Georgia is considered to be the ‘cradle of wine', as 8,000 year-old indigenous Rkatsiteli grape seeds have been found in clay vessels. Vachnadziani was established in 1953 and is one of the oldest wineries in Georgia. During the Soviet years the vineyard fell into disrepair, but now the vineyards and cellars have received considerable investment. The aim is to preserve their ancient wine culture while combining it with cutting edge technology.

With over 1,000 hectares of vineyard, covering the Kakheti region in eastern Georgia and the Imereti, Racha and Lechkhumi regions in western Georgia, Vachnadziani cultivates 25 vine varieties - the majority of which are indigenous. Their exciting and dynamic range reveals all the charm of this historic winemaking land.

Kakheti, in eastern Georgia, is the country’s most important and renowned wine region, responsible for the majority of its production. Sheltered by the Caucasus mountains, the region enjoys a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters, while moderating breezes from the Alazani Valley help maintain freshness in the grapes. Rainfall is relatively low, making irrigation necessary in some areas, but the long, sunny growing season allows for full ripening and concentration of flavour.

The soils are diverse, ranging from alluvial and sandy loams in the valleys to stony, calcareous and clay-rich sites on the foothills, providing varied terroirs well-suited to different grape varieties. Indigenous grapes dominate plantings, with Rkatsiteli, a versatile white, and Saperavi, a deeply coloured red, being the most celebrated. Other local grapes such as Kisi, Mtsvane and Khikhvi add further complexity to the region’s output.

Kakheti is particularly famous for its traditional qvevri wines, fermented and matured in large clay vessels buried underground. These amber-coloured whites show notes of dried fruits, nuts, tea and spices, often with firm tannins from skin contact. Reds, especially from Saperavi, are rich, structured and dark-fruited, with excellent ageing potential. Alongside these, fresh, modern styles are also crafted, highlighting Kakheti’s blend of heritage and innovation.

Rkatsiteli is one of the world’s oldest known grape varieties, with origins in Georgia, where evidence of its cultivation dates back several millennia. Its name translates as “red stem”, a reference to the reddish tinge of its shoots. A late-ripening white grape, Rkatsiteli is valued for its versatility, high natural acidity and ability to retain freshness even in warm growing conditions. The vine is notably hardy, with good resistance to frost, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.

Today, Rkatsiteli remains most widely planted in Georgia, particularly in the Kakheti region, where it is the backbone of both traditional qvevri wines and more modern European-style bottlings. It is also grown in other Eastern European countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria, and has small but growing plantings in the United States, Australia and parts of Western Europe.

The grape produces wines in a variety of styles, from crisp, dry whites to amber-coloured skin-contact wines, as well as fortified and dessert examples. Typical flavour characteristics include green apple, quince, citrus and herbal notes, often with a subtle spicy edge. In traditional qvevri fermentations, Rkatsiteli can show pronounced tannic structure and earthy complexity, making it one of the most distinctive white varieties globally.