RTVELI
Rtveli (Georgian: რთველი) is a traditional vintage and rural harvest holiday in Georgia accompanied by feasts, musical events and other celebrations.
KHVANCHKARA
Perhaps the best-known Georgian wine, Khvanchkara is made from the ancient Georgian grape varietal Alexandreuli. This mysterious, medium red, naturally semi-sweet wine delivers clean, spicy fruit and delicate tannins complemented by subtle oak tones. Best served chilled with soft cheeses, desserts and spicy fare. “Khvanchkara production” was started by the Georgian Noble, Dimitri Kipiani in the 1880s. He made perfect demi-doux (semi-sweet) red wine from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli unique grape varieties by the incomplete fermentation method. It was called “The Kipiani Wine”. Georgia is generally considered the 'cradle of wine', as archaeologists have traced the world's first known wine creation back to the people of the South Caucasus in 6,000BC. These early Georgians discovered grape juice could be turned into wine by burying it underground for the winter.
Racha is the historical-geographical part of Georgia. It is located in the northeast part of western Georgia, in the valley of the river Rioni and the gorge of its tributaries. Northern Racha is bordered by Ossetia, to the northwest - Lower Svaneti, to the south - Imereti, to the east - Shida Kartli, to the west - Lechkhumi. Historically and geographically, Racha is divided into three parts: mountain Racha, Zachoracha and Kvemoracha. Currently, Racha is divided into Oni and Ambrolauri municipalities. Ambrolauri municipality is located on the southern slope of the Caucasus system. Its southeastern border runs along the Racha Ridge, and to the north lies the Lechkhumi Ridge. The beautiful small town of Oni, once the centre of Jewish culture in Georgia, and the forgotten spa resort town of Shovi are located further east in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus. The high-altitude villages of Ghebi and Gona are further up still. To the west, the Lechkhumi part of Racha-Lechkhumi is a different landscape of limestone cliffs and pillars, with more isolated settlements perched high in the hills. My Racha guide focuses on the area’s cultural attractions, wine and cuisine, with a side of nature and plenty of epic views. I’ll show you how to get to Racha, where to base your stay, and all my favourite things to do in this underrated region.