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.

Saperavi is an ancient red grape variety originating from Georgia, where it is regarded as the country’s most important indigenous grape and a cornerstone of its winemaking heritage. The name “Saperavi” translates as “dye” or “colour”, reflecting its status as a teinturier grape, one of the few varieties with both pigmented skin and flesh, producing deeply coloured wines. It has been cultivated in the Caucasus for centuries and is ideally suited to the region’s diverse terroirs.

Viticulturally, Saperavi is a hardy, late-ripening variety that thrives in cooler climates and is notably resistant to frost, making it adaptable beyond Georgia. It is vigorous and capable of producing high yields, although careful management is required to achieve concentration and balance.

Today, while Georgia remains its spiritual and largest home, Saperavi is increasingly planted in other countries with emerging or experimental wine industries. Notable plantings are found in Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia and Kazakhstan, as well as further afield in Australia, the United States and parts of Eastern Europe.

Saperavi produces a wide range of styles, from youthful, fruit-driven wines to complex, ageworthy examples matured in oak or traditional Georgian qvevri. Typical flavours include dark berries, plum and black cherry, often with spice, earthiness and firm tannic structure.