Tourists join in grape harvest in Kakheti collection vineyard

Locals and tourists visiting Georgia’s wine region of Kakheti teamed up to harvest the grapes of over 400 varieties at a unique vineyard of Georgian wine company Shumi.

Head of Georgian National Wine Agency Giorgi Samanishvili said that such activities promoted the development of wine tourism in Georgia as well as raised awareness of Georgian wine abroad.

These ‘collection’ vineyards, which showcase unique grape varieties, are very important for developing wine tourism. Tourists are able to receive information about Georgian vine varieties, traditional methods of winemaking, Georgian wine culture and history. Many foreigners attended this grape harvest, which sends an important message about Georgian winemaking,” said Samanishvili.

The cultivation of the ‘collection vineyard’ started in 2004 in Tsinandali village, where more than 400 varieties of vines are planted. Photo by Wines of Georgia. 

Director of Shumi wine company Akaki Tsopurishvili said that the cultivation of the ‘collection vineyard’ started in 2004 in Tsinandali village, where more than 400 varieties of vines are planted.

We started gathering vine varieties first in the Kakheti region, then in Kartli and western Georgian regions of Adjara, Racha and Guria. This process has not been completed yet. I hope this vineyard will be filled with other vine varieties,” said Tsopurishvili.

After the grape picking, the guests joined an informative tour where they learned more about Georgian wine culture, cuisine and vine varieties.