very suitable for producing semi-sweet wines from Saperavi grapes, known as Kindzmarauli wines. Although our vineyard is in this zone, we do not produce such wines. We are committed to producing only dry wines from our Saperavi grapes.

• Grape Varieties: Saperavi, Budeshuri Saperavi
• Color: red
• Type: semi-sweet
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2006
• Micro-zone: Kvareli, Shilda, Eniseli, Sabue, Almati, Gremi, Shakriani, Patmasuri, Sanavardo, Kuchatani, Tsitskaantseri, Chantliskure, Zinobiani, Akhalsopeli, Tkhilistskaro, Mtisdziri, Chikaani, partly Gavazi and Baglojiani
• Altitude: 250 – 550 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,050 per year
• Rainfall: 1,070 mm per year

Maghraani Kisi

We also produce Kisi at Inavarde Wines, but we do not get the protected designation of origin Kisi Maghraani. This micro-zone is located approximately 40 km west of us.

• Grape Variety: Kisi
• Color: white, straw-colored, amber
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: mandatory
• PDO since: 2021
• Micro-zone: Maghraani, Pichkhovani, Argokhi, Babaneuri
• Altitude: 450 – 520 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,050 per year
• Rainfall: 750 – 850 mm per year

Kotekhi

Saperavi and Rkatsiteli are the two most common grape varieties in Kakheti. If they come from this small region between the Alazani River and the slopes of the Gombori Range, they may bear the protected designation of origin Kotekhi.

• Grape Varieties: Rkatsiteli, Saperavi
• Color: white, red
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2007
• Micro-zone: from the Alazani River to the slopes of the Tsiv-Gombori Range
• Altitude: 250 – 750 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,150 – 2,200 per year
• Rainfall: 804 mm per year

Kvareli

In this micro-zone, not only are we located with Inavarde Wines, but we also produce this type of wine.

• Grape Variety: Saperavi
• Color: red
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2007
• Micro-zone: Gremi, Eniseli, Shilda, partly Shakriani, Sanavardo, Kuchatani, Seri, Chantliskure, Zinobiani, Akhalsopeli, Tkhilistskaro, Mtisdziri, mostly Gavazi, Balghojiani and Chikaani
• Altitude: 250 – 550 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,050 per year
• Rainfall: 1,070 mm per year

Manavi

Manavi stands for white to straw-yellow wines with greenish hues of the Kakhuri Mtsvane (green Kakhetian) variety. Wines from this micro-zone are fruity and have a pleasant acidity. Manavi wines are therefore an excellent match for fish and seafood, as well as grilled vegetables.

• Grape Variety: Kakhuri Mtsvane
• Color: white, straw-colored
• Type: dry
• PDO since: 2006
• Micro-zone: Tokhliauri, Manavi, Burdiani, Giorgitsminda, Antoki, Mariamjvari, Didi Chailuri, Patara Chailuri, Kakabeti, Verkhviani
• Altitude: 450 – 800 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,100 – 2,200 per year
• Rainfall: –
• Recommended winemakers: Antadze Wines, Vellino Wines

Mukuzani

For Saperavi, Mukuzani is definitely one of the best regions.

• Grape Variety: Saperavi
• Color: red
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2005
• Micro-zone: Chumlaki, Akhasheni, Zegaani, Mukuzani, Velistsikhe, Vazisubani, Shashiani, Kalaura, Vachnadziani, Kakhipari
• Altitude: 350 – 700 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,150 – 2,200 per year
• Rainfall: 870 mm per year

Napareuli

The Napareuli micro-zone is located northwest of our winery.

• 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
• Micro-zone: Napareuli, Saniore, Jughaani, Artana, Pshaveli, Laliskuri
• Altitude: 400 – 500 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,050 per year
• Rainfall: 845 mm per year
• Recommended winemakers: Artana Wines
  

Khashmi Saperavi

Khashmi is the highest-lying wine region with a protected designation of origin in Kakheti. The micro-zone known for Saperavi is even higher than the wine regions in the mountainous Racha-Lechkhumi region.

• Grape Variety: Saperavi
• Color: red
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2018
• Micro-zone: Khashmi
• Altitude: 770 – 800 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,100 – 2,200 per year
• Rainfall: 769 mm per year

Teliani

Teliani is the only micro-zone in Georgia where only a non-Georgian grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon, is grown.

• Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Color: red
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2007
• Micro-zone: Tsinandali, Kondoli
• Altitude: 350 – 600 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,300 per year
• Rainfall: 845 mm per year

Tibaani

The Tibaani micro-zone is located in the southeastern part of Kakheti, between Sighnaghi and Dedoplistskaro. Beautiful, amber-colored Rkatsiteli wines come from there.

• Grape Varieties: Rkatsiteli, up to 15% Khikhvi and Kakhuri Mtsvane
• Color: straw-colored, amber
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: mandatory
• PDO since: 2007
• Micro-zone: Tibaani, Kvemo Machkhaani, Jugaani, Dzveli Anagi
• Altitude: 350 – 550 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,200 – 2,300 per year
• Rainfall: 636 mm per year
  

Tsarapi

Very small micro-zone located within that of Kardenakhi.

• Grape Varieties: Rkatsiteli, up to 15% Khikhvi and Kakhuri Mtsvane
• Color: amber
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: mandatory
• PDO since: 2020
• Micro-zone: within Kardenakhi micro-zone
• Altitude: 400 – 700 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,100 – 2,200 per year
• Rainfall: 770 mm per year
  

Tsinandali

The Tsinandali micro-zone comprises approximately 650 hectares of vineyards where Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane grapes are cultivated. Tsinandali wines are white to straw-colored and always dry. The Rkatsiteli grapes give the wines their full body, while Kakhuri Mtsvane (maximum 15%) gives them their refreshing acidity. Tsinandali wines pair 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
• Micro-zone: Akura, Vanta, Busheti, Kvemo Khodasheni, Tsinandali, Kisiskhevi, Kondoli, Nasamkhrali, Shalaura, Kurdghelauri, Vardisubani, Ruispiri, Karajala, Gulgula, Ikalto
• Altitude: 350 – 700 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,300 per year
• Rainfall: 845 mm per year
• Recommended winemakers: Ghvardzelashvili‘s Marani, 525 Wines
  

Vazisubani

Small micro-zone between Telavi and Gurjaani, known for dry white wines (Rkatsiteli).

• Grape Varieties: Rkatsiteli, up to 15% Kakhuri Mtsvane
• Color: white
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2007
• Micro-zone: Vazisubani, Kalauri, Shashiani, Vachnadziani
• Altitude: 500 – 600 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,150 – 2,200 per year
• Rainfall: 884 mm per year
  

Zegaani

One of the newest micro-zones, established in 2022. DPO Zegaani wines are always dry Saperavi wines from Kvevri.

• Grape Variety: Saperavi
• Color: red
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: mandatory
• PDO since: 2022
• Micro-zone: Zegaani
• Altitude: 400 – 550 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,150 – 2,200 per year
• Rainfall: –

Kvemo Kartli Region

Asuretuli Shala

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
• Micro-zone: Asureti
• Altitude: 400 – 750 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: –
• Rainfall: 450 – 500 mm per year

Bolnisi

The region around Bolnisi has an ancient winemaking tradition. Provided they come from the corresponding micro-zone, various wines – white, amber, and red – may bear this name.

• Grape Varieties: Rkatsiteli, Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane (white) and Tavkveri, Shavkapito, Asuretuli Shavi (red)
• Color: white, amber, rosé, red
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2018
• Micro-zone: 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 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: –
• Rainfall: 650 – 750 mm per year

Shida Kartli Region

Atenuri

Atenuri is not only known for its white and amber wines but also for sparkling wines. The micro-zone extends along the Ateni Valley and offers unique nature.

• Grape Varieties: Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane, Aligote
• Color: white, straw-colored, amber
• Type: dry (also sparkling)
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2007
• Micro-zone: Jebiri, Gardateni, Patara Ateni, Didi Ateni, Degeula, Chechelaantubani, Pukhaantubani
• Altitude: 580 – 750 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,200 – 2,300 per year
• Rainfall: 550 – 700 mm per year
• Recommended winemakers: Nika Vacheishvili's Marani

Okami

In 2022, Okami became the second protected designation of origin in Shida Kartli. Both white and red wines may bear this name.

• Grape Varieties: Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane (white), Shavkapito (red)
• Color: white, red
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2022
• Micro-zone: Kodistskaro, Kvemotchala, Lamiskana, Samtavisi, Okami, Aghaiani, Akhalkalaki, Teliani, Kvemo Gomi, Metekhi, Khovle, Zemo Khandaki, Akhaltsikhe, Doesi, Kaspi, Tsinarekhi, Kavtiskhevi
• Altitude: 500 – 800 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,250 – 2,400 per year
• Rainfall: 500 mm per year
• Recommended winemakers: Samtavisi Marani

Imereti Region

Sviri

Sviri is the only wine in Western Georgia that must be produced in 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
• Micro-zone: Pirveli Sviri, Meore Sviri, Rodinauli
• Altitude: 200 – 250 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,100 – 2,300 per year
• Rainfall: 884 mm per year

Samegrelo Region

Salkhino Ojaleshi

Wines of the Ojaleshi grape variety originating from this micro-zone are designated as such. It is the only protected designation of origin in Samegrelo and one of only five from Western Georgia.

• Grape Variety: Ojaleshi
• Color: red
• Type: dry
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2020
• Micro-zone: between Gachedili, Balda and Nobulevi
• Altitude: 200 – 300 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 2,000 – 2,050 per year
• Rainfall: 1,810 mm per year

Racha-Lechkhumi Region

Khvanchkara

Khvanchkara is not a grape variety, but a semi-sweet red wine made from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. Its micro-zone is located in Racha.

• Grape Varieties: Aleksandrouli, Mujuretuli
• Color: red
• Type: semi-sweet
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2005
• Micro-zone: 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 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 1,900 – 2,000 per year
• Rainfall: 1,050 – 1,100 mm per year

Okureshis Usakhelouri

Usakhelouri, which translates to 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
• Micro-zone: Tskhenistskali, Zubi, Isunderi, Okureshi, Opitara, Ladzgveria, Makhura
• Altitude: 350 – 650 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 1,900 – 2,000 per year
• Rainfall: 1,095 mm per year

Tvishi

Tvishi is always made from the Tsolikouri grape variety, in one of the two villages of Tvishi or Alpana.

• Grape Variety: Tsolikouri
• Color: straw-colored, gold, amber
• Type: semi-dry, semi-sweet
• Kvevri: not mandatory
• PDO since: 2007
• Micro-zone: Tvishi, Alpana
• Altitude: 400 – 600 m above sea level
• Sunshine hours: 1,900 – 2,000 per year
• Rainfall: 1,095 mm per year