About Us - Kvareli Wine Cave

A HIDDEN GEM OF THE WINE HOMELAND

While drinking wine, you may have often wondered who first pressed grapes and created wine. This question was answered a few years ago when archaeologists in Georgia discovered an ancient qvevri (a traditional clay vessel). The international community has recognized Georgia as the homeland of wine, and the Georgian method of winemaking has been declared part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. The 8,000-year-old tradition of qvevri winemaking and Georgia’s unique indigenous grape varieties have fascinated wine lovers for years.

Although winemaking is developed in all regions of Georgia, the region that leaves the strongest impression on travelers is Kakheti. This area has long been considered the main center of Georgian viticulture and winemaking. When traveling through Kakheti, you cannot overlook the vast vineyards spread across the Alazani Valley and the dozens of wineries. However, the region’s most remarkable landmark is the Kvareli Wine Cave – a place where Georgian traditions, winemaking history, and Soviet heritage blend in a fascinating way.

The Kvareli Wine Cave is a network of tunnels built into the Caucasus mountain range, where Winery Khareba ages its unique wines. The complex also includes a wine tasting area, a wine museum, a culinary ethnographic corner, a traditional Chacha (Georgian pomace brandy) distillery, a restaurant with stunning views of the Alazani Valley, vineyards, and an extensive recreational area. Since 2009, we have hosted over two million visitors, introducing them to elements of Georgian culture, winemaking traditions, and local customs. For the past 16 years, our team has been dedicated to one important mission – creating engaging and unforgettable experiences for our guests.

THE HISTORY OF THE KVARELI WINE CAVE

During the Soviet era, particularly in the 1930s, winemaking became one of the leading sectors of the Georgian economy. Several high-yield grape varieties were selected, new vineyards were planted in the Alazani Valley, and dozens of wineries were established. As wine production increased, the need for modern storage facilities grew. At that time, the Soviet Union was not yet technologically advanced, so a group of winemakers and architects came up with a simple yet ambitious solution – to build a large-scale network of wine storage tunnels within the Caucasus mountain range. This would ensure a constant natural temperature of 12-14°C, ideal for wine aging and storage. After several years of construction, the Kvareli Wine Tunnel was officially opened in 1962. It consists of 15 interconnected tunnels with a total length of 7.7 kilometers. A unique tasting space was also built on the mountainside, which successfully hosted the International Congress of Vine and Wine that same year. Today, this historically and architecturally remarkable venue serves as a restaurant and creates an exceptional atmosphere for guests.

A NEW LIFE FOR THE KVARELI WINE CAVE

In 1991, Georgia gained independence – a historic moment that shaped the country’s future. Transitioning from a socialist to a capitalist system was not easy, but the emerging business sector embraced the challenges with enthusiasm. Georgian winemaking entered a new phase of development, leading to the establishment of many new wineries.

In 1995, the Kharebava brothers founded “Winery Khareba” and began producing wines that would later earn international recognition, setting a high standard of quality in Georgia. Today, our vineyards cover 1,500 hectares across several Georgian regions, and we produce 70 types of wine from 30 local and international grape varieties. We take great pride in being an estate winery, meaning we produce our wines exclusively from grapes harvested in our own vineyards. From the vine’s roots to bottling, we oversee every stage of production with meticulous care. This dedication to quality explains our numerous international awards, including medals from Decanter, Mundus Vini, and other prestigious wine competitions.

In 2006, Winery Khareba acquired the Kvareli Wine Cave, preserving its function as a wine storage facility while transforming it into a major tourist destination. As part of the tunnel’s revitalization, infrastructure was upgraded, a wine museum was created, ethnographic culinary corners were established, and a collection vineyard of Georgian endemic grape varieties was planted. Today, the Kvareli Wine Cave is a unique venue where visitors can immerse themselves in wine-related activities and create unforgettable memories.

Frequently asked questions

Travel Guides

Product Information

What are the working hours of Kvareli Wine Cave?

Kvareli Wine Cave is open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Do I need to make a reservation in advance?

You can visit Kvareli Wine Cave without a reservation, choose any package on-site, and enjoy. However, for convenience, you can make a reservation in advance through our online booking system, by phone, or via email.

Where is Kvareli Wine Cave located?

Kvareli Wine Cave is located in Kvareli, in the Kakheti region of Georgia. It is approximately a 2-hour drive from Tbilisi.

How can I book a tour or experience at Kvareli Wine Cave?

You can book a tour or experience at Kvareli Wine Cave in several ways:

Use our online booking system on the official website
Call us directly to make a reservation
Send an email with your details and preferred package

For more information, feel free to check our contact details for quick assistance.

How can I pay for services at Kvareli Wine Cave?

Payments can be made on-site, either by cash or card

Is Kvareli Wine Cave wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the complex is equipped with appropriate infrastructure to accommodate travelers with disabilities, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience for everyone

Are there travel destinations near Kvareli Wine Cave?

Yes, Kvareli Wine Cave is ideally located for organizing a wonderful one-day trip. Some nearby attractions include:

Signagi City Museum
Telavi City Center, farmers’ market and the historic King Erekle II’s Castle
Tsinandali Estate and Dukes’ historic House Museum
Gremi Museum
Nekresi Monastery

These destinations showcase the rich history and culture of the Kakheti region, making your visit even more memorable.

Does Kvareli Wine Cave organize one-day trips from Tbilisi?

Yes, we organize one-day trips from Tbilisi. For detailed information, please visit the “One-Day Trip” section on our website. If you’re interested, you can conveniently book the trip online.

Do you offer corporate event packages?

Yes, we do. We offer special corporate event packages and can also create customized packages based on the client’s preferences. With 10 years of experience, we ensure a memorable experience for corporate events.

What experiences are offered at Kvareli Wine Cave?

At Kvareli Wine Cave, you can enjoy a wide range of experiences, including:

Wine tastings
Grape harvesting and wine pressing
Traditional Georgian activities
Culinary masterclasses
Discovering the gems of local authentic cuisine
Art performances and more

Each activity offers a unique way to immerse yourself in Georgian culture and hospitality.

Do you offer guided tours of the wine cave?

Yes, our guests are guided by professional local guides. This service is included in the packages you choose. Guides are available in English, Russian, and Georgian.

Can I engage in activities at Kvareli Wine Cave?

Yes, all guests can engage in various activities such as grape picking, wine pressing, baking bread, cooking khinkali, making churchkhela, and more. Our philosophy is to make you feel like a Georgian and experience the authentic Georgian lifestyle.

Do we get something extra during the visit?

Yes, all our guests are welcomed by a national men’s ensemble that performs live folk songs, offering a unique and authentic cultural experience.

Can I buy wine or other products the wine cave?

Yes, you can purchase wine, chacha, brandy, grape seed oil, bio-certified honey, and churchkhela directly from our Wine Shop. Our professional wine consultant will assist you in choosing the best options based on your preferences.

Are there special wines available at Kvareli Wine Cave?

Yes, we offer exclusive and limited-edition wines that are aged in the Wine Cave, available only at Kvareli Wine Cave.

Are food pairings available in the restaurant?

Yes, our menu offers guests local, authentic dishes from various regions of Georgia. We also provide expertly matched wines to complement the flavors, allowing you to experience the full spectrum of food and wine pairings.