Shumi Winery

Telavi , Georgia

Shumi Winery may only have been founded in 1997, but don't mistake its youth for a lack of pedigree: it's a place that takes age-old practices, heritage and mythology seriously. For starters, it's home to a vast, library-like private collection vineyard, the first of its kind in Georgia, established to protect the country's native grape varieties – and then, of course, there's the winemaking itself. Echoing a tradition dating back 8,000 years, some of its wines are made in qvevris, egg-shaped clay vessels which are buried underground to maintain a stable temperature as their contents ferment and age. It's a breathtaking spot, too, with leafy gardens populated by peacocks, sculptures and fountains, and rows of green vines punctuated by candy-coloured roses. Guests can wander between them on a range of guided tours and tastings – many of which also include visits to the qvevri cellar and on-site wine museum. Want to get a little more hands-on? Have a go at distilling the grape spirit chacha, take part in a ceremonial qvevri opening, or make your own churchkhela: a quintessentially Georgian confection.

Key Information

• Opening times: Mon – Sun, 10am-10pm
• Signature wine: Salome
• Wines produced: Red, white, amber and rosé
• Grape varieties: Saperavi, rkatsiteli, kakhuri mtsvane, kisi, khikhvi, krakhuna
• Tasting options
• Time from airport: 1 hour 30 mins from Tbilisi International Airport 
• Visit Shumi Winery's website

Location

Vil. Tsinandali, Telavi , 2200